Director of Gala Events & Donor Experience

TAPP Film; United States; On-site; USD 96,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

The Boston Symphony Orchestra is seeking a Director of Gala Events to lead planning and execution of its fundraising galas. You will translate strategic direction into polished, memorable events that deepen donor relationships and support giving goals.

This hands‑on role oversees event design, production, logistics, and day‑of execution, manages two direct reports, and collaborates with Facilities, Development Operations, Marketing, and IT to ensure flawless guest experiences.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of large-scale event planning in fundraising galas.
• Proven success in ticketing, sales, and donor stewardship.
• Experience managing staff and vendor contracts.
• Ability to travel to Tanglewood in the Berkshires as needed between July through August.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning for development events, including three annual fundraising galas and three 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development Strategy and Analytics to set, track, report on and achieve fundraising goals, and 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.
• 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.
• Participate in cross‑departmental meetings led by the Senior Director and maintain transparency across functions to prevent silos.
• 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.
• Supervise and mentor staff, build staffing plans, and coordinate with volunteers at events.

Job description

The Boston Symphony Orchestra is seeking a Director of Gala Events to lead planning and execution of its fundraising galas. You will translate strategic direction into polished, memorable events that deepen donor relationships and support giving goals.

This hands‑on role oversees event design, production, logistics, and day‑of execution, manages two direct reports, and collaborates with Facilities, Development Operations, Marketing, and IT to ensure flawless guest experiences.