Special Events Senior Manager

International Center of Photography • New York, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Events Senior Manager leads the strategy, planning, and execution of ICP’s institutional special events, donor cultivation experiences, and select revenue-generating partnerships and rentals. This role serves as the primary project lead for ICP’s signature fundraising and donor-facing events, including the Infinity Awards, Spotlights Luncheon, and other high-profile institutional initiatives. Working closely with Development leadership, trustees, vendors, sponsors, and cross-functional internal teams, this position plays a key role in advancing ICP’s fundraising, stewardship, and institutional visibility goals. The role requires strong project management skills, operational leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple high-profile priorities in a fast-paced environment. This position collaborates closely with colleagues across Development, Marketing & Communications, Curatorial, Education, Visitor Experience, Facilities, Finance, and external partners to deliver exceptional donor and guest experiences aligned with ICP’s mission and strategic priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in fundraising events, development operations, special events, or related work
• Experience independently leading complex fundraising or donor-facing events required
• Strong project management and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects and stakeholders simultaneously
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to navigate evolving priorities and fast-paced event environments with professionalism and sound judgment
• Collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to cross-functional work
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to delivering high-quality donor and guest experiences
• Comfort working independently while balancing strategic and operational responsibilities

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with trustees, sponsors, donors, and senior stakeholders preferred
• Experience within nonprofit, arts, cultural, museum, or higher education environments preferred
• Familiarity with Raiser's Edge or similar CRM systems preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of ICP’s signature special events, including the Infinity Awards, Spotlights Luncheon, and other major fundraising initiatives
• Partner with Development leadership on fundraising strategy, sponsorship engagement, donor cultivation, and stewardship through events
• Manage event timelines, budgets, vendors, logistics, run of show documents, and on-site execution and run-of-show calls
• Oversee event communications, guest lists, seating, invitations, acknowledgements, and VIP engagement
• Manage relationships with co-chairs, trustees, sponsors, donors, honorees, host committees, and external partners
• Track event revenue, participation, sponsorship fulfillment, and post-event reporting
• Manage auction vendors, fundraising components, volunteers, and related event initiatives as applicable
• Lead planning and execution of exhibition openings, donor cultivation events, and institutional gatherings throughout the year
• Manage vendors, event logistics, timelines, and on-site coordination
• Partner with Curatorial, Public Programs, Education, Marketing, and Visitor Experience teams to support programming and guest experience
• Track attendance, engagement, and post-event follow-up opportunities to support donor cultivation and institutional goals
• Support development and fulfillment of corporate sponsorship opportunities and event partnerships
• Maintain strong relationships with sponsors, vendors, and external stakeholders
• Ensure sponsor benefits and recognition are executed accurately and professionally
• Support planning and execution of select space rental events in coordination with Facilities, Visitor Experience, and external clients
• Help maintain and improve rentals workflows, operational standards, and cross-department coordination practices
• Identify opportunities to improve event systems, planning processes, and operational efficiencies
• Maintain accurate event, donor, sponsor, and vendor records within Raiser's Edge and related systems
• Monitor industry trends and best practices related to fundraising events, donor engagement, and cultural institution programming
• Build collaborative relationships across departments and contribute positively to team culture
• Support additional Development initiatives and institutional priorities as needed

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (with employer contributions and HRA support)
• Employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match up to 5% after one year
• Flexible spending accounts
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, personal days, holidays, floating holidays, and a birthday day off
• Free or discounted museum admission
• Staff discounts
• Access to perks programs
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition-free ICP courses and discounted education programs for employees and dependents

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior