Senior Special Events Manager — Gala & Fundraising

Armoryonpark; New York (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Park Avenue Armory seeks a Manager of Special Events to lead fundraising events for major donors and sponsors, including the 500-donor Gala. This full-time role oversees planning, budgeting, and execution with the Development team and a dedicated events staff.

You will build strong donor relationships, coordinate logistics, and supervise internal and external teams, ensuring events meet the Armory’s standards and objectives.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years’ experience managing special events or frontline fundraising for a nonprofit organization, preferably culture- or arts-focused.
• Strong organizational skills and laser-focused attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, manage multiple priorities and projects with tight deadlines, both independently and in a team.
• Outstanding interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
• Professionalism, discretion with confidential information, and good judgment.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and execute the Armory’s fundraising events, including the Gala and donor events.
• Coordinate budgets, logistics, vendor contracts, and expenses; track financials.
• Collaborate with Development leadership on campaigns, materials, and event runs of show.
• Lead a diverse events team of staff, interns, contractors, and vendors.
• Ensure events align with Armory standards and master calendar; manage schedules and after-action follow-ups.

Skills

Event management

Fundraising

Communication

Time management

Team leadership

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Tools

Tessitura

Microsoft Office

Job description

Park Avenue Armory seeks a Manager of Special Events to lead fundraising events for major donors and sponsors, including the 500-donor Gala. This full-time role oversees planning, budgeting, and execution with the Development team and a dedicated events staff.

You will build strong donor relationships, coordinate logistics, and supervise internal and external teams, ensuring events meet the Armory’s standards and objectives.