Development Manager Special Events

Development Manager - Special Events

Posted June 12th, 2025

It's an exciting time to join The Phoenix Symphony as we approach our 2025-2026 season. As one of the greater Phoenix area's largest and most iconic cultural institutions, we seek dynamic, outgoing, goal-oriented team members to join our institution to help propel the Symphony into its next phase of artistic and organizational growth. Please see the position description for more information and instructions on how to apply.

Job Title: Development Manager - Special Events

Reports to: Associate Vice President of Development

Classification: Exempt __X__ Non-exempt _____ Hourly _____ (Check one)

Regular __X__ Temporary _____ (Check one)

Full-time __X___ Part-time _____ (Check one)

Employment is At-Will - either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without notice.

Purpose of the Position: To support revenue generation through special events

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Essential Functions:

With or without reasonable accommodation, and under general supervision, an employee must be able to perform the Essential Functions of this position, which include:

Fundraising and Stewardship Event Management

Oversee all special event logistics, including, but not limited to:

Creation and implementation of detailed event project timelines

Weekly monitoring and preparation of event progress reports

Securing venues and assembling all event materials and collateral

Gathering vendor quotes and securing vendors upon approval from AVP

Creating detailed hour-by-hour event agendas and run-of-shows

Cultivating and managing volunteer engagement for event support

Plan and execute logistics for two major fundraising events and several smaller receptions and donor lounge experiences, including guest list management, catering coordination, BEOs, invitation tracking, and on-site event management

Serve as the customer service liaison for all signature events, ensuring high-touch communication with guests before and after each event

Data Management & Reporting

Serve as the event database expert, ensuring accurate and timely input of all event-related activities, including:

Ticket and sponsorship sales

Guest registrations and RSVPs

Auction and in-kind tracking

Payment processing and acknowledgments

Track and report on event revenue, expenses, and in-kind contributions on a weekly basis

Prepare agendas and meeting minutes for special events committee meetings

Budget & Revenue Growth

Collaborate with the AVP of Development to manage and monitor event budgets, ensuring expenses remain within prescribed limits

Identify and recruit in-kind sponsors or underwriters for goods and services to reduce event costs

Work closely with the Development team to increase participation, expand donor pipelines, and meet or exceed fundraising goals related to events

Collateral & Communications

Assist in the creation of all event-related collateral, including invitations, programs, signage, and name tags, in collaboration with the Marketing team and external vendors

Ensure brand consistency and quality across all printed and digital materials

Support pre- and post-event communications, including reminders, confirmations, and thank-you messaging to guests and sponsors

The Essential Functions listed are representative, not exhaustive; some may be added, deleted, and/or modified, as organizational needs change.

Qualifications:

Knowledge/Skills

Demonstrated experience managing large-scale fundraising events from start to finish

Strong organizational and project management skills with high attention to detail

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Passion for the performing arts and commitment to the mission of The Phoenix Symphony

Computer Skills

Proficient with CRM/database systems (One Cause and/or Audience View experience preferred), Microsoft Office Suite, and event platforms

The desired list of Qualifications is representative, not exhaustive; some may be added, deleted, and/or modified, as organizational needs change.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Marketing, Communications, or related field (CMP preferred)

Experience

3-5 years of special events experience, preferably in a non-profit or arts environment

An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by the event schedule

Ability to utilize a computer keyboard (typing) and sit for extended periods of the workday

Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs.

May be required to sit and/or stand for long periods throughout events.

Exposure to loud noise.

The description of Working Conditions and Physical Demands is representative, not exhaustive; some may be added, deleted, and/or modified, as organizational needs change.

Compensation:

Salary will depend upon experience.

Benefits:

The Phoenix Symphony offers employees generous paid personal time off (PTO); paid holidays; health, dental, and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability; and group life insurance. Employees may also opt to participate in a retirement program, when eligible.

Apply:

Interested and qualified persons should submit the following for consideration:

Cover letter that includes specific description of technical skills

Resume

Three (3) professional references

Please also tell us on which website you found our job opportunity.

Please send to ....

The Phoenix Symphony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity, and people of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran or disability status, or other non-merit factors.