Associate Vice President of Events

Job Description

Job Description

Associate Vice President of Events (Regular, Full-Time)

Events

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Events oversees the conceptualization, design, and management of all donor events, exhibition openings, campaign events, and museum fundraisers—both on and off LACMA’s campus. In addition, the AVP of Events manages LACMA’s facility rental program.

This position plays a key role in ensuring that LACMA continues to offer a distinctive and comprehensive event program that cultivates and engages donors and guests. This individual will be a strong partner in planning and executing all events surrounding the opening of the David Geffen Galleries, as well as in creating and implementing events of all sizes following the opening in April 2026.

The AVP of Events will also be responsible for developing and launching a robust facility rental program in conjunction with the opening of the David Geffen Galleries. In addition, this role oversees the museum’s events team.

Responsibilities :

Leads and mentors the events team, setting clear goals and foster a culture of creativity, accountability and collaboration

Conceives, designs and executes / oversees / supervises team on all Development related events, including but not limited to annual fundraising galas, acquisition dinners, Director’s Circle meetings and events, Curator’s Circle meetings and events, salons, lender’s lunches and dinners for exhibitions, board meetings and board dinners, membership events, Director’s Series Conversations, Director’s office events, Night Out at LACMA, leadership dinners, Holiday Parties and additional events as needed. Approx. 250 events annually

Leads the development and production of Collectors Committee, Art + Film and other annual fundraisers.

Participates in prospect identification and the development of solicitation materials for gala support and underwriting.

Supervises financial reporting for revenue and expenses.

Manages complex vendor negotiations and contracts.

Oversees staff / manages every aspect of the events from budget, creation and organization of invitation lists, invitation design, location and layout, timelines, event production and design, menu planning, staff scheduling.

Provides top level management of corporate rental program.

Leads planning and execution of the events associated with Building LACMA, the opening of the David Geffen Galleries.

Collaborates with department heads and support teams throughout the museum to discuss priorities and develop a strategic plan around programs.

Ensures quality control of department’s 250 events annually and that they reflect the museum’s values.

Analyzes the facilities rental program and develop a robust revenue producing program for LACMA’s new campus.

Provides financial oversight of departmental budgets $1M+. Budget forecasting and strategic planning / programming including working with Annual Giving, Education, Membership and Exhibitions on program dates.

Stays current with trends in event design, sustainability and technology.

Establishes and maintains best practices for event planning, production schedules, guest management and post event reporting.

Acts as liaison between the Development department and various departments within the Museum to execute events.

Performs other duties or special projects as assigned.

Benefits :

The expected annual salary for this Los Angeles, CA based position is $130,000 - $140,000 subject to change, and the position is eligible for LACMA’s comprehensive benefits package, including pension plan.

LACMA is committed to providing its employees with valuable and competitive benefits as a core part of a strong overall employee experience.

Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Nonprofit Management, Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing, Communications, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree in a related discipline is preferred.

Minimum 8 years of experience working on large / complex events and budget management, of which includes at least 5 years of management and supervisory experience.

Significant experience conceiving of and executing large scale fundraisers for non profit organizations.

In depth understanding of event logistics and management.

Creative thinker with an ability to partner with curatorial, education and development teams to introduce fresh ideas to LACMA’s event programming.

Ability to create and implement long term strategic event plans for LACMA.