Senior Director of Special Events

Summary/Objective

Job Description

About the BSO

The BSO engages millions of people each year in the remarkable diversity and wonder of orchestral music and maintains homes at its iconic venues, Boston’s Symphony Hall and Tanglewood in Western Massachusetts. From the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Charles River Esplanade to community concerts throughout Greater Boston, an annual BSO Youth and Family series at Symphony Hall, humanities programs at the Tanglewood Learning Institute, and tour performances in concert halls around the world, the BSO remains committed to innovation, creativity, cultural relevance, education, civic engagement, and making orchestral music accessible to audiences of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of familiarity.

About the Role

The Senior Director of Special Events is central to the BSO’s mission of fostering a vibrant community of supporters through well-planned and executed events that drive its fundraising efforts. The Senior Director of Special Events will play a critical role in the BSO’s Development efforts as a dynamic leader responsible for establishing clear goals and strategic plans for all development events, ensuring alignment with the organization's broader fundraising objectives. As the in-house expert on event planning, the Senior Director of Special Events will oversee the logistics and execution of events across multiple locations, including Boston and Tanglewood, while leading cross-departmental meetings to ensure a cohesive approach. The Senior Director of Special Events will inspire and manage a team of event professionals, fostering an environment of growth, engagement, and a commitment to excellence. The Senior Director of Special Events will collaborate closely with the Boston Symphony Orchestra Association of Volunteers Director and staff to coordinate volunteer efforts; develop and maintain comprehensive event timelines; and serve as the primary liaison with key stakeholders. Additionally, the Senior Director of Special Events will partner with the Marketing Office to produce high-quality promotional materials; ensure accurate tracking of event participants; and manage the events program budget. With a focus on continuous improvement, the Senior Director of Special Events will uphold the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and innovation in all event-related activities, while maintaining a strategic three- to five-year events plan while documenting procedures to ensure consistency across all events.

Key Responsibilities of the Role

• Establish clear goals and strategic plans for all development events, ensuring alignment with the BSO’s broader fundraising objectives.
• Serve as the in-house expert for event planning, overseeing the logistics and execution of all Development events across various locations, including Boston and Tanglewood.
• Lead cross-departmental meetings, bringing together stakeholders across the BSO and beyond to ensure a cohesive and unified approach to event planning and execution.
• Inspire and manage a team of event professionals, fostering an environment that encourages professional growth, high engagement, and a strong commitment to the BSO.
• Implement training and professional development programs, set clear performance expectations, and provide regular feedback to ensure excellence in execution.
• Work closely with the Boston Symphony Orchestra Association of Volunteers Director and staff to effectively mobilize and coordinate volunteer efforts for major events such as Opening Nights.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive timelines and planning logistics for all events, assessing and prioritizing projects in consultation with Program Directors.
• Act as the Development department’s primary liaison with donors, trustees, life trustees, and advisors emeriti.
• Uphold standards of quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in all event-related activities, continually seeking opportunities for improvement and innovation.
• Partner with the Marketing Office and external vendors to develop and produce high-quality event invitations and promotional materials.
• Ensure accurate tracking and recording of all event participants in Tessitura in collaboration with the Development Services department.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive events plan with a three- to five-year strategic timeline.
• Establish and document procedures and systems for effective event tracking and management.
• Create and update a BSO Events Guidelines document for consistency and quality across all events.
• Manage and oversee the events program budget, aligning it with financial goals and objectives.
• Build and maintain a high-performing, highly engaged team of event professionals that consistently deliver excellence in execution and demonstrate strong commitment.

Required Education and Experience

The successful candidate for this position will have:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred.
• At least five years of experience in event planning and management experience preferred.
• A commitment to the BSO's mission of maintaining an organization dedicated to top-tier musical artistry, performance, and educational excellence.
• A strong background in fundraising, arts institutions, and nonprofit events.
• An ability to work effectively with high-level stakeholders, including trustees, decision-makers, and top-level volunteers.
• Experience managing, developing, and motivating direct reports and teams.
• Exceptional strategic planning and organizational skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• An ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• An ability to perform under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Effectiveness as a strong team player with excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated interest in arts and culture.
• Willingness to work evening and weekends.
• Position requires time on the Tanglewood Campus in the Berkshires in the summer months.

Boston Symphony Orchestra has partnered with Aspen Leadership Group in the search for a Senior Director of Special Events. You may view the position prospectus or submit an application via this link: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/2105.

The BSO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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