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Director of Special Events

Brooklyn Academy of Music
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 19 Mar 2026
💰 $120,000/yr($110,000/yr$120,000/yr)

About the role

Job DetailsJob Location: Peter Jay Sharp Building - Brooklyn, NY 11217Position Type: Full-TimeSalary Range: $110,000.00 - $120,000.00 SalaryJob Category: Special EventsBrooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a multi-disciplinary arts center located in Brooklyn, New York. For more than 150 years, BAM has been the home for adventurous artists, audiences, and ideas—engaging both global and local communities. With world-renowned programming in theater, dance, music, opera, film, and much more, BAM showcases the work of emerging artists and innovative modern masters.

 

 

The Director of Special Events will oversee the special events team and strategically manage BAM’s fundraising and donor cultivation events in collaboration with the Vice President of Advancement to achieve the special events revenue goal and overall donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship goals. The ideal candidate will strategically manage and execute all fundraising & cultivation events, manage a forward-looking special events calendar, driving cross-functional conversations and partnerships as needed, partner on donor, sponsorship, and event leadership relationships, liaise directly with key donors on high-touch development initiatives and events, including BAM board members and major donors, and oversee Special Events Budget, which includes generating revenue reports.

 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

 


Plans annual BAM fundraisers in coordination with the BAM President and VP of Advancement, along with board members and members of the Advancement team
Leads the planning and execution of stewardship and cultivation events for donors from household members through major donors and corporations in collaboration with the Advancement Directors
Manage event communications with creative / marketing teams in coordination with Advancement Directors
Create and monitor event expense and revenue budgets, which include generating regular revenue reports on fundraising events
Support guest list management and the creation of seating charts
Supervises and supports the Special Events Manager in day-of execution of events
Ensures accuracy in Tessitura, maintaining solicitation records as needed, and managing the Special Events Manager in keeping records up to date
Manage Special Events Manager and per diem staff as needed

Qualifications

Minimum 10 years of experience in fundraising events leadership
Experience with New York City-based events is essential
Excellent attention to detail
Exceptional judgment skills
Team player
Consistently demonstrates respect for inclusion, diversity, and ethics
Ability to handle confidential and highly sensitive information
Ability to take ownership to minimize errors; ability to communicate corrections or changes in a proactive and productive manner
Excellent project management skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate proactively regarding project status, barriers, and possible solutions
Comfortable with change, and able to react productively and resolve conflicts quickly
Ability to accurately apply professional knowledge, skills, expertise, and judgment to achieve excellent customer service in all interactions
Excellent interpersonal skills

 

Compensation: The salary for this role is $110K - $120K. This position is full-time, exempt, and eligible for benefits. BAM provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan opportunities including both 401(k) and pension plans, as well as BAM-related benefits including access to BAM's fantastic programming. 

 

Working conditions: Administrative Work (Category 1):

The employee sits most of the time yet may occasionally move around the office, uses fingers and hands, engages in frequent oral communication, and has close visual acuity to perform activities such as viewing a computer and preparation of data and figures.
Hybrid Schedule

Application Instructions: Must complete an online application through BAM's website  - no phone calls, emails or walk-ins, please. 

Internal Applicants must apply through BAM's website 

Employees must meet all of the following criteria to be considered for an interview: 

Completed at least 1 year of continuous, active service in current position. (Positions excluded include, but are not limited to, temporary assignments, and probationary employees) 
Meet the experience and skills requirements as outlined in the job post 
Be employed in the current position for at least one year 
Performed in a satisfactory manner without any corrective actions in the last 12 months 

 

 

 

Brooklyn Academy of Music is an Equal Opportunity Employer. BAM recognizes that historic institutional practices lead to a non-inclusive environment and is working to address diversity and inclusion in all forms. Individuals in BAM are experiencing their own pace during this process, which is

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Company

Brooklyn Academy of Music

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