Managing Director, Special Events

GMHC; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

GMHC seeks a Managing Director, Special Events in New York to drive signature events like AIDS Walk NY and related galas. You will lead strategy, planning, and execution, managing budgets, vendor relations, and cross-functional teams to enhance donor engagement and revenue.

A passionate advocate with strong leadership will guide a collaborative, community-focused program. Hybrid role with on-site requirements for key events; committed to equity, inclusion, and impactful storytelling through

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in fundraising events and donor relations.
• Strong leadership and staff development skills.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours during campaigns.
• Excellent relationship management and interpersonal skills.
• Strong negotiating skills and budget consciousness.
• Commitment to inclusive, stigma-free, people-first communication.
• Deep understanding of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of concepts and formats for signature events.
• Strategize, plan, and execute events to maximize revenue and visibility.
• Manage budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting for events.
• Coordinate with staff, volunteers, and external partners.
• Oversee vendor management, scripting, awards, and program content.
• Mentor a high-performing team and align operations with GMHC’s mission.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship management

Negotiation

Communication

Multitasking

Collaboration

Inclusive communication

Diversity awareness

Campaign planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems (Every Action)

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Project management tools (Asana)

Social media & CMS

Job description

Description

WFH Flexible • New York, NY • Development

The Managing Director, Special Events is responsible for working with the Senior Vice President of Development in the strategic development and implementation of signature events for GMHC, including but not limited to AIDS Walk New York, Howard Ashman Award & Cabaret, Latex Ball and Donor Cultivation Events. This position will contribute to the delivery of meaningful and impactful events that garner positive PR and brand awareness, foster strong community relations, increase revenue, donor loyalty and introduce new supporters to GMHC’s mission.

The Managing Director, Special Events must be able to demonstrate internal team leadership while employing an entrepreneurial, collaborative and results-oriented approach to lead and drive the production of high-quality events that advance our brand, donor involvement, cultivation, and stewardship.

With a strong focus on execution as well as innovation, this position is responsible for ensuring successful event execution, including logistical preparation, vendor management, awards, presentations, speaker coordination, auction management, scripting and video production coordination, data-entry, and any other tasks needed to make our events and partnerships successful.

This job requires a dynamic, motivated, energetic, and personable individual with a go-getter attitude and a drive to exceed budgetary fundraising goals as a team while maximizing ROI.

Above all, this role requires someone who cares. GMHC's work is urgent, personal, and life-changing for the communities we serve. The right candidate will bring not just fundraising expertise but a genuine passion for the mission and a deep commitment to the people at the center of it.

Requirements

Event Strategy and Planning

• Leads the development of concepts, themes and formats for major events for the organization that engage supporters, increase brand awareness, and grow revenue.
• Provides expertise to staff and committees in the planning and execution of all external and internal events.
• Negotiates favorable rates with venues, consultants and vendors to maximize budget efficiency
• Manages consultants and vendors prior to and during the event to ensure flawless efficiency.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Financial Reporting

• Maintains event budgets and oversees financial reporting to internal departments.
• Develops content for event correspondence, collateral materials, social media and web in collaboration with Communications and Marketing department.
• Oversees the post-event coordination including but not limited to debrief meetings, recognition to key constituents, financial reporting and data transfer.
• Logs and tracks all in-kind contributions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Supports internal teams with the stewardship of host committees to secure members, sponsorships, and in-kind gifts.
• Co-manage the planning and execution of tailored deliverables and activations for corporate funders.
• Informs and updates staff members and other involved parties throughout the event cycle.
• Works with Volunteer Manager to support internal and external event volunteers on the day of the event.

Leadership and Team Development

• Co-lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing small team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Ensure that systems and tools, processes, and talent effectively support NYC Pride's operational needs.
• Contribute as a senior institutional leader beyond the Events function, modeling collaboration, integrity, and respect across the organization.
• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as needed.

REQUIREMENTS

Special Skills and Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree, preferred, and a minimum of 8+ years of progressively more senior and complex Event roles, preferably in a nonprofit environment or an equivalent education and work experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential duties of the job
• An understanding of charitable giving legal guidelines, specifically as it relates to fundraising events.
• Prior management experience and strong leadership skills.
• The flexibility to work early mornings, late evenings and occasional weekends due to the nature of our events.
• Excellent relationship management and interpersonal skills: the ability to work effectively with donors, volunteers and staff;
• Display superior judgment and diplomatic skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Proven strong negotiating skills.
• Enthusiasm, commitment to excellence, self-motivation, a professional demeanor, is highly organized and detail oriented.
• The ability to handle multiple tasks with organization and accuracy.
• A collaborative, team-oriented attitude.
• Commitment to inclusive, stigma-free, and people-first communication
• Deep awareness of and alignment with LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities
• Authentic passion for GMHC's mission and the communities we serve.

Education and Certification

• Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent professional experience.

Technical Skills

• Knowledge in CRM systems, Every Action is a plus
• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace
• Project management tools (Asana or equivalent)
• Internet research and strong knowledge of social media.
• Familiarity with content management systems and email platforms is a plus.
• Ability to learn new business software programs as needed.

Work Environment and Schedule

• Hybrid role with regular on-site presence for meetings and key events.
• Flexibility to work non-traditional hours during campaigns or events.
• Participation in AIDS Walk NY is mandatory for all staff.

Physical Demands

• While carrying out the responsibilities of this role:
• Prolonged sitting and use of computer equipment.
• Regular communication with colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners
• Ability to attend events and gather content on-site as needed.

Organizational Commitment

Successful candidates will welcome the opportunity to work in a racially and gender-diverse environment and contribute to a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Working at GMHC requires a demonstrated awareness of and commitment to the concerns of the breadth of the communities that we serve.

GMHC is committed to fostering an inclusive, racially and gender-diverse workplace and seeks candidates dedicated to promoting equity and social justice within our community.