Special Events Manager

Brooklyn Botanic Garden • New York, NY

12h • $48

About The Position

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is seeking a full-time, temporary Special Events Manager from January to June 2026 to develop and implement BBG’s fundraising event strategy, producing engaging, innovative, efficient, and delightful events supporting fundraising efforts.  The Special Events Manager will lead planning and production of the Development department’s hallmark benefit events such as the Gala (600 people; $1M+), After Party, and Spring donor reception (200+ people). They will also plan and execute three additional events such as receptions and tours, supporting the Garden’s efforts to strengthen its donor constituencies.  The Manager will join and collaborate with a growing 10-person fundraising team and play an active role in developing the institution’s fundraising event strategy. The position has regular contact with staff at all levels throughout the Garden, including our in-house catering partner and Security, Custodial, and Facilities teams, and is primary contact for a broad range of volunteer committee members, businesses, vendors, and donors associated with fundraising events.

Requirements

• Experience planning and executing high-visibility fundraising events in NYC
• Ability to work in a self-directed format, setting benchmarks and goals
• Technology-forward outlook and a bias toward action
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Raiser’s Edge software or similar database system
• Enthusiastic, energetic team player
• Ability to work evenings and occasional weekends
• Ability to lift and carry event materials as needed

Responsibilities

• Produce hallmark and new events, covering all aspects of execution and pre/post production.
• Sample tasks could include: Collaborating on selection of event themes; coordinating invitation designs and production; pre-event and post-event mailings; working with internal and outside vendors; overseeing accurate data processing of ticket responses and contributions; overseeing the production of all event-related printed materials and creation of ticketing webpages; ensuring the success of overall event logistics and guest experience; working with speech writers.
• Conceive and execute income-generating strategies for fundraising events, including sponsorship and underwriting solicitation, peer-to-peer solicitations, ticket sale strategies, and ancillary fundraising activities such as gift bags, raffles, auctions, and other event-related in-kind donations.
• Implement BBG’s hallmark event strategy, executing events suitable for donors from all constituencies (individual, corporate, foundation).
• Manage a six-figure event budget.
• Monitor and track event attendance, engagement, income, and expenses, creating reports and providing analysis, recommendations, and progress toward projected goals.
• Collaborate with portfolio managers on development of strategic cultivation events designed for individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• In conjunction with portfolio managers, provide a front-facing role with event committees, donors, trustees, and honorees, representing the institution at all times.
• Manage and train staff teams, event-related staffing, and volunteers as needed.
• Manage vendor relationships.
• Perform other related duties or special projects as directed.

Benefits

• Up to 56 hours of sick leave
• Short-term disability/New York Paid Family Leave
• As a 501(c)3, BBG is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer.
• Museum Pass, which provides employees the opportunity to enter many museums in New York City for free

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees