Director, Gala Events

bso; Boston (MA); Sur place; USD 120 000 - 150 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The Boston Symphony Orchestra seeks a Director of Gala Events to lead end-to-end planning for fundraising galas and donor engagement activities, translating strategy into executed plans. This hands-on role oversees operations, budgets, vendor collaboration, on-site leadership, and cross-department partnerships to deliver exceptional guest experiences and meet giving goals.

Responsibilities include managing multiple galas, coordinating with Marketing and Facilities, and ensuring compliance and

Qualifications

• Oversee end-to-end event design and logistics for fundraising galas and donor events.
• Lead cross-department collaboration with Facilities, Development Operations, Marketing and IT.
• Mentor and supervise junior event staff and volunteers.
• Develop contingency plans and risk mitigation for events.

Responsabilités

• Lead end-to-end planning for three annual fundraising galas and three family-friendly donor events.
• Manage venue logistics, contracts, permits, insurance and equipment rentals.
• Direct on-site event execution with staff, volunteers and vendors.
• Collaborate with fundraising teams to set and meet donor targets and engagement goals.

Description du poste

Summary/Objective Job Description ABOUT THE BSO

Founded in 1881, the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is one of the premier orchestras in the world. The BSO is committed to bringing world class music and performances to the local and international communities. The key to our success has been our employees, from the musicians onstage to those behind the scenes.

About the Role

The Director of Gala Events leads the planning and execution of the Boston Symphony Orchestra's (BSO) fundraising gala events. While the Senior Director of Special Events sets fundraising strategy, the long-range events plan, and key stakeholder relationships, this position turns that vision into polished, memorable events that deepen donor relationships and advance and achieve giving goals.

This role is hands-on in event design, production, and day-of execution, and owns event-level operations and logistics from planning through breakdown. It manages two direct reports and partners with multiple departments including, but not limited to: Facilities, Development Operations, Marketing, and IT to secure the support needed. The Director is a creative, detail-oriented leader who is calm under pressure, collaborative, and committed to excellence in the guest experience.

Responsibilities

Event Planning & Design

Lead end-to-end planning for development events, including three (3) annual fundraising galas and three (3) family-oriented donor engagement events, translating the Senior Director's strategic direction into clear, executable plans.

Develop event concepts, guest flow, programming, and event flow documents that reflect Development House Standards and the goals of each event.

Build and manage event calendars, planning and production timelines, and project trackers covering all internal and vendor deliverables.

Coordinate production of invitations and event collateral with Marketing and vendors, and proofread and circulate all materials ahead of final sign-off.

Event Operations & Logistics

Manage venue logistics, contracts, permitting, insurance, and equipment rentals.

Ensure compliance with health, safety, accessibility, and regulatory requirements.

Develop contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies for each event.

Event Execution

Serve as the lead on site, directing staff, volunteers, and vendors to deliver a seamless guest experience.

Lead pre-event briefings and manage the event-day command structure, including real-time problem solving and quick response to on-site changes.

Oversee event setup, load-in, load-out, and breakdown in coordination with relevant stakeholders.

Fundraising and Donor Experience

Collaborate with the Director of Development Strategy and Analytics to set, track, report on and achieve fundraising goals,

Coordinate closely with frontline fundraisers to follow up on solicitation assignments.

Work with Senior Director of Events and frontline fundraising to align event plans with donor needs and stewardship objectives.

Elevate the donor experience through thoughtful guest services, hospitality, and consistent, high-quality touchpoints before, during, and after events.

Provide fundraisers with the briefings, materials, and day-of support they need to engage donors effectively.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Partner with Facilities, Development Operations, Marketing, IT, and other departments to secure the venue, facilities, ticket holds, invitation list generation, and technical support each event requires.

Communicate event needs, timelines, and deliverables clearly and proactively, and hold partners accountable to agreed timelines, so colleagues can plan and deliver their areas efficiently.

Participate in the cross-departmental meetings led by the Senior Director and maintain transparency across functions to prevent silos and reduce friction.

Vendor & Creative Partner Collaboration

Serve as the internal point of contact for event vendors and creative partners, including caterers, florists, designers, production teams, and rental providers.

Select, brief, and manage partners to bring event concepts to life, communicating deliverables clearly and maintaining respectful, solutions-oriented relationships while ensuring all outputs meet Development House Standards and timelines.

Team Leadership

Supervise and mentor the Associate Director of Stewardship Events and the Assistant Manager of Development Events and Fundraising Events, providing clear direction, development, and performance feedback and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture grounded in service and excellence.

Build staffing plans for all event phases, including staff and volunteer roles, and assign and direct volunteers at events in coordination with the Senior Director and the BSO Association of Volunteers.

Budgeting & Evaluation

Manage individual event budgets with transparency and accuracy, tracking expenses against plan and reporting to the Senior Director, who oversees the overall events program budget.

Document event p