Director of Special Events

JOB TITLE : Director of Special Events

DEPARTMENT : Development

REPORTS TO : Vice President for Development

ABOUT NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Founded in 1804, the New-York Historical Society is one of America's preeminent cultural institutions and the first museum in New York City.

Located across from Central Park in the heart of the vibrant Upper West Side, New-York Historical is a beautiful landmark building that accommodates a wide variety of events.

With an impressive collection of artwork and artifacts showcasing America's history through the lens of New York, and engaging exhibitions that reveal the impact of history on our lives today, New-York Historical offers a striking and sophisticated setting for entertaining.

We are excited to welcome event guests both local to New York and from around the globe. Proceeds from our rental program support the New-York Historical Society and its programs.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Special Events leads a team of staff focused on the booking and execution of external rental events taking place at the New-York Historical Society.

Reporting to the Vice President for Development, this position will primarily focus on the sales and marketing of external events, and the successful execution of such events in order to achieve ambitious, annual revenue goals.

The Director of Special Events will also assist in the ideation and execution of internal fundraising events.

This is a full-time, exempt position with a base 35 hour per week schedule; however, this person will need to work early and / or late hours, long days, and on nights and weekends based on the events schedule.

Some travel may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Identify and pursue opportunities to increase the rental client base and market awareness for external event opportunities;
• Cultivate relationships with potential clients, and strengthen relationships with existing clients;
• Lead clients and staff through the event cycle from initial inquiry, contract execution, event planning, and day-of-event execution;
• Oversee and coordinate day-of-event production with external client, internal staff, and outside vendors to ensure successful event operations;
• Work collaboratively with internal departments regarding scheduling, event logistics, security, maintenance, A / V, and all other operational needs;
• Manage relationships with all event vendors working at the museum, and with New-York Historical's exclusive catering partner;
• In collaboration with Development staff and other colleagues, conceive and execute cultivation events and other opportunities to engage prospective donors and build relationships with them, including Dinners with History and similar small-scale, high touch events;
• In collaboration with other Development staff, leadership, and external consultants, provide major planning and logistics support for annual fundraising events including the annual Gala, Weekend with History events in New York and Palm Beach, and other similar events;
• Additional duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent;
• Minimum of seven years of special event rental experience with increasing responsibility, with a proven track record of managing a diverse array of events;
• Strong sales background with experience in events marketing;
• Demonstrated experiencing leading and managing staff;
• Highly collaborative, communicative and transparent, with the ability to build and maintain strong and effective internal and external relationships;
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgement;
• Diplomacy, tact, and the ability to skillfully handle situations;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee with or without accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

At times, this is a sedentary role using a computer; however, some filing or shelving is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stoop as necessary.

The ability to lead tours through the museum is also required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The expected salary range for this position is $125,000 - $145,000. The successful candidate will be offered a salary within this range based on specific factors such as their individual qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations.

New-York Historical Society provides a generous benefits package for eligible employees to support their health and wellbeing, which includes :

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick and personal days, and holidays observed by the Museum;
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance;
• Short and long-term disability coverage options;
• 403(b) retirement plan with eligibility for employer contributions following one year of full-time service;
• Flexible spending accounts for health-related expenses, dependent care, and parking and transit expenses;
• Employee Assistance Program for all employees and their families;
• 20% discount at the NYHistory Store, Cafe 77 and Clara restaurant, located within the Museum;
• Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions across the city.

COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY

To ensure the overall health and safety of the New-York Historical Society community, all newly hired employees of the New-York Historical Society are required to be fully-vaccinated with an FDA or WHO approved vaccine against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, absent qualifying exemptions for medical, religious, or other reasons in accordance with all applicable laws.

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications.

We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.

The New-York Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.