The Fundraising Events Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing a wide range of fundraising and donor engagement events designed to generate revenue, enhance donor relationships, and raise awareness of the organization’s mission. This individual will lead all aspects of event logistics—from venue selection and vendor management to guest communications and budget oversight—while collaborating closely with the development team, volunteers, and key stakeholders. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, personable, and strategic, with a strong background in both event planning and donor engagement.

This position reports to the Senior Director of Development and plays a critical role in achieving the organization’s annual fundraising goals through high-quality, mission-aligned events.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, implement, and manage all fundraising and special events throughout the season, including but not limited to:

• Annual Gala

• Opening Night Dinner

• Donor Appreciation Events

• Legacy Giving Society Events

• Receptions and private residence gatherings

• Board and Committee Meetings

• Support frontline fundraisers and achieve contributed revenue goals of at least $1M for the annual Gala and at least $50K for Opening Night. This includes soliciting and following up on payments, pledges, and sponsorships.

• Lead event timelines, production schedules, budgets, run-of-show, and logistics.

• Coordinate venue selection, catering, décor, entertainment, AV, parking/valet, and other vendor services.

• Collaborate with event hosts, committee chairs, and internal teams to ensure event success.

• Work concert nights and event weekends as needed.

• With the Senior Director of Development, serve as liaison to board event committees and coordinate meetings.

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and volunteers.

• Identify and solicit new event sponsors and in-kind donations.

• Ensure outstanding guest experiences through proactive, high-touch communication and service.

• Work with the Senior Director of Development, design team, and marketing department on event communications, including:

  • Save the dates

  • Invitations (printed and digital)

  • Event Reminders

  • Event programs and signage (printed and digital)

  • Social media promotions

  • Event recaps and thank yous

• Develop and implement a strategic communication timeline for each event.

• Track RSVPs, actual attendance, contributions, and expenses for all events in Tessitura.

• Oversee event follow-up, including accurate acknowledgements, thank you notes, benefit fulfillment, and vendor invoices.

• Analyze event performance to inform future strategy and improve outcomes.

• Prepare post-event reports, donor engagement summaries, new-to-file prospect lists, and ROI analyses.

• Lead, manage, and support FWSO event staff, volunteers, and external vendors.

• Provide direction and training to event staff and volunteers during events.

• Ensure all aspects of the event run smoothly and efficiently.

• Assist the development team with other donor engagement and cultivation efforts as needed.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.

• Minimum 3–5 years of professional experience in event planning, fundraising, or nonprofit development; experience in the performing arts or cultural sector preferred.

• Demonstrated success in planning and executing both fundraising and stewardship events.

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Maintain discretion and confidentiality with sensitive donor and financial information.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to multitask, prioritize deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively.

• Experience managing event budgets and tracking financial performance.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor databases (Tessitura experience is a plus).

• Knowledge of symphonic repertoire and a passion for the arts is a plus.

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends during performance seasons.

Physical Requirements:

Sedentary work that primarily involves being stationary up to 75% of the time.

Expected Work Hours:

This is a full-time position expected to work a minimum of 40 hours per week. Office hours of the symphony are 9 am – 5 pm Monday – Friday however some evening and weekend work is expected of Staff during the Performance Season.

Summary Statement

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the position/employee from time to time.   The scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.

Apply: 
All interested candidates, please send cover letter and resume to smoreau@fwsymphony.org.