The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our more than 125-year history, the Walker has become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country, known for innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art spanning the visual, performing, and media arts.

The Associate Director of Benefit Events leads the strategy, planning, and execution of the Walker Art Center’s signature fundraising event, Avant Garden. This premier annual benefit welcomes more than 1,000 guests and generates up to $1 million in net revenue in support of the Walker’s mission. The Associate Director of Benefit Events is responsible for delivering a world-class donor and guest experience while achieving ambitious fundraising and engagement goals.

This position works collaboratively with Avant Garden Committee Co-Chairs, a team of volunteers, donors, and staff within the Development and Membership Department, as well as colleagues across the Walker—including the Executive Director’s Office, Visual Arts curatorial team, Registration, Exhibition Installation, Event Production, Marketing, Finance, and Visitor Services. The role also partners closely with vendors, contractors, and other external partners critical to the success of the event.

The Associate Director of Benefit Events reports to the Chief of Advancement Officer and is an important member of the Development and Membership Department team.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

Lead the Strategy and Execution of Avant Garden

• Partner with Avant Garden Committee Chairs, volunteers, Walker staff, and external partners to:
• Develop and execute a compelling vision for the event that meets or exceeds the net income goal.
• Ensure the event aligns with the Walker’s mission and the strategic goals of the Development and Membership Department.
• Achieve fundraising targets across sponsorships, tables, ticket sales, and contributions supporting the BIPOC Artist Fund.
• Ensure night-of fundraising goals are met through the Fund-A-Need and auction components.
• Organize and lead the event committee and volunteer structure with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
• Coordinate event staffing across multiple Walker departments to support successful execution.
• Gather post-event feedback from volunteers, staff, and attendees and synthesize insights for event leadership and institutional planning.

Lead Cross-Departmental Planning and Project Management

• Create and manage detailed event timelines and ensure information and assignments are communicated to staff, vendors, and volunteers with sufficient lead time.
• Build strong cross-departmental partnerships to effectively leverage Walker-wide resources in support of the event.
• Collaborate with Design and Development teams to oversee the production of printed and digital event collateral.
• Develop and manage the event budget, including ongoing tracking and reporting of revenue and expenses.
• Secure and manage all event-related contracts, including venue, entertainment, designers, florists, catering, transportation, photographