Senior Special Events & Fundraising Manager, Arts

The Shed; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Shed is seeking a Special Events Manager to lead the strategic development of its events calendar, overseeing internal events, fundraisers, and corporate opportunities. The role focuses on donor cultivation, stewardship, and membership activities while delivering high-impact, revenue-generating occasions at The Shed and related off-site venues.

Ideal candidates will have 3–4 years in cultural institutions, strong budgeting and vendor coordination skills, and a track record of delivering

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Three to four years of experience in a Special Events team within a cultural institution, performing arts facility, museum or arts organization.
• Successful execution of major fundraising events that met or exceeded revenue goals while maintaining expense budgets.
• Prior experience leading the planning and execution of all event types including openings, galas, dinners and meetings.
• Experience collaborating with volunteer and Board leadership to plan and execute events.

Responsibilities

• Support the Director of Special Events in the execution of all events related to cultivation, stewardship activities, VIP access opportunities, fundraising occasions, galas and parties, corporate clients and partners and select rental opportunities.
• Collaborate with the CDO and COO to build committees and support for key events.
• Maintain positive relationships with vendors and represent The Shed.
• Develop revenue and expense budgets for each event and for the department.
• Schedule site visits, write work orders, manage vendors, and coordinate deliveries.
• Negotiate estimates and contracts with clients and vendors.
• Oversee vendor scheduling for caterers, florists, musicians, and event logistics.
• Prepare schedules and ensure alignment with Security, Operations, Visitor Experience, and Production.
• Organize meetings, agendas, and run of show details.
• Assist with fundraiser preparations including invitation planning and seating.
• Guide vendors on space usage and manage event staffing.

Skills

Special Events experience

Budgeting

Vendor coordination

Negotiation

Project management

Donor relations

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

The Shed is seeking a Special Events Manager to lead the strategic development of its events calendar, overseeing internal events, fundraisers, and corporate opportunities. The role focuses on donor cultivation, stewardship, and membership activities while delivering high-impact, revenue-generating occasions at The Shed and related off-site venues.

Ideal candidates will have 3–4 years in cultural institutions, strong budgeting and vendor coordination skills, and a track record of delivering