Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a multi-disciplinary arts center located in Brooklyn, New York. For more than 150 years, BAM has been the home for adventurous artists, audiences, and ideas—engaging both global and local communities. With world-renowned programming in theater, dance, music, opera, film, and much more, BAM showcases the work of emerging artists and innovative modern masters.
The Director of Special Events will oversee the special events team and strategically manage BAM’s fundraising and donor cultivation events in collaboration with the Vice President of Advancement to achieve the special events revenue goal and overall donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship goals. The ideal candidate will strategically manage and execute all fundraising & cultivation events, manage a forward-looking special events calendar, driving cross-functional conversations and partnerships as needed, partner on donor, sponsorship, and event leadership relationships, liaise directly with key donors on high-touch development initiatives and events, including BAM board members and major donors, and oversee Special Events Budget, which includes generating revenue reports.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plans annual BAM fundraisers in coordination with the BAM President and VP of Advancement, along with board members and members of the Advancement team
- Leads the planning and execution of stewardship and cultivation events for donors from household members through major donors and corporations in collaboration with the Advancement Directors
- Manage event communications with creative / marketing teams in coordination with Advancement Directors
- Create and monitor event expense and revenue budgets, which include generating regular revenue reports on fundraising events
- Support guest list management and the creation of seating charts
- Supervises and supports the Special Events Manager in day-of execution of events
- Ensures accuracy in Tessitura, maintaining solicitation records as needed, and managing the Special Events Manager in keeping records up to date
- Manage Special Events Manager and per diem staff as needed
- Minimum 10 years of experience in fundraising events leadership
- Experience with New York City-based events is essential
- Excellent attention to detail
- Exceptional judgment skills
- Team player
- Consistently demonstrates respect for inclusion, diversity, and ethics
- Ability to handle confidential and highly sensitive information
- Ability to take ownership to minimize errors; ability to communicate corrections or changes in a proactive and productive manner
- Excellent project management skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate proactively regarding project status, barriers, and possible solutions
- Comfortable with change, and able to react productively and resolve conflicts quickly
- Ability to accurately apply professional knowledge, skills, expertise, and judgment to achieve excellent customer service in all interactions
- Excellent interpersonal skills
Compensation: The salary for this role is $110K - $120K. This position is full-time, exempt, and eligible for benefits. BAM provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan opportunities including both 401(k) and pension plans, as well as BAM-related benefits including access to BAM's fantastic programming.
Working conditions: Administrative Work (Category 1):
- The employee sits most of the time yet may occasionally move around the office, uses fingers and hands, engages in frequent oral communication, and has close visual acuity to perform activities such as viewing a computer and preparation of data and figures.
- Hybrid Schedule
Application Instructions: Must complete an online application through BAM's website - no phone calls, emails or walk-ins, please.
Internal Applicants must apply through BAM's website
Employees must meet all of the following criteria to be considered for an interview:
- Completed at least 1 year of continuous, active service in current position. (Positions excluded include, but are not limited to, temporary assignments, and probationary employees)
- Meet the experience and skills requirements as outlined in the job post
- Be employed in the current position for at least one year
- Performed in a satisfactory manner without any corrective actions in the last 12 months
Brooklyn Academy of Music is an Equal Opportunity Employer. BAM recognizes that historic institutional practices lead to a non-inclusive environment and is working to address diversity and inclusion in all forms. Individuals in BAM are experiencing their own pace during this process, which is not uncommon when addressing power and privilege. The Advancement division supports and continues to take part in this process.
Similar Jobs
.png)
What you need to know about the NYC Tech Scene
Key Facts About NYC Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 549,200; 6% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Capgemini, Bloomberg, IBM, Spotify
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, Fintech
- Funding Landscape: $25.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Greycroft, Thrive Capital, Union Square Ventures, FirstMark Capital, Tiger Global Management, Tribeca Venture Partners, Insight Partners, Two Sigma Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: Columbia University, New York University, Fordham University, CUNY, AI Now Institute, Flatiron Institute, C.N. Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics, NASA Space Radiation Laboratory
