Director of Special Events

Position Overview:

The Director of Special Events is responsible for leading the planning, implementation, and organization of major fundraising events and cultivation and stewardship events for the Seattle Symphony development office. The Director of Special Events will take the lead in the logistics and event execution for all events in coordination with the events team. This position is a wonderful opportunity for the right candidate to become deeply involved in the operations of a fast-paced, high-performing department.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead planning and execution of logistics of major annual fundraising events, including, but not limited to, liaising with event committees, timeline building and management, budgeting, coordinating invitations and fundraising/event materials (print and electronic), tracking guest RSVPs, and day-of event execution.
• Lead all cultivation and engagement events including house parties, post-concert toasts, luncheons and receptions.
• Lead planning of other events related work, including annual patron tour.
• Manage in-kind relationships with vendors for food and beverage donations.
• Maintain event planning timelines and tracking documents to ensure all deadlines are met and data is accurate; provide consistent and ongoing progress reports for each event.
• Manage and advance all information for event contracts, i.e. event space, food and beverage, supplies, event collateral, etc.
• Manage the creation of all print and electronic materials necessary for special events.
• Manage on-site logistics, including but not limited to event site location and assessment, walkthroughs, menu tastings, event flow, layouts etc. as needed for event planning.
• Manage guest experience through RSVP and table guest tracking, using Tessitura, Excel and other software to track and manage data for special event guests, and work with colleagues to hold and assign seats for concert events.
• Propose new ideas to improve the event planning and implementation process.
• Work collaboratively with Seattle Symphony colleagues, volunteers, musicians and Board members.
• Supervise events team, volunteers and interns as required.
• Perform concert duty and on-site event support as required.

Qualifications:

• BA degree or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years prior experience working in a development office, ideally within special events.
• Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks; excellent time-management and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized and deadline focused.
• Proven ability to work with Board Members, donors, and Events Committee leadership.
• Proven ability to work with fundraising team in meeting events financial goals.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience managing employees, consultants, and vendors.
• Ability to communicate effectively and project a professional image.
• High-level understanding of Tessitura or other customer databases.
• Demonstrated superior proficiency with accuracy in using Word, Excel and Outlook products.
• Commitment to exemplary customer service.
• This position requires work on evenings, weekends and holidays.

Physical Requirements:

• The functions of this position are performed primarily in an office environment.
• Regular activities include frequent sitting, standing, walking, reaching, and bending.
• This position may require occasional pulling, lifting, and climbing stairs.
• Ability to speak, hear and communicate clearly while handling staff inquiries, telephone calls and customer requests.
• Specific vision abilities require close visual acuity for viewing a computer screen and reading, preparing, entering and/or analyzing data.
• This position requires repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, and fingers for typing at a standard keyboard and regular pinching, picking up and holding pencils and other desk tools.
• Must have the ability to lift 30 pounds as needed.

Benefits:

• Excellent Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance program (PPO, low deductible).
• Employer paid Long-Term Disability, AD&D and Life Insurance.
• 403b retirement savings plan with employer matching at 1 year.
• 10 days Vacation Time, 10 days Sick Time.
• 2 personal days.
• 11 holidays per year.
• Your birthday off!
• Employee Assistance Program.

Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall value diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace. Individuals who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives are encouraged to apply. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EOE) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Seattle Symphony will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.