Philanthropic Events Manager

Holocaust Museum Houston; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Holocaust Museum Houston seeks an experienced events and donor relations professional to lead planning, execution, and strategic fundraising initiatives that advance philanthropy and visibility. You will manage signature events, museum rentals, and cross-team collaboration to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

The role requires 3–5 years in event planning or fundraising, budget oversight, and strong donor relations within a nonprofit or cultural setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in event management, nonprofit management, hospitality, business, communications, or related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in event planning, fundraising, venue management, hospitality, or related field.
• Proven experience managing fundraising, donor, or cultivation events from planning through execution.
• Experience managing facility rentals, contracts, vendors, budgets, and client relationships.
• Experience working with donors, sponsors, volunteers, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and achieve revenue goals.
• Experience with museums, cultural institutions, nonprofits, or mission-driven organizations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of signature fundraising and cultivation events.
• Coordinate the LBJ Moral Courage Award Dinner, donor receptions, exhibition openings, and cultivation events.
• Develop annual event calendars and production timelines.
• Manage budgets, vendors, catering, AV, rentals, and logistics.
• Oversee the Museum’s facility rental program as an earned revenue opportunity.
• Manage inquiries, contracts, scheduling, and client relationships.
• Coordinate with Facilities, Security, Visitor Services, and other departments.
• Identify opportunities to increase rental utilization and revenue.
• Partner across the Museum to ensure seamless execution.
• Coordinate sponsorship fulfillment with the Donor Experience Manager.
• Support volunteer committees and post-event reporting.
• Deliver successful fundraising events and facility rentals.
• Meet sponsorship, event, and rental revenue goals.
• Foster strong cross-departmental collaboration and exceptional guest experiences.

Skills

Event planning

Fundraising

Donor relations

Budget management

Vendor management

Project coordination

Cross-functional collaboration

Guest services

Altru CRM

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Event management or related

Tools

Altru CRM

Microsoft Office

Job description

POSITION SUMMARYLeads the planning, execution, and strategic implementation of fundraising events, donor engagement activities, and facility rentals that advance philanthropy, strengthen relationships, and enhance the Museum's visibility.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the planning and execution of signature fundraising and cultivation events.
• Coordinate the LBJ Moral Courage Award Dinner, donor receptions, exhibition openings, and cultivation events.
• Develop annual event calendars and production timelines.
• Manage budgets, vendors, catering, AV, rentals, and logistics.

Facility Rentals

• Oversee the Museum’s facility rental program as an earned revenue opportunity.
• Manage inquiries, contracts, scheduling, and client relationships.
• Coordinate with Facilities, Security, Visitor Services, and other departments.
• Identify opportunities to increase rental utilization and revenue.
• Partner across the Museum to ensure seamless execution.
• Coordinate sponsorship fulfillment with the Donor Experience Manager.
• Support volunteer committees and post-event reporting.

Accountability

• Deliver successful fundraising events and facility rentals.
• Meet sponsorship, event, and rental revenue goals.
• Foster strong cross-departmental collaboration and exceptional guest experiences.

Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree – Event management, nonprofit management, hospitality, business, communications, or related degree preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• 3-5 years of experience in event planning, fundraising, venue management, hospitality, or a related field.
• Proven experience managing fundraising, donor, or cultivation events from planning through execution.
• Experience managing facility rentals, contracts, vendors, budgets, and client relationships.
• Experience working with donors, sponsors, volunteers, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and achieve revenue goals.
• Experience with museums, cultural institutions, nonprofits, or other mission-driven organizations preferred.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by events.

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Event planning and execution
• Fundraising and donor relations
• Facility and venue management
• Budget and revenue management
• Vendor and contract management
• Project coordination and logistics
• Sponsorship and client relations
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and guest service
• Proficiency with donor databases/CRMs (Altru preferred) and Microsoft Office.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods, work at a computer, and communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically. Occasional lifting or moving of materials up to 15 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates primarily in a professional office and museum environment. Work is typically performed indoors and involves regular interaction with staff, visitors, volunteers, and external partners. The role may occasionally require attendance at events, programs, or meetings outside of normal business hours. The work environment is generally quiet to moderately busy, with periods of increased activity during peak programming or special events.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and requirements of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. The Museum reserves the right to modify job responsibilities, work schedules, or expectations as needed. Nothing in this description alters the at-will employment relationship between the employee and the Museum.

EEO STATEMENT

Holocaust Museum Houston is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and are committed to a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace.