Director of Special Events

About the job

Under the General Manager and Artistic Director, we continue to champion new and rarely performed works as well as innovative re-imaginings of classic operas, and to launch the careers of the most promising young singers.

With a newly articulated artistic vision and financially stable business model, we are entering an exciting chapter in our history. The company will leave it's current home to perform in venues across the city best suited to presenting each opera.

We are seeking a dynamic Director of Special Events ready to take the company boldly forward into this new era.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Responsible for the planning and execution of our Fall Gala, Spring Gala, and Spring Luncheon with a gross fundraising goal of $2 million
• Identify Gala and Spring Luncheon leadership including Chairs, Honorees, Vice Chairs, Corporate Chairs and In-Kind Sponsors, and assemble benefit committees
• Manage a season-long events calendar comprised of fundraisers, paid events, benefit-fulfillment events, and cultivation events
• Oversee the planning and execution of the Opera’s annual benefit-fulfillment events: Pre-Rehearsal Conversations and Luncheons with creative team members of select productions; Musicales, Holiday Party, and End of Season Celebration with the Opera artists hosted in private homes; Cast Parties; CODA Luncheon (planned giving society)
• With the Individual Giving team, formulate cultivation events and provide ongoing event strategy guidance; oversee the planning and execution of cultivation events including cocktail receptions and seated dinners in private homes, and in-store events
• Oversee the planning and execution of paid events available to Patron level donors and above: pre-performance Production Celebrations, Patron summer excursion, Opera Classes
• Partner with other arts organizations on collaborative events
• Oversee all aspects of event administration and logistics, including budgets, timelines, print materials, staff memos, guest research, day-of set up, and staff/volunteer direction
• Coordinate with artistic staff on musical programming for events
• Manage relationships with external vendors, PR consultants and design teams

Requirements:
• Minimum five years of special events experience at a not-for-profit organization, preferably a cultural institution
• Ability to take initiative, think strategically, and collaborate with others
• Personable, outgoing, courteous, and professional demeanor
• Excellent written and interpersonal skills
• Sense of humor and comfortable with rapid pace of change
• Experience using fundraising software, preferably Tessitura or Raiser's Edge
• Bachelor’s degree
• Interest in and knowledge of the arts
• Must be available to work weekend and evening events

Reports to:
Director of Development

Supervises:
Manager of Special Events, Special Events Intern

Annual Salary:
Competitive, excellent benefits

Start Date:
Immediately

Submission Deadline:
November 30, 2011

Qualified applicants should send a cover letter and resume for consideration.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.