Director of Special Events – The Menil Collection

Department: Advancement
Reports to: Director of Advancement
Status: Full-time, exempt from overtime
Work location: Onsite
General Responsibilities
The Director of Special Events oversees the planning, marketing, and execution of all Menil Collection
fundraising events, including Party in the Park, the Spring Fundraising Event, and the Menil Gala, held
once every five years. The Director of Special Events oversees all Board and Charmstone Circle events,
Corporate and Membership events, exhibition dinners, and prospect events,
Specific Duties

1. Plan and execute annual fundraising events and lead fundraising efforts to meet or exceed
   financial goals.

• Creatively work with event chairs on event design, details, and fundraising efforts
• Work with the Office of the Director, Director of Advancement, and other colleagues in
  Advancement and/or other museum departments on event leadership, concept, strategy,
  and execution
• Manage prospecting, cultivation, and stewardship of event donors, including outreach
  and acknowledgments
• Track event income
• Proactively contact event prospects as appropriate to secure maximum revenue
• Collaborate with the Corporate Giving Officer on corporate sponsorships for fundraisers
• Create successful marketing timelines and plans

1. Manage details of fundraising and other Advancement events, including but not limited to:

• Event design and timelines
• Hire and manage vendors
• Create and manage event budgets; track and monitor all event expenditures
• Collaborate with the Menil's Senior Graphic Designer and printer to produce invitations
  and other printed collateral
• Develop and circulate guest lists
• Track RSVPs and manage assigned seating
• Manage event execution

1. When appropriate, prospect, cultivate, and steward in-kind donors for Menil events.
2. Manage the museum's master events calendar; ensure strategic scheduling of events.
3. Collaborate with colleagues within the Advancement Department to develop strategic member
   and patron events.
4. Manage and supervise Special Events Coordinator and Member Events Coordinator.
   Qualifications
5. Bachelor's Degree and at least five years of event planning experience, preferably with a nonprofit organization.
6. Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple priorities and projects.
7. Self-motivated, highly organized, and deadline-driven. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced
   environment.
8. Excellent communication and time management skills are essential.
9. Ability to manage staff effectively and positively and collaborate with and motivate staff who are
   not direct reports.
10. Ability to understand vendor contracts and negotiate fees as necessary.
11. Exceptional customer service and relationship management skills.
12. Ability to work independently on various projects and tasks.
13. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and database
    experience, preferably Raiser's Edge.
14. Ability to produce a work product that exhibits a high degree of detail and accuracy.
15. Strong follow-through skills and problem-solving skills.
16. Ability to maintain confidentiality, a high level of discretion, and a professional demeanor.
17. Available to work nights and weekends for events and deadlines as needed.
    Benefits
    The position comes with a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation and sick time,
    medical and dental insurance, life insurance, AD&D, and LTD coverage. Employees may also participate
    in the Menil's 401(k) plan and receive an employer contribution equivalent to 5% of wages earned after
    one year on the job.
    How to Apply
    For immediate consideration, please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]
    You also have the option of forwarding your application materials via postal mail to:
    Human Resources Department
    The Menil Collection
    1511 Branard Street
    Houston, Texas 77006
    The Menil Collection is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks diversity in its workforce. The Menil
    is committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees without
    regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status,
    sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or
    local laws.