Columbus Association for the Performing Arts
Special Events Manager - CSO
Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43224
The Columbus Symphony has served as central Ohio’s flagship music organization since 1951. Our musicians, conductors, chorus, and world-renowned guest artists enrich the central Ohio community through extraordinary talent, passion, dedication, and the highest standards of musicianship. Guided by the artistic vision of Music Director Rossen Milanov, the Columbus Symphony offers four programming “brands” – Masterworks, Pops, Picnic with the Pops, and Education/Community Engagement. This segmented approach, innovative within the American orchestra industry, is helping the Columbus Symphony to reach new, younger, and more diverse audiences.
The Opportunity
Do you thrive on creating exceptional experiences that connect people to a cause?
Are you a detail-oriented planner who loves turning ideas into meaningful, mission-driven events?
Do you excel at balancing creativity, logistics, and relationship-building in a fast-paced environment?
If so, this is your opportunity to play a key role in advancing the mission of the Columbus Symphony by leading the strategy, planning, and execution of fundraising and engagement events that inspire generosity and deepen community connection.
Primary Function The Special Events Manager, a member of the Development team reporting to the Chief Development Officer, is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of all fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship events and receptions, including the annual gala that support the mission of the Columbus Symphony. This position ensures that each event delivers an exceptional guest experience, meets fundraising and relationship goals, and aligns with the organization’s strategic priorities. The Special Events Manager collaborates closely with development, marketing, and operations teams as well as volunteers and vendors to bring events from concept to completion.
Duties, Responsibilities, and Key Performance Objectives First Month
Learn the Columbus Symphony’s event portfolio, budget, and donor engagement goals.
Meet with the Chief Development Officer, development team members, marketing staff, and event volunteers to understand current event processes and areas for improvement.
Review vendor relationships, sponsorship packages, and event management system; document and share recommendations with supervisor.
First 6 Months
Event Planning and Execution:
Plan, organize, and manage all aspects of special events, including the annual Gala, donor/volunteer appreciation events, stakeholder programs, and fundraising initiatives.
Develop event timelines, budgets, and work plans to ensure goals are achieved on time and within budget.
Work with outside consultant/s to ensure execution of signature events.
Measures of Success: Events executed on schedule and within ±5% of budget; post-event satisfaction rating of 90%+ among attendees and stakeholders.
Fundraising and Sponsorship Development:
Collaborate with development team to secure corporate sponsorships, in‑kind donations, and event revenue.
Assist in creating sponsorship proposals, benefit packages, and follow‑up reports.
Ensure all sponsor benefits are fulfilled and recognized appropriately.
Measures of Success: Achieves or exceeds event fundraising targets; 90% sponsor renewal or satisfaction rate.
Event Marketing and Promotion:
Partner with the marketing and communications team to develop event branding, invitations, and digital campaigns.
Oversee guest lists and RSVPs, ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees.
Measures of Success: Event attendance goals met or exceeded; positive feedback on marketing materials and event communications.
Volunteer and Staff Coordination:
Liaise with volunteer groups including the League, the Friends, and Picnic with the Pops volunteers.
Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers and staff support for event operations.
Provide clear guidance, roles, and on‑site leadership.
Measures of Success: 100% volunteer roles filled by event date; positive feedback from volunteers and staff post‑event.
First Year
Lead the successful execution of the Symphony’s annual Gala and other signature events, demonstrating measurable impact in donor engagement and fundraising outcomes.
Establish standardized event planning and evaluation processes for continuous improvement.
Contribute innovative ideas that enhance donor cultivation and brand visibility across all events.
Measures of Success: Document and evaluate all events to ensure best practices, with a 2.5:1 or greater return on investment (ROI).
Other Duties
Serve as a key ambassador for the Columbus Symphony, promoting the mission and vision at events and in the community.
Provide occasional support for concerts, community programs, or special initiatives as assigned.
Evening and weekend hours required for event execution.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain an exhaustive listing of duties, responsibilities, and key performance objectives that are expected of the employee. These items may change, or new job‑related items may be assigned from time to time.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and customer service orientation.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with donor databases and event management software preferred.
Creative problem‑solver with the ability to adapt quickly and stay calm under pressure.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and stand for extended periods during events.
Credentials and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or related field; or equivalent work experience.
Typically, 3–5 years of experience in event planning, preferably within a nonprofit fundraising context, is needed to have sufficient experience to be successful in an organization of this size and complexity.
Proven success managing budgets, vendors, and sponsorship relationships.
