Manager, Special Events

Los Angeles Philharmonic Association; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Angeles Philharmonic Association seeks a Manager, Special Events to join the Philanthropy team. You will oversee strategic planning, project management, and execution of 80+ donor, cultivation, stewardship, and engagement events across LA Phil venues, including two major fundraisers.

You will lead events from concept to post-event follow-up, manage budgets and vendors, and coordinate with multiple departments to advance donor relationships and fundraising goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of professional experience in special events, fundraising, donor engagement, hospitality, project management, or a related field; nonprofit arts or performing arts experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing complex events from planning through execution and post-event evaluation.
• Proven ability to manage multiple events and budgets with tight timelines and high standards.
• Strong understanding of fundraising and donor engagement aligned to philanthropic goals.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication with discretion with donors and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute an assigned portfolio of donor, cultivation, stewardship, and engagement events across four LA Phil venues and off-site locations.
• Lead planning and production for Opening Night and Gala bringing fundraising and revenue goals to fruition.
• Develop event plans, timelines, budgets, guest communications, invitations, RSVPs, seating, and run-of-show materials.
• Coordinate with Philanthropy and cross-functional teams including Artistic, Marketing, Finance, and Operations.
• Manage vendors and production partners, overseeing proposals, contracts, budgets, and deliverables.
• Partner with Philanthropy leadership to align events with donor cultivation and revenue objectives.
• Oversee event financial activity, including budgets, reconciliation, and gift processing with Philanthropy Operations.
• Use Tessitura for donor info management, invitations, RSVPs, attendance, seating, and engagement.
• Provide on-site leadership for production and staff, volunteers, and partners.

Skills

Special events

Fundraising

Donor engagement

Project management

Hospitality

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Tessitura

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

Position

Manager, Special Events

Department

Philanthropy

FLSA Grade

Full-Time, Exempt

Salary

$80,000 - $90,000 Annually

Position Summary

The Manager, Special Events is an integral member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association’s Philanthropy team, responsible for the strategic planning, project management, and execution of a dynamic calendar of 80+ annual donor, cultivation, stewardship, and engagement events across the LA Phil’s four venues—Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, and Beckmen YOLA Center—including Board meetings, signature events, salons, invited rehearsals, and other special programs, as well as two major fundraising events: Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl and the Gala at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Working closely with the Director, Special Events, the Manager leads assigned events from concept through execution and post-event follow-up, overseeing budgets, vendors, guest experience, communications, production, and cross-departmental coordination, while developing strategies that advance donor relationships, philanthropic priorities, and fundraising goals. The Manager must be a highly organized and strategic project leader who can manage multiple complex events simultaneously, anticipate challenges, exercise sound judgment, deliver exceptional experiences for donors and other key stakeholders, and provide mentorship and direction to event staff as appropriate.

Position Elements

• Planning and execution of an assigned portfolio of annual donor, cultivation, stewardship, and engagement events across all four LA Phil venues and off-site locations.
• Lead key planning and production components of Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl and the Gala at Walt Disney Concert Hall, supporting fundraising, donor engagement, and revenue goals.
• Develop and manage event plans, timelines, budgets, guest communications, invitations, RSVPs, seating, ticketing, run-of-show materials, and on-site production.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned events, coordinating with Philanthropy and cross-functional teams including Artistic, Marketing, Finance, Presentations, Operations, Orchestra Management, Box Office, and venue staff.
• Manage vendors and event partners, including caterers, designers, printers, and production companies, overseeing proposals, contracts, budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
• Partner with Philanthropy leadership and fundraising teams to align events with donor cultivation, stewardship, solicitation, and revenue objectives.
• Oversee event financial activity, including budgets, revenue and expense tracking, reconciliation, and reporting, and partner with Philanthropy Operations on gift processing and acknowledgments.
• Manage event and donor information in Tessitura, ensuring accurate and timely records related to invitations, RSVPs, attendance, seating, ticketing, and donor engagement.
• Coordinate events involving artists, conductors, Board members, and other VIP guests, ensuring a high level of discretion, hospitality, and attention to detail.
• Provide on-site leadership for event production and direct staff, vendors, volunteers, and other event personnel as appropriate.
• Mentor the Assistant Manager and Coordinator, delegating responsibilities and establishing priorities to support successful event execution.
• Evaluate event outcomes and contribute to annual and long-range event planning, process improvement, and the continued enhancement of the donor experience.
• Represent the LA Phil at donor, Board, community, and other special events throughout Los Angeles.

Relationships

Reports To: Director, Special Events

Provides guidance and support to the Coordinator, Assistant Manager, interns, and volunteers.

Interacts With:
Philanthropy leadership and staff; Board members; donors and prospects; artists and artist representatives; LA Phil senior leadership; staff across Artistic, Marketing, Finance, Presentations, Operations, Orchestra Management, Box Office, Human Resources, and LA Phil venues; outside vendors and event partners; and community organizations.

Position Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years of professional experience in special events, fundraising, donor engagement, hospitality, project management, or a related field; nonprofit arts or performing arts experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing complex events and projects from planning through execution and post-event evaluation, ideally within a high-volume, high-visibility organization.
• Proven ability to manage multiple events and competing priorities within demanding timelines and budgets, with exceptional organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of fundraising and donor engagement and the ability to connect event strategy and execution to broader philanthropic goals.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with a polished and professional presence and demonstrated discretion when working with donors, Board members, artists, leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, collaborate, and provide direction to staff, volunteers, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong financial and budget management skills and experience managing vendors, contracts, catering, event production, guest management, and ticketing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Tessitura, Raiser’s Edge, or other fundraising databases strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience. Music or performing arts background preferred; passion for the LA Phil’s mission is critical.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for colleagues, artists, donors, volunteers, vendors, and the communities served by the Association.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required, travel locally to LA Phil venues and off-site locations, and stand/walk for extended periods during events.
• Regular and reliable attendance required.