Senior Events & Gala Lead, Donor Engagement

Curtis; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary meals on campus

Transit benefits (SEPTA Key Advantage)

Health, dental, vision insurance

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia is seeking an Associate Director of Events to plan and execute donor-focused events, with emphasis on the annual gala. You will coordinate budgets, timelines, and communications, ensuring exceptional guest experiences while supporting fundraising goals.

The role requires 3+ years in event planning or related fields, strong relationship skills, and proficiency with CRMs and Office 365. Onsite Philadelphia location with evening/weekend work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant certification preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in event planning, project management, donor engagement or a related field.
• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to be diplomatic at all times and maintain a problem-solving mindset.
• Excellent communications skills across all formats.
• Clear understanding of the importance of confidentiality and adhering to the highest standards of industry ethics.
• A current interest in music, education, and/or the performing arts is helpful.
• Proficiency with using various tools related to fundraising including CRMs and the full Office 365 platform.

Responsibilities

• Project Management: Manage and execute a comprehensive annual calendar of donor and alumni events that may accompany master classes, student recitals, Curtis Symphony Orchestra concerts, and Curtis Opera Theatre performances, among others.
• Internal Event Communications: Prepare and conduct briefings for executive leadership on key event details; provide clear and timely communications to the Advancement team and other stakeholders on event timelines, guest appearances, RSVP status, and seating.
• Customer Experience Management: Ensure high-end customer service for all patrons, supporters and donors; manage staffing assignments for events.
• Collaborations and Support: Coordinate institutional calendar and schedule programming to leverage and integrate student, faculty, Curtis on Tour, and Curtis Artist Management performances to create elevated and exclusive experiences for donor audiences.
• Gala Project Management: Lead a seamless execution of the annual gala with logistics, communications, design, facilities, catering, attendee tracking, and post-event evaluation.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Skills

Relationship-building

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Diplomacy

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree or certification

Tools

CRMs

Office 365

Job description

Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia is seeking an Associate Director of Events to plan and execute donor-focused events, with emphasis on the annual gala. You will coordinate budgets, timelines, and communications, ensuring exceptional guest experiences while supporting fundraising goals.

The role requires 3+ years in event planning or related fields, strong relationship skills, and proficiency with CRMs and Office 365. Onsite Philadelphia location with evening/weekend work.