Fundraising & Special Events Manager

Playwright Co; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Employee Assistance Program and Work‑L

Flexible paid time off

One paid day of service

Flexible work arrangements

Commuter benefits

Flexible spending accounts for health

Pension

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan

Life and disability coverage

Discounted gym memberships

Free and discounted theater tickets

Job summary

The Public Theater in New York, NY seeks a Manager, Special Events to lead planning and execution of Opening Nights, galas, and fundraising events. You will coordinate with multiple departments and external partners, supervise one Associate, and ensure seamless guest experiences with meticulous logistics and budget oversight.

The role requires 3–5 years in nonprofit event planning, outstanding organization and communication skills, and familiarity with Tessitura, Excel, and Outlook.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in event planning and fundraising.
• Experience managing multiple events and projects concurrently.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work with donors, vendors, and internal teams.
• Experience supervising staff and managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of a wide range of Public Theater events, including Opening Nights downtown and Shakespeare in the Park, partner events, cultivation, fundraising, while supporting the Annual Gala.
• Serve as a liaison across departments to coordinate event logistics and ensure seamless execution.
• Manage event logistics and vendor needs, including ticketing, deliveries, storage and inventory, audio/visual, DJs, security, lighting, catering, and other event-related services.
• Establish and maintain ticket allotments and work with Special Events and Development teams to maximize attendance and engagement.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to build and generate invitation lists and event reports from the Tessitura database using lists and extractions.
• Oversee event information in Tessitura, including booking contributions, ticket orders, RSVPs, and other event-related data.
• Manage ticketing, seating, guest lists, talking points, and other logistical details for dinners, performances, receptions, and other events.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for donors and guests, providing timely and professional event information, confirmations, and follow‑up by phone and email.
• Partner with the Director of Special Events to conceptualize and plan the annual calendar of cultivation and fundraising events.
• Collaborate with the Graphics Liaison to develop invitation and collateral copy for Opening Nights, dinners, receptions, benefits, and ad hoc cultivation events.
• Work closely with the Communications Manager to draft and distribute event invitations, confirmations, and other attendee communications through Outlook and Prospect2.
• Oversee event preparation and guest experience, including place cards and seating labels, attendee communications, guest list uploads to digital check-in systems, and other pre‑event logistics.
• Provide onsite leadership and support at events, including guest check‑in and seating, donor relations, event troubleshooting, vendor and logistics coordination, and event breakdown.
• Track event expenses and assist the Director of Special Events with Gala and other event budgets; review, process, and track vendor invoices and payments in Concur and Excel.
• Supervise and support the Associate, Special Events, providing direction and oversight of their daily responsibilities and professional development.
• Solicit auction items and cultivate and maintain liquor sponsor relationships.
• Oversee the acknowledgement process and pledge payment follow‑up for all fundraising events, in coordination with the Development department.
• Communicate event plans, timelines, logistics, and updates to the Development department and other internal stakeholders.
• Oversee invitation mailings and other administrative responsibilities as needed.

Skills

Event planning

Budget management

Vendor coordination

Donor relations

Communication

Supervising staff

Attention to detail

Timeline management

Tools

Tessitura

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

The Public Theater in New York, NY seeks a Manager, Special Events to lead planning and execution of Opening Nights, galas, and fundraising events. You will coordinate with multiple departments and external partners, supervise one Associate, and ensure seamless guest experiences with meticulous logistics and budget oversight.

The role requires 3–5 years in nonprofit event planning, outstanding organization and communication skills, and familiarity with Tessitura, Excel, and Outlook.