Events & Development Associate

Shakespeare & Company; Lenox (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA is seeking an Events & Development Associate for 2027–2028 to help fundraise and steward donors, supporting a team of five development professionals and a year-long focus on the 50th Anniversary celebrations.

This role plans and executes fundraising and donor events, coordinates with departments, ensures exceptional donor hospitality, and maintains accurate donor data in Raiser's Edge while supporting communications and post-event follow-up.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in event planning, fundraising, nonprofit development, hospitality, or customer service preferred.
• Experience in a fast-paced nonprofit or arts organization is a plus.
• Experience with Raiser's Edge or another fundraising database preferred.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute fundraising and stewardship events, including donor receptions, benefit performances, community events, and the annual Gala.
• Support Development's broader 50th Anniversary fundraising and stewardship efforts.
• Manage event logistics including invitations, RSVPs, guest lists, vendors, budgets, supplies, and on-site support.
• Coordinate with Development, Marketing, Facilities, Patron Services on event planning and execution.
• Provide exceptional hospitality and stewardship to donors, patrons, and guests at events and performances.
• Oversee donor benefits, including concierge ticket services, reservations, special seating, and other donor requests.
• Maintain accurate event and donor information in Raiser's Edge and other departmental systems.
• Support donor communications, event follow-up, thank-you communications, and stewardship activities.
• Create and participate in event debriefs and help improve event processes and donor experiences.
• Navigate differing perspectives and priorities among staff, donors, and other stakeholders while maintaining effective workflows and supporting organizational goals.
• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, particularly during the summer performance season and 50th Anniversary events.
• Coordinate with and provide guidance to the Development Intern(s) on event and stewardship activities.
• Assist with other Development Department priorities as needed.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Hospitality/customer service

Team collaboration

Event planning

Attention to detail

Flexibility schedule

Education

Bachelor's degree

Fundraising/nonprofit experience

Tools

Raiser's Edge

OvationTix

SharePoint

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary

The Events & Development Associate, January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028; continued employment may be considered based on organizational needs, performance, and funding, will play an important role in Shakespeare & Company’s fundraising and donor stewardship efforts, working on a team of five development professionals with a particular focus in year one on supporting the organization’s 50th Anniversary celebration and fundraising efforts throughout 2027-2028. This position supports the planning and execution of fundraising and donor events, including receptions, benefit performances, community gatherings, and the 50th & 51st Anniversary Galas. The Associate also oversees donor benefits and concierge ticket services, helping ensure that donors feel welcomed, valued, and connected to Shakespeare & Company throughout this significant milestone year.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Plan and execute fundraising and stewardship events, including donor receptions, benefit performances, community events, and the annual Gala.
• Support Development's broader 50th Anniversary fundraising and stewardship efforts.
• Manage event logistics including invitations, RSVPs, guest lists, vendors, budgets, supplies, and on-site support.
• Coordinate with Development, Marketing, Facilities, Patron Services on event planning and execution.
• Provide exceptional hospitality and stewardship to donors, patrons, and guests at events and performances.
• Oversee donor benefits, including concierge ticket services, reservations, special seating, and other donor requests.
• Maintain accurate event and donor information in Raiser’s Edge and other departmental systems.
• Support donor communications, event follow-up, thank-you communications, and stewardship activities.
• Create and participate in event debriefs and help improve event processes and donor experiences.
• Navigate differing perspectives and priorities among staff, donors, and other stakeholders while maintaining effective workflows and supporting organizational goals.
• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, particularly during the summer performance season and 50th Anniversary events.
• Coordinate with and provide guidance to the Development Intern(s) on event and stewardship activities.
• Assist with other Development Department priorities as needed.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills, & Characteristics Sought

• Passion for Company’s mission, arts education, and the performing arts.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong hospitality and customer-service skills and a genuine interest in creating welcoming experiences for donors and guests.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, donors, board members, vendors, artists, and patrons.
• 2+ years of experience in event planning, fundraising, nonprofit development, hospitality, or customer service preferred.
• Experience in a fast-paced nonprofit or arts organization is a plus.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or another fundraising database preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and SharePoint.
• Experience With AudienceView, OvationTix, Or Another Ticketing System Is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree is a plus.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Valid driver's license.
• Able to Accomplish Essential Functions Of The Position - Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to