National Director of Events & Programming Strategy

SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) and its flagship institution, the Museum of Tolerance (MOT), seek a senior leader to serve as National Director of Events & Programming Strategy. This position is responsible for building and leading a national portfolio of events and initiatives that advance the organization’s mission while generating meaningful revenue. This role goes beyond traditional event production. The National Director will be responsible for strategy, business development, partnership cultivation, and execution, operating as a leader of a high-impact, revenue-generating function. The position requires a professional who can translate mission into experience—developing and delivering programs that engage diverse audiences, elevate institutional visibility, and support long-term growth.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in event leadership, strategic programming, business development, or related fields
Proven track record of leading large-scale events and managing complex, high-value budgets
Demonstrated ability to drive revenue through events, partnerships, and strategic initiatives
Strong experience cultivating and maintaining senior-level relationships across sectors
Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership capabilities
Self-directed with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
Experience in dealing with talent, high profile leaders, CEOs and other leaders

Nice To Haves

Experience within cultural institutions, museums, or nonprofit organizations
Background in the entertainment industry, including film and television-related events
Experience in hospitality or large-scale conference and event production
Familiarity with fundraising events and donor engagement strategies

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a strategic business plan to create comprehensive national events programming designed to further the mission of SWC and the programs of SWC Action, our Museums of Tolerance and Moriah Media
Oversee the division as a revenue-generating business unit within the organization
Identify opportunities and integrate initiatives to expand audience reach, increase visibility, and drive engagement
Establish partnerships with organizations, influencers, talent, and corporations to leverage their marketing resources, supplement funding, and market to a new audience with new programming.
Seek ways to create programming that can be bundled as national tours to leverage SWC field operations.
Drive the strategy and execution of national and international fundraising events, including: SWC Humanitarian Award Honoree Dinners throughout the country, Mission-driven travel programs and delegations, Key institutional milestone events (e.g., 50th Anniversary, MOT Re-Envisioning, Antisemitism Exhibit opening, Moriah Media Film premiers, convenings, award and recognition ceremonies, national speaker and performance tours, touring visits, and corporate events)
Collaborate closely with Development to: Identify and engage honorees and establishing long term relationships, Secure sponsorships and expand funding opportunities by identifying and reaching out to a new audience who have not often, or ever, attended SWC/ MOT events.
Integrate initiatives to enhance donor engagement, stewardship, and long-term retention with unique opportunities to attend events and special private gatherings
Explore the viability and develop a business plan for convenings at the MOT and regional offices.
Create opportunities for high-end missions at various locations around the world to foster and support major donor development and engagement.
Lead the production and oversee all aspects of large-scale, high-profile events with complex logistics
Manage major six figure event budgets and oversee vendor partnerships, including six-figure contracts
Deliver exceptional, high-quality experiences with a strong focus on VIP engagement, and new donor development.
Lead and support event staff while coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure seamless delivery
Work closely with talent, honorees and high-profile politicians, philanthropists and corporate leaders in a professional, discrete way that engenders trust and allows for the continuation of long-term relationships.
Serve as a primary ambassador for SWC/MOT, building and nurturing relationships across a wide range of sectors, including: Entertainment and media, Corporate partners (finance, legal, and business communities), Academic, cultural, and community organizations
Identify and drive opportunities for: Film and television related events and programming, Strategic industry partnerships and collaborative convenings, Co-developed initiatives that align with the organization’s mission and audience engagement objectives
Enhance and expand SWC/MOT’s role as a premier platform for meaningful cultural and civic engagement.
Develop forward-thinking initiatives that connect SWC/MOT’s core focus areas—antisemitism, human rights, and civic responsibility—to timely issues and evolving audience interests
Ensure all events and programs consistently reflect the organization’s values, historical integrity, and educational mission
Strategically balance mission alignment with audience engagement and revenue objectives
Ability to move quickly to be opportunistic and act creatively to take advantage of potential opportunities that require decisive leadership and an entrepreneurial capability
Work closely with the CEO to determine and execute on key event and programming priorities
Work closely with the CDO and the Development team to ensure event strategies are aligned with fundraising priorities and goals
Work in partnership with CFO and finance leadership on operational and fiscal elements of all programs in development and production including post event financial performance finalization.
Work cross-functionally with advocacy, education, MOT, communications and regional office teams to support national programs and their local programs.
Help design and implement systems and processes that enhance event planning, efficiency, transparency, and program duplication