Associate Director of Special Events
The Shed - New York, NY, New York, NY, United States
The Shed is a new cultural institution of and for the 21st century. We produce and welcome innovative art and ideas, across all forms of creativity, to build a shared understanding of our rapidly changing world and a more equitable society. In our highly adaptable building on Manhattan’s west side, The Shed brings together established and emerging artists to create new work in fields ranging from pop to classical music, painting to digital media, theater to literature, and sculpture to dance. We seek opportunities to collaborate with cultural peers and community organizations, work with like-minded partners, and provide unique spaces for private events. As an independent nonprofit that values invention, equity, and generosity, we are committed to advancing art forms, addressing the urgent issues of our time, and making our work impactful, sustainable, and relevant to the local community, the cultural sector, New York City, and beyond.
ABOUT THE POSITION About the Position
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Associate Director is responsible for the strategy and execution of special events at The Shed. The candidate will develop the vision and plan, and lead the execution of ongoing events that will anchor our early years of operation. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of planning and executing high-visibility, highly nuanced events. They will be responsible for strategic development, planning and execution of fundraising and special events, and donor cultivation and stewardship opportunities for The Shed. This role will be responsible for creating meaningful and impactful events that will foster strong donor relations and raise awareness of The Shed’s mission and programs. The individual will be a highly effective manager with proven capability of leading by example, training and developing staff, and thriving in a “hands on,” fast-paced and entrepreneurial work environment. Success requires a self-starter who has in depth experience both in stewardship and event management, and a proven ability to get things done.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to
Lead a process working closely with the Development, Artistic, and Senior Management teams at The Shed to develop shared goals and vision for events at The Shed
Develop a strategic plan for fulfillment events and The Shed’s Annual Gala
In collaboration with the CDO, partner with key Board members and volunteers to build and support committees for key events
Oversee execution of all institutional and development-focused events including cultivation events, stewardship activities, VIP access opportunities, fundraising occasions, The Shed Gala and Program openings
Establish and maintain positive working relationships with all vendors and represent The Shed and all relevant parties
Develop budgets for each event and support the budget management of the Development department overall
Qualifications and Qualities
Six to eight years of experience leading Special Events team within a cultural institution, performing arts facility or arts organization
Successful execution of major fundraising events that met or exceeded revenue budgets
Prior direct management and execution of multiple event types including event opening receptions, dinners, meetings, large scale galas, small exclusive dinners
Experience working collaboratively with volunteer and Board leadership to envision, plan and execute successful events
A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a highly motivated, energetic team
Meticulous attention to detail and highest quality execution in all situations
Ability to multitask, work well under pressure and in a fast-paced environment is required
Must have demonstrated strong problem solving and analytical skills
Ability to introduce innovative ideas, implement them and make sure they are maintained
Must be able to meet deadlines, work under pressure, make “time sensitive” decisions and be able to work both independently and within The Shed team environment
Must maintain the highest level of ethics and integrity
Excellent computer skills necessary, including Excel, Word, Office and Google Platform
Efficient in creating and analyzing spreadsheets and preparing financial analyses and recommendations
Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with employees, management, clients and vendors as necessary
Able to work a flexible schedule to accommodate business needs
Experience with Tessitura and VenueOps a plus
COMPENSATION Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Please provide salary requirements with your application.
Interested candidates should complete an application and submit résumé and cover letter in a single Word or PDF document saved as candidate’s first and last name through our Career Center page here . Only résumés and cover letters submitted in this format will be reviewed. No phone calls, please.
Please note: The Shed has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees. As a condition of employment, Shed employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved or as otherwise required by law.
The Shed is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to the goal of building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from minority candidates.
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ABOUT THE POSITION About the Position
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Associate Director is responsible for the strategy and execution of special events at The Shed. The candidate will develop the vision and plan, and lead the execution of ongoing events that will anchor our early years of operation. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of planning and executing high-visibility, highly nuanced events. They will be responsible for strategic development, planning and execution of fundraising and special events, and donor cultivation and stewardship opportunities for The Shed. This role will be responsible for creating meaningful and impactful events that will foster strong donor relations and raise awareness of The Shed’s mission and programs. The individual will be a highly effective manager with proven capability of leading by example, training and developing staff, and thriving in a “hands on,” fast-paced and entrepreneurial work environment. Success requires a self-starter who has in depth experience both in stewardship and event management, and a proven ability to get things done.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to
Lead a process working closely with the Development, Artistic, and Senior Management teams at The Shed to develop shared goals and vision for events at The Shed
Develop a strategic plan for fulfillment events and The Shed’s Annual Gala
In collaboration with the CDO, partner with key Board members and volunteers to build and support committees for key events
Oversee execution of all institutional and development-focused events including cultivation events, stewardship activities, VIP access opportunities, fundraising occasions, The Shed Gala and Program openings
Establish and maintain positive working relationships with all vendors and represent The Shed and all relevant parties
Develop budgets for each event and support the budget management of the Development department overall
Qualifications and Qualities
Six to eight years of experience leading Special Events team within a cultural institution, performing arts facility or arts organization
Successful execution of major fundraising events that met or exceeded revenue budgets
Prior direct management and execution of multiple event types including event opening receptions, dinners, meetings, large scale galas, small exclusive dinners
Experience working collaboratively with volunteer and Board leadership to envision, plan and execute successful events
A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a highly motivated, energetic team
Meticulous attention to detail and highest quality execution in all situations
Ability to multitask, work well under pressure and in a fast-paced environment is required
Must have demonstrated strong problem solving and analytical skills
Ability to introduce innovative ideas, implement them and make sure they are maintained
Must be able to meet deadlines, work under pressure, make “time sensitive” decisions and be able to work both independently and within The Shed team environment
Must maintain the highest level of ethics and integrity
Excellent computer skills necessary, including Excel, Word, Office and Google Platform
Efficient in creating and analyzing spreadsheets and preparing financial analyses and recommendations
Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with employees, management, clients and vendors as necessary
Able to work a flexible schedule to accommodate business needs
Experience with Tessitura and VenueOps a plus
COMPENSATION Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Please provide salary requirements with your application.
Interested candidates should complete an application and submit résumé and cover letter in a single Word or PDF document saved as candidate’s first and last name through our Career Center page here . Only résumés and cover letters submitted in this format will be reviewed. No phone calls, please.
Please note: The Shed has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees. As a condition of employment, Shed employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved or as otherwise required by law.
The Shed is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to the goal of building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from minority candidates.
#J-18808-Ljbffr