Description
committed to excellence in education, performance, and creative activity; to the humanity of the
School’s environment; to preparing all our students to find their success; and to the cultural
enrichment of the larger community. MSM inspires and empowers highly talented individuals to
realize their potential. We prepare our students to be accomplished and passionate performers,
composers, teachers, and imaginative, effective contributors to the arts and society.
As a key member of the Philanthropy Office, the Director of Special Events and Donor
Stewardship organizes and oversees high-profile special events for the School. These include an
Annual Gala in the Rainbow Room; a fall fundraiser supporting MSM’s acclaimed Precollege;
monthly cultivation events, such as pre- and post-concert receptions for Virtuoso Society
patrons; and an array of other donor stewardship events, both on and off campus, including an
annual scholarship donor luncheon in the President’s Residence. In addition to event
management, this position advances the ongoing stewardship of MSM’s donors, including
alumni, parents, foundations, trustees, and scholarship donors. The Director of Special Events
and Donor Stewardship seamlessly manages a busy event schedule in a calm and collegial
manner and thoughtfully engages MSM donors through well-planned events that build
relationships and enhance the School’s reputation and profile on New York City’s cultural
landscape.
Domains:
Event Management
-Organize high-profile special events, including a fall fundraiser, the Annual Gala,
monthly patron receptions, and donor dinners and lunches.
-Direct all aspects of special events to ensure they are well-planned, well-executed,
imaginative, and in good taste, collaborating closely with the Vice President for
Philanthropy. Responsibilities include overseeing invitation design and printing, catering,
seating, décor, entertainment, gifts, audio-visual, budgeting, and correspondence.
-Work closely with the Vice President for Philanthropy and event leadership to ensure
that fundraising goals are met for gala events and that all special events are organized
within established budgets.
-Track and report on special events for the Office of Philanthropy and the President’s
Office, maintaining and distributing up-to-date revenue tracking sheets and guest lists.
-Ensure acknowledgment letters for gala gifts are accurate and timely.
-Develop and cultivate strong vendor relationships.
Donor Stewardship
-Oversee the ongoing stewardship of donors, including scholarship and Commencement
Award donors. Regularly update donors on the student recipients of their support by
providing student bios, thank you letters, thank you videos, and invitations to student
recitals and performances.
-Create compelling and attractive print and electronic invitations and other event
materials, working with in-house graphic designers in Media & Communications.
-Manage invitation lists, ensure the timely mailing of invitations, and track RSVPs in
Excel, Raiser’s Edge NXT database, and Airtable.
-Collaborate with the Scholarship Committee in assigning named scholarships to
individual students, and oversee the necessary donor notification and recognition
process.
-Engage with donors and trustees, alumni, and other VIPs who participate in special
events. Demonstrate a high degree of cordiality and professionalism.
-Implement a best-in-class donor stewardship program, including signage and premiums.
-Conceive of additional and creative ways to cultivate, engage, and acknowledge donors.
-Reserve tickets and seats throughout the performance season (September – May) for
board of trustee members and other key constituents.
-Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Job Requirements:
-Bachelor’s degree preferably in the humanities or music.
-5+ years of special events experience, preferably for a performing arts or cultural
institution or in higher education.
-Ability to work at special events taking place in the evening and on weekends.
-Creative, responsible, and entrepreneurial, with the ability to execute high quality special
events that meet or exceed revenue goals.
-Superior attention to detail.
-Proven ability to multi-task, to juggle multiple priorities, and to meet deadlines.
-Excellent computer skills, including a thorough knowledge of Excel, Airtable, and
Microsoft Teams. Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge NXT or similar CRM management
systems.
-Courteous and diplomatic with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop
good relationships with donors, including board of trustee members and event chairs.
-Strong verbal and written communications.
-Self-motivated with the ability to work well independently and as part of a team in a fast paced environment.
Benefits Offerings:
-MSM offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision
insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan; and a generous time off and holiday schedule.
Contact Information:
Send letter of application, résumé, and names and contact information for three references to
the Office of Philanthropy at:
Philanthropy@msmnyc.edu
Note: Please include the title of this position in the subject line when submitting materials.
Equal employment and equal educational opportunity have been and will continue to be
fundamental principles at Manhattan School of Music, where employment and enrollment
are based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination or harassment
because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, the
status of being transgender, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship or veteran status,
disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Manhattan School of Music does not
permit retaliation against individuals who oppose a discriminatory practice or participate in
an investigation.
