Associate Director, Special Events

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Corporation; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental/Vision/Prescription Benefits

Pre-Tax Benefits (FSAs)

CIRS Pension/401K/Life Insurance

Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability

Generous Paid Time Off

Museum Pass

Free Garden admission for employee +1

Employee discount at BBG retail/food

Job summary

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Corporation seeks an Associate Director of Special Events to lead planning and production for BBG fundraising events, including the Spring Gala and donor receptions. The role collaborates across departments to strengthen donor engagement and advance a unified event strategy.

The position manages six-figure budgets, partners with vendors and committees, and requires evening/weekend availability. Strong project management and donors relations experience are essential.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years’ experience planning and executing high-visibility fundraising events in NYC.
• Ability to work in a self-directed format, set benchmarks, and achieve goals.
• Technology-forward outlook and a bias towards action.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing and implementing a unified event strategy for BBG’s fundraising events.
• Produce timelines, project management documents, and templates for event execution.
• Lead revenue reporting and budgeting for events, including SOPs and analysis.

Skills

Fundraising events planning

Event budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Evening/weekend availability

Team collaboration

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Associate Director, Special Events

Full Time Management Brooklyn, NY, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1310

Position Title: Associate Director, Special Events

Department:Development

Reports to:Director of Institutional Funding & Assessment

FLSA Status:Full-time Exempt, Non-Union

Grade: 6

Position Description:

Reporting to the director of Institutional Funding & Assessment, the associate director (AD) will assist in developing and implementing Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s fundraising event strategy, producing engaging, innovative, efficient, and delightful events supporting fundraising efforts.

They will support the design and implementation of a holistic and unified fundraising events strategy and lead planning and production of the BBG Development department’s hallmark benefit events such as the Spring Gala (600+ people; $1M+), After Party, and spring donor reception (200+ people). They will also plan and execute additional events such as receptions, tours, and excursions supporting the Garden’s efforts to strengthen engagement in its donor constituencies.

The AD will collaborate across verticals and play an active role in supporting the development of the institution’s fundraising engagement strategy. The position has regular contact with staff at all levels throughout the Garden, including BBG’s in-house catering partner, security, custodial, and facilities teams, and is primary contact with a broad range of volunteer committee members, businesses, vendors, and donors associated with fundraising events.

Responsibilities:

• In conjunction with the CDO and other leaders in the department, support the design and implementation of a unified, holistic event strategy for BBG, assisting in the development of events suitable for donors from all constituencies (individual, corporate, foundation).
• Produce timelines, project management documents, and templates demonstrating event strategies and execution.
• Lead revenue reporting for events, assisting in the design and implementation of SOPs as necessary.
• Monitor and track event attendance and engagement, income, and expenses; lead production of reports providing analysis, recommendations, and progress toward projected goals.

Event Execution

• Serve as event production lead for all BBG fundraising events.
• Produce hallmark and new events; manage all aspects of execution in pre/post production; developing event programs; work with speech writers.
• Develop and execute income-generating strategies for fundraising events, including sponsorship and underwriting solicitation, peer-to-peer solicitations, and ticket sale strategies.
• Assist in the development of tracking systems and SOPs to streamline outreach and tracking, seeking to continuously improve processes and utilize technology effectively.
• Manage a six-figure events budget.

Relationships

• In conjunction with colleagues, serve in a front-facing role with event committees, donors, trustees, and honorees, representing the institution at all times.
• Collaborate with portfolio managers and leaders, seeking to continually improve offerings and workflows for the benefit of the department.
• Manage and train staff teams, event-related staffing, and volunteers as available.
• Perform other related duties or special projects as directed.

Qualifications:

• 5–7 years’ experience planning and executing high-visibility fundraising events in NYC
• Ability to work in a self-directed format, set benchmarks, and achieve goals
• Technology-forward outlook and a bias towards action
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Raiser’s Edge software or similar database system
• Enthusiastic, energetic team player
• Ability to work evenings and occasional weekends
• Ability to lift and carry event materials as needed

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary Range: $72,000 - $90,000
  Brooklyn Botanic Garden considers several factors when determining the appropriate salary to offer a candidate within the listed salary range. These factors include (but are not limited to), the scope and responsibilities of the position, a candidate’s relevant work experience and education/training, prior union/DC37 experience (for union positions), job skills, equity across the institution, as well as market and organizational considerations.
• BBG offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Health Insurance that begins the date of hire; employees are offered coverage through the City of New York’s Office of Labor Relations and can choose from a variety of plans, some at no cost to the employee.
  • Dental/Vision/Prescription Benefits
  • Pre-Tax Benefits including flexible spending, dependent care, transit/parking accounts
  • CIRS Pension/401K/Life Insurance: BBG is a member of the Cultural Institutions Retirement System (CIRS) and offers a pension and 401K plan for eligible employees. Life insurance is provided through CIRS as well.
  • Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off including sick time, vacation time, and 13 annual holidays
• As a 501(c)3, BBG is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer.
• Museum Pass, which provides employees the opportunity to enter many museums in New York City for free
• Free Garden admission for employee plus one guest
• Employee discount at BBG’s retail shop and food venues

No telephone calls for position inquiries, please. Applicants with disabilities who need assistance with the online system, or who may require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, should contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.