Director of Special Events

The Director of Special Events is a high-impact role responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive, multi-channel fundraising and engagement strategy to secure at least $5M in annual revenue through fundraising events. This role is both strategic and execution-focused, requiring strong leadership, judgment, and the ability to operate at a senior level with trustees, major donors, and executive leadership. The primary focus is maximizing revenue through galas, high-level cultivation events, and institutional stewardship initiatives. This role also oversees the planning and execution of all fundraising and cultivation events for both the annual and capital campaign efforts; and leads the execution of large-scale organizational openings and milestones to support FHL’s fundraising efforts. Fundraising events include a signature 500-650 person annual Spring Benefit and the annual 250-person High Line Art Dinner, as well as luncheons, lectures, tours and cocktail receptions.  The Director reports to the Chief Advancement Officer.

Responsibilities 

• Organizing and executing the annual Spring Benefit and High Line Art Dinner generating more than $5M annually
• Lead the planning and execution of events tied organizational milestones, as well as cultivation and stewardship events.
• Securing corporate and individual sponsorships and underwriting for the Benefits
• Implementing a strategy for planning, managing, and executing a consistent series of donor cultivation and stewardship events built for growth of priority audiences
• Enhancing fundraising opportunities for current events and identify new events with revenue potential
• Developing and tracking event budgets and overall planning timelines
• Set and monitor revenue/expense targets for all events, ensuring a high ROI, and produce regular reports on progress to goal
• Overseeing the management of  event communications, including web and print materials, invitation designs and mailings, and printed programs 
• Work to recruit, train, and manage high-level honorees and volunteer committees to leverage their networks for sponsorship and ticket sales
• Actively maintain a portfolio of honoree prospects and event leadership prospects, focusing on building long-term relationships and moving them through the pipeline through continued stewardship and engagement.
• Overseeing the compilation and management of solicitation and invitation lists and appropriate research
• Overseeing the reconciliation of revenue and expenses with Finance Department; ensuring the timely collection of pledged gifts for fundraising events
• Management of outside vendors and negotiation of contracts with competitive pricing
• Serving as project lead for events that involve external stakeholders like government partners, such as ribbon cuttings and other opening events
• Overseeing a staff of one, Special Events Manager, and empowering them to meet ambitious goals
• Advancing a multi-year approach to cultivation of a pipeline of future honoree prospects and developing ways to engage them in the work of FHL
• Providing consistent coaching, feedback, delegation, and development opportunities to build team capacity and readiness for increased responsibility.
• Collaborating closely with Individual and Institutional Giving teams to align events with donor cultivation strategies, stewardship plans, and revenue projections.
• Using data, post-event analysis, and donor insights to continuously refine event strategy and improve performance year over year.

Requirements

Qualifications

• A minimum of seven to ten years fundraising experience relevant to the responsibilities outlined in job description; proven track record of fundraising 
• Experience planning and executing highly successful fundraising galas and other events
• Must be self-motivated, energetic, and highly organized team player
• Demonstrated ability to pay absolute attention to detail and to manage volunteers, vendors, and sponsors
• Outstanding writing and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and fundraising software 
• Ability to work extended hours and occasional weekends as needed
• Bachelor’s degree is required
• Experience with Raisers Edge preferred
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and competing deadlines

This is a full-time exempt position with a salary range of $118,000 - $125,000, based upon experience and qualifications.

The location for the role remains hybrid, with a requirement to physically report to the office a minimum of 3 days per week (located in Manhattan's Meatpacking District in New York City).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave
• 20 Vacation days, 7 sick days, and 10 paid holidays with floating holidays & Winter Fridays, Discounts Citi Bike Membership
• Discounts with vendors at the High Line & around the Meatpacking neighborhood
• Free entrance to the Whitney Museum
• Supplemental short-term disability insurance and paid life insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Contribution in a 403(b) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Growth & Development

About Friends of the High Line:

The High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. We’re devoted to reimagining public spaces to create connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities through our work with communities on and off the High Line. Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through the gardens, view art, experience a performance, enjoy food or beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City. Nearly 100% of our annual budget comes through donations. The High Line is owned by the City of New York, and we operate under a license agreement with NYC Parks.

EEO Statement:

The High Line is guided by a series of values through which we make decisions, including hiring. These values include proactively creating access points for all people, regardless of age, sex, color, creed, race, income, country of origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

As part of our commitment to living up to these values and advancing equity within our organization and through our work, we are committed to an equitable hiring process. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with a broad range of lived experiences. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.

If you have a disability and need help with the application process:

• Email peopleandculture@thehighline.org to request accommodations (like alternative formats, extra time, etc.)

Important clarification:

• This email is ONLY for requesting disability accommodations
• Resumes sent to this email won't receive special treatment in the selection process
• The only special consideration will be providing the specific accommodation you need to complete the application fairly