Director of Special Events

Position : Director of Special Events Department : Development Reports to : Chief Development Officer Classification : Exempt, Full-time Benefits : Full Museum Benefits Compensation : Commensurate with experience Scope of the Position The Director of Special Events oversees the administration of Museum Fundraising events along with the events of the Development Department. The ideal candidate will have experience in non-profit fundraising along with project management experience and will collaborate with other internal departments as needed to ensure the highest standards of protocol and Museum practices are met and within an allocated budget. The Director of Special Events will guide all aspects of the Museum’s fundraising events to include fundraising and sponsorship coordination, timeline management, collaboration with volunteer leadership, and financial oversight (both revenue and expenses). Essential Functions
Oversee all aspects of the Museum’s annual fundraiser, Collection Gala/Art Ball, and any additional fundraising events to be planned throughout the year.
Working with the Manager of Special events, guide the Museum's annual plan for exhibition opening events with the Development Department Directors and curators, working across multiple departments on design, budget planning, logistics, and all other event details.
Supervise events staff (to include event contractors).
Work collaboratively with event fundraising chairs and volunteers to raise maximum revenues and to deepen relationships for the Museum.
Work effectively with a wide range of staff members throughout the Museum; with the Museum's food service vendor, trustees, major donors, and volunteer fundraising event committee chairs.
Working with the Manager of Special Events, coordinate with food vendors on food/beverage/rentals/decor/service, accurately and timely purchase orders and payment of invoices, producing a final cost/benefit analysis.
Prepare pre- and post-event analysis, assessing opportunities and making recommendations for implementing appropriate improvements.
Provide leadership and direction in performance of the details of event production, with emphasis on high standards for customer relations, attention to detail, protocol, and etiquette.
Ensure the appropriate tone, schedules, and appearance of all events-related invitations, programs, and correspondence.
Negotiate event plans, dates, and guest lists with the appropriate DMA staff and determine format, theme, and budget for each event.
Provide leadership on communication of all event details to assure effective communications and establish chain of command for last-minute challenges. Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
5+ years progressively responsible experience in special event fundraising and in supervisory or management positions.
Prior experience in a non-profit arts or cultural organization preferred.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and Raisers Edge software. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Proven project (event) management experience working on multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
A proven ability to help raise significant gifts through special events in support of an institution, and to bring creative and effective strategies to the fundraising process.
Ability to work effectively with board members and volunteers, providing them with strong support and inspiring them to productive action.
Collaboration skills to build effective partnerships with the Chief Development Officer, Deputy Director, Director, Trustees, senior staff, and other stakeholders.
A motivated self-starter with a drive and creative disposition to generate new ideas and strategies that help to build a dynamic, compelling special event fundraising program.
Superior communications skills that will enable effective communication.
Highly energetic individual with excellent attention to detail and follow-through and the ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, achieve goals, prioritize tasks, manage multiple tasks and work within a budget.
Effective time management skills and volunteer management and supervisory experience. Our Core Values
Act with integrity : Be open honest, and ethical.
Communicate Openly : Be constructive, transparent, and respectful.
Build Inclusivity : Diverse backgrounds make us stronger.
Join Forces : Support collaboration and unity.
Work Passionately : Be fearless, creative, and solutions driven.
Embrace and Drive Change : Be nimble, there is always a way to yes.
Invest in Each Other : Pursue learning. Our Commitment to Equity and Diversity The Dallas Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The DMA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.