Job Description

Special Events Manager

Status: Full-time Exempt, based on 37.5 hours per week minimum

salary: $92,000-$95,000 annual salary.

Reports To: Executive Director

Who We Are

🎭 We're Hiring! Join San Francisco Opera Guild and help us give voice to potential .

San Francisco Opera Guild is an arts organization dedicated to giving voice to potential—engaging with the community, recognizing emerging authentic voices through the practice of music and storytelling, and supporting young artists in developing their worldview, artistic expression, and leadership skills.

At San Francisco Opera Guild, we believe that participation in the performing arts leads to deep appreciation of beauty and diverse points of view. Our programs help young people grow into curious and caring citizens with a strong sense of self and empathy for others.

Since 1939, we have developed and implemented award-winning education and engagement programs that extend the impact of opera. Each year, we reach over 70,000 K-12 students across 150 Bay Area schools with programs designed to connect students of all ages with music and storytelling. We are committed to engaging all communities in our mission and no school is turned away for lack of funds. Over 40% of our schools receive scholarship support.

We're looking for passionate individuals who believe in the power of the performing arts to transform lives. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, flex accounts and life insurance.

If you're ready to make a meaningful impact through the arts, we’d love to hear from you.

About the job

As Special Events Manager you are responsible for the planning, management and effective execution of high-level special events with an emphasis on fundraising success, event strategy, creativity, guest experience, and donor stewardship.

San Francisco Opera Guild produces some of the major events in San Francisco, including Opera Ball, An Evening on the Stage and an annual Fashion Show.

This Role Is Right For You If

• You have proven success at managing high level fundraising events and galas
• You are a lover of music and theater and are familiar with the arts world in the San Francisco Bay Area
• You believe in the power of the arts to transform young people
• You know the principles of fundraising
• You have demonstrated success at prospecting, cultivating and stewarding event teams, sponsors and participants
• You have excellent communication and organization skills and are comfortable with managing event budgets, working with volunteers and setting timelines and milestones and using data to affect positive outcomes
• You have outstanding interpersonal skills and like working with a wide range of people

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• 3-5 years of proven experience in managing events and growing revenue
• Confident, goal-oriented, positive self-starter, able to work independently with limited supervision and collaboratively with internal and external partners
• Demonstrated ability to develop and nurture corporate relationships and partnerships
• Ability to manage large numbers of volunteers at different levels of expertise with diplomacy
• Ability to work with diverse communities and demonstrate inclusion
• Excellent interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication and follow-through
• Ability work evenings and weekends as dictated by event schedules
• Ability and willingness to work some evenings and weekends as required for committee meetings, Walk and wraparound events
• Ability to bend, stoop, lift and transport up to 25 lbs. of materials
• Strong computer skills; Proficiency with Microsoft Office, databases, Google platforms, Adobe Creative Suite
• Comfortable with public speaking
• Attention to detail
• Creative and original thinker and problem solver

Responsibilities

• Serve as project leader on all events
• Develop event fundraising strategies and work to grow revenue
• Through direct and team efforts, raise at least $1.2M per year through special events
• Manage event logistics - provide onsite event management
• Manage relationships with vendors and negotiate contracts
• Oversee vendor partners to ensure timely and efficient management of all operational aspects of special event production
• Create and manage revenue and expense budgets
• Cultivate and secure event cash sponsors, in-kind donations, auction items
• Write persuasive solicitation letters, funding proposals, and presentations to individuals and corporate partners
• Work with event chairs to determine fundraising event strategies and involve them in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship process
• Create and manage effective communications with supporters and prospects to maximize fundraising opportunities
• Work closely and collaboratively with Guild Events Associate, San Francisco Opera Guild Board of Directors and San Francisco Opera staff
• Act as an ambassador for the organization in all interactions with patrons, vendors, Board of Directors and staff
• Set meetings and agendas and lead meetings, send periodic communications, respond to committee members' needs, and work with committee members to increase their participation.
• Manage events database and track event reservations - postal mail and online – and maintain event data spreadsheets
• Organize and manage event seating process

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum of three year’s experience in special events management and fundraising
• Thorough knowledge of practices and principles of fundraising
• Thorough knowledge of special events management is required, and knowledge of fundraising galas is highly preferred
• Knowledge of the performing arts preferred, appreciation for the arts and their role in the community required
• Advanced knowledge of the Bay Area performing arts donor community is preferred
• Knowledge of general office practices and procedures, including efficient recordkeeping
• Creative and original thinker and problem solver
• Ability to sustain productivity and accuracy under pressure
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
• Ability to manage multiple, competing priorities successfully
• Ability to produce accurate work products
• Ability to work independently; prioritize tasks; and exercise good judgment and initiative
• Outstanding project management and organizational skills, with a high-level attention to detail
• Advanced written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies.
• Advanced organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills, including skills in creative and effective decision-making and problem solving, and strong project management skills.
• Polished public manner and outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to work well with a wide range of people - Board of Directors, Executive staff, donors and event patrons - in a diplomatic, professional, confidential and tactful manner
• Comfortable with public speaking
• Ability to supervise staff and volunteers with a positive, teams-oriented attitude
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as dictated by event schedules
• Excellent clerical and computer skills required, including proficiency with MS Word and Excel; working knowledge of Filemaker Pro or similar database, plus Google platforms and Adobe Creative Suite
• Must perform the functions of the position in a safe manner
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.

TO APPLY:

Send cover letter, resume and references to GuildEmployment@sfopera.com

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