Full-time Director, Special Events
About The Position
Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer and serving as a key member on the development team, the Director of Special Events will oversee the strategy, planning, and execution of a comprehensive calendar of fundraising events, patron cultivation activities, performance-related hospitality, and institutional celebrations. This individual will bring fresh, innovative thinking to enhance Houston Ballet’s event portfolio, ensuring that every experience reflects the artistic excellence, sophistication, and ambition of Houston Ballet. The Director of Special Events will lead all aspects of event management, including budgeting, logistics, vendor and venue coordination, volunteer engagement, sponsorship fulfillment, guest experience, and cross-departmental collaboration. The successful candidate will partner closely with development colleagues to support donor cultivation and stewardship goals, maximize fundraising opportunities, and identify creative ways to expand corporate and community engagement through events. The Director of Special Events is responsible for the overall management of the Onstage Dinner, Nutcracker Market, Ballet Ball, Nutcracker Market SPRING and Raising the Barre. This is a remarkable opportunity for a dynamic and detail-oriented leader to build upon the strong foundation established by Houston Ballet’s development team while helping shape the next generation of unforgettable patron experiences and philanthropic events. The successful candidate will bring strategic vision, creativity, professionalism, and a passion for the performing arts to further strengthen Houston Ballet’s culture of philanthropy and community engagement. This role requires evening and weekend availability to support performances, special events, and donor engagement activities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher degree required
- Minimum of eight years of development experience with five or more years of individual giving and special events experience
- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong presentation skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work and be able to meet tight deadlines
- Ability to analyze cost effectiveness of programs
- Knowledge of database, Internet, spreadsheet, and word processing software
Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Chief Philanthropy Officer and other directors within the development department to formulate the future direction of special events fundraising efforts for Houston Ballet in alignment with Houston Ballet’s strategic plan
- Provide leadership, professional expertise, and direction in the planning and execution of high-quality events and functions
- Prepare, manage and monitor budgets.
- Manage a personal portfolio of donors and prospects including special event chairs, in addition to Nutcracker Market Chairmen and Committees
- Provide high-level oversight of the Houston Ballet Guild
- Supervise Houston Ballet special events staff and fundraising efforts and ongoing strategy to maximize special events contributed revenue for Onstage Dinner, Ballet Ball and Raising the Barre
- Oversee Nutcracker Market and special events staff and areas of responsibility for Nutcracker Market and Nutcracker Market SPRING including timeline and calendar, operations/logistics, communications, marketing and PR, décor, Market special events and patron engagement
- Effectively manage and mentor staff including as necessary the recruiting and hiring of qualified team members
- Provide training and guidance to ensure that employee performance expectations are clearly communicated and that performance is appraised on a regular basis fostering growth and development of employees
- Operate as an integral member of the Development Department team
- Other duties as assigned
Benefits
- Comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, and vision care
- Plans with low-cost or zero monthly premiums
- Paid life and AD&D insurance
- Versatile spending accounts
- 403(b) plan with a 5% annual contribution from Houston Ballet
- 3 weeks of paid vacation
- 10 paid sick days
- 10 paid holidays
- Paid parental leave
- Access to online training and professional growth resources specific to arts management
- Discounted and complimentary tickets to ballet performances and other Houston theater district venues
- Exclusive partnerships with local businesses and eateries
- Access to on-site gym
- Counseling services through employee assistance plan
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
