Gala Events Director: Fundraising & Donor Experience

Boston Symphony Orchestra; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is seeking a Director of Gala Events to lead planning and execution of its fundraising galas and donor engagement efforts. You will drive end-to-end event design, logistics, and day-of execution, managing budgets, staff, and cross-department collaboration to ensure exceptional guest experiences.

Working with a Senior Director of Special Events, you will translate strategy into polished events, travel to Tanglewood as needed, and oversee a small team while

Qualifications

• 4+ years of progressive and demonstrated experience in large-scale event planning and production in fundraising galas and ticketed events.
• Experience in fundraising including soliciting ticket sales and table sponsorships.
• Proven experience managing, developing, and motivating staff.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and contracts, including venues, caterers, and production partners.
• Ability to travel to Tanglewood in the Berkshires as needed between July through August, and to work evenings and weekends.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage high-stakes deadlines.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across personalities and functions.
• Commitment to donor service and excellence in execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning for development events, including three annual fundraising galas and three family donors events, translating strategy into executable plans.
• Develop event concepts, guest flow, programming, and event flow documents reflecting standards and goals.
• Build and manage event calendars, timelines, and project trackers for internal and vendor deliverables.
• Coordinate invitations and collateral with Marketing and vendors, and proofread materials before 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 for each event.
• Serve as on-site lead, directing staff, volunteers, and vendors for seamless guest experience.
• Lead pre-event briefings and manage on-site command structure and problem solving.
• Oversee setup, load-in/out, and breakdown with stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Development Strategy to set, track, and report fundraising goals.
• Support frontline fundraisers with assignments and donor engagement.
• Align event plans with donor needs and stewardship objectives.
• Elevate donor experience through guest services and consistent touchpoints.
• Provide fundraisers with briefs, materials, and day-of support.
• Partner with Facilities, Marketing, IT, and other departments for venue and technical support.
• Maintain cross-departmental transparency to prevent silos.
• Coordinate with vendors and partners to ensure outputs meet standards and timelines.
• Lead staff development and performance feedback for team.
• Develop staffing plans and direct volunteers at events.

Skills

Event planning

Staff management

Vendor management

Budgeting

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Tools

Tessitura CRM

Job description

The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is seeking a Director of Gala Events to lead planning and execution of its fundraising galas and donor engagement efforts. You will drive end-to-end event design, logistics, and day-of execution, managing budgets, staff, and cross-department collaboration to ensure exceptional guest experiences.

Working with a Senior Director of Special Events, you will translate strategy into polished events, travel to Tanglewood as needed, and oversee a small team while