Overview

Temporary until August 31, 2028, with the opportunity to become a permanent position.  

Roundabout Theatre Company, the nation’s largest not-for-profit theatre, is seeking a motivated and organized individual to join our Development department as Special Events Manager.

The Special Events Manager is a full-time, year-round position tasked with envisioning, creating and executing cultivation events that help inspire and engage donors. Additionally, this position is part of the team working on revenue-generating events such as one-night only Benefit performances and the annual Gala. The right candidate will be able to lead (both internally and externally) and collaborate with colleagues across the company and in Roundabout’s various theatres. The position reports to the Associate Director of Special Events. The position is temporary until August 31, 2028, with the opportunity to become a permanent position

This is some of what the Special Events Manager will do:

  • Lead coordinator on all major donor cultivation events, including events in Board member’s homes and special cultivation events in Roundabout theatres and in off-site venues.
  • Manage invitation mailings for donor events.
  • Collaborate with and provides direct support to the Chief Advancement Office and Director of Leadership Giving on development and execution of events aimed to inspire leadership giving
  • Provide direct support to Board, Leadership Council, and major donors on all aspects of major donor events.
  • Coordinate with Graphic Designer on event invitations and design needs for events.
  • Create timelines for events and distribute event packets and memos as needed.
  • Assist in coordinating RSVP logistics, including seating and guest lists, and tracking attendance in Tessitura.
  • Develop and maintain budgets.
  • Solicit in-kind donations for events.
  • Serve as liaison between vendors and guests before and during events.
  • Create and coordinate theatre staff needs and volunteer responsibilities at events.
  • Coordinate copy, journal ads, and content for the Gala Journal.
  • Perform other administrative duties as needed.

This is some of what the Special Events Manager should bring:  

5+ years’ experience in development, event planning or other not-for-profit institution. Must have excellent customer service and written and verbal communication skills (language skills required: English) as well as strong database management skills. Budgeting skills required. Demonstrated success planning both large and small scale events.

Experience with CRM database; knowledge of Tessitura preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook required. Experience with Photoshop and InDesign is a plus. 

In addition to the necessary technical skills, the right candidate will demonstrate strong organization skills, attention to detail, and the ability to balance competing projects and timelines. The candidate should work well both independently and, in a collaborative, team environment. The candidate must have the ability to work and maintain poise under pressure, as well as interact with Board and Executive leadership. Must also be comfortable interacting directly with donors, both over the phone and in person at special events. Some evening and weekend work required. Some moderate lifting required with or without reasonable accommodation.