League of American Orchestras
Senior Special Events Manager
League of American Orchestras, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079
The Senior Special Events Manager leads the planning, execution, and evaluation of a broad portfolio of high-impact organizational and philanthropic events for the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. These include the annual Gala, First Chair stewardship event, concert receptions, donor dinners, house parties, other donor engagement events, salons, and more. Through these key LACO events, the Senior Events Manager is responsible for creating opportunities to help raise $1 million+ in revenue annually through tickets sales, sponsorships, in-kind donations, auctions, and more, in partnership with the Development team.
This is an important role at LACO that blends strategic planning, creative storytelling, sponsor engagement, and flawless event execution in support of donor cultivation, fundraising, and stewardship goals. The ideal candidate is a confident project manager and relationship builder who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and manage an annual calendar of fundraising, donor relations, and organizational events aligned with company goals. Create and execute event strategies, themes, and run-of-show plans, including scripting, invitation, and advertising strategy and guest experience. Lead end-to-end project management for all event elements including production schedules, timelines, deliverables, and contingency planning. Logistics and Execution
Manage all logistics including venue selection, permitting, catering, transportation, vendor management, registration and check in, seating, and AV. Lead onsite event production and staff/volunteer supervision. Coordinate with internal departments and external partners to ensure timely and accurate delivery of materials and support. Maintain accurate attendee records and RSVP lists for all events and prepare nametags, check in lists, place cards, as needed. Record all information in donor database as applicable. Lead creation of all event promotional materials and registration websites in collaboration with Marketing and Development staff. Fundraising and Stewardship
Lead and collaborate with Development to secure, track, and fulfill event sponsorships and in-kind donations. Integrate fundraising components into events (e.g. auctions, live asks, paddle raise). Ensure event attendees are accurately tracked and stewarded through donor database and that donor and sponsor benefits are fulfilled and acknowledged. Budget and Reporting
Create and manage event budgets, track revenue and expenses, and reconcile post-event financials. Conduct post-event evaluations, prepare reports on outcomes, and make data-driven recommendations for future events. Cross-Functional Coordination
Work closely with Development and Marketing teams on design, messaging, and alignment of events with the mission of LACO. Provide strategic and logistical support for internal events including Board meetings. QUALIFICATIONS
Expert-level project management and event production skills. Proven ability to execute high-end donor events with exceptional attention to detail. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including working with volunteers, high-level donors, board members, and vendors. Creative eye for design and storytelling across formats and event types. Flexible and proactive problem solver. Able to effectively use computer software and other technology for daily task and project management, as well as Microsoft Outlook and Teams for internal communications. Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience. Minimum 5 years of nonprofit or corporate event planning, including 3+ years managing gala or comparable high-level donor events. Experience with GiveSmart or similar event planning software. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as required.
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Develop and manage an annual calendar of fundraising, donor relations, and organizational events aligned with company goals. Create and execute event strategies, themes, and run-of-show plans, including scripting, invitation, and advertising strategy and guest experience. Lead end-to-end project management for all event elements including production schedules, timelines, deliverables, and contingency planning. Logistics and Execution
Manage all logistics including venue selection, permitting, catering, transportation, vendor management, registration and check in, seating, and AV. Lead onsite event production and staff/volunteer supervision. Coordinate with internal departments and external partners to ensure timely and accurate delivery of materials and support. Maintain accurate attendee records and RSVP lists for all events and prepare nametags, check in lists, place cards, as needed. Record all information in donor database as applicable. Lead creation of all event promotional materials and registration websites in collaboration with Marketing and Development staff. Fundraising and Stewardship
Lead and collaborate with Development to secure, track, and fulfill event sponsorships and in-kind donations. Integrate fundraising components into events (e.g. auctions, live asks, paddle raise). Ensure event attendees are accurately tracked and stewarded through donor database and that donor and sponsor benefits are fulfilled and acknowledged. Budget and Reporting
Create and manage event budgets, track revenue and expenses, and reconcile post-event financials. Conduct post-event evaluations, prepare reports on outcomes, and make data-driven recommendations for future events. Cross-Functional Coordination
Work closely with Development and Marketing teams on design, messaging, and alignment of events with the mission of LACO. Provide strategic and logistical support for internal events including Board meetings. QUALIFICATIONS
Expert-level project management and event production skills. Proven ability to execute high-end donor events with exceptional attention to detail. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including working with volunteers, high-level donors, board members, and vendors. Creative eye for design and storytelling across formats and event types. Flexible and proactive problem solver. Able to effectively use computer software and other technology for daily task and project management, as well as Microsoft Outlook and Teams for internal communications. Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience. Minimum 5 years of nonprofit or corporate event planning, including 3+ years managing gala or comparable high-level donor events. Experience with GiveSmart or similar event planning software. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as required.
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