Special Requirements
Requires flexibility with schedule to accommodate needs of the organization.
Successful evaluation of a background check.
The majority of CSO’s fundraising and public events take place in the evenings and on weekends. This position requires availability to work evenings and weekends as necessary.
Must have reliable transportation for off‑site meetings.
CSO’s EEO Statement The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CSO does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status.
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The Opportunity
Do you thrive on creating exceptional experiences that connect people to a cause?
Are you a detail-oriented planner who loves turning ideas into meaningful, mission-driven events?
Do you excel at balancing creativity, logistics, and relationship-building in a fast-paced environment?
If so, this is your opportunity to play a key role in advancing the mission of the Columbus Symphony by leading the strategy, planning, and execution of fundraising and engagement events that inspire generosity and deepen community connection.
Primary Function The Special Events Manager, a member of the Development team reporting to the Chief Development Officer, is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of all fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship events and receptions, including the annual gala that support the mission of the Columbus Symphony. This position ensures that each event delivers an exceptional guest experience, meets fundraising and relationship goals, and aligns with the organization’s strategic priorities. The Special Events Manager collaborates closely with development, marketing, and operations teams as well as volunteers and vendors to bring events from concept to completion.
Duties, Responsibilities, and Key Performance Objectives First Month
Learn the Columbus Symphony’s event portfolio, budget, and donor engagement goals.
Meet with the Chief Development Officer, development team members, marketing staff, and event volunteers to understand current event processes and areas for improvement.
Review vendor relationships, sponsorship packages, and event management system; document and share recommendations with supervisor.
First 6 Months
Event Planning and Execution:
Plan, organize, and manage all aspects of special events, including the annual Gala, donor/volunteer appreciation events, stakeholder programs, and fundraising initiatives.
Develop event timelines, budgets, and work plans to ensure goals are achieved on time and within budget.
Work with outside consultant/s to ensure execution of signature events.
Measures of Success: Events executed on schedule and within ±5% of budget; post-event satisfaction rating of 90%+ among attendees and stakeholders.
Fundraising and Sponsorship Development:
Collaborate with development team to secure corporate sponsorships, in‑kind donations, and event revenue.
Assist in creating sponsorship proposals, benefit packages, and follow‑up reports.
Ensure all sponsor benefits are fulfilled and recognized appropriately.
Measures of Success: Achieves or exceeds event fundraising targets; 90% sponsor renewal or satisfaction rate.
Event Marketing and Promotion:
Partner with the marketing and communications team to develop event branding, invitations, and digital campaigns.
Oversee guest lists and RSVPs, ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees.
Measures of Success: Event attendance goals met or exceeded; positive feedback on marketing materials and event communications.
Volunteer and Staff Coordination:
Liaise with volunteer groups including the League, the Friends, and Picnic with the Pops volunteers.
Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers and staff support for event operations.
Provide clear guidance, roles, and on‑site leadership.
Measures of Success: 100% volunteer roles filled by event date; positive feedback from volunteers and staff post‑event.
First Year
Lead the successful execution of the Symphony’s annual Gala and other signature events, demonstrating measurable impact in donor engagement and fundraising outcomes.
Establish standardized event planning and evaluation processes for continuous improvement.
Contribute innovative ideas that enhance donor cultivation and brand visibility across all events.
Measures of Success: Document and evaluate all events to ensure best practices, with a 2.5:1 or greater return on investment (ROI).
Other Duties
Serve as a key ambassador for the Columbus Symphony, promoting the mission and vision at events and in the community.
Provide occasional support for concerts, community programs, or special initiatives as assigned.
Evening and weekend hours required for event execution.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain an exhaustive listing of duties, responsibilities, and key performance objectives that are expected of the employee. These items may change, or new job‑related items may be assigned from time to time.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and customer service orientation.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with donor databases and event management software preferred.
Creative problem‑solver with the ability to adapt quickly and stay calm under pressure.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and stand for extended periods during events.
Credentials and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or related field; or equivalent work experience.
Typically, 3–5 years of experience in event planning, preferably within a nonprofit fundraising context, is needed to have sufficient experience to be successful in an organization of this size and complexity.
Proven success managing budgets, vendors, and sponsorship relationships.
Special Requirements
Requires flexibility with schedule to accommodate needs of the organization.
Successful evaluation of a background check.
The majority of CSO’s fundraising and public events take place in the evenings and on weekends. This position requires availability to work evenings and weekends as necessary.
Must have reliable transportation for off‑site meetings.
CSO’s EEO Statement The Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CSO does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status.
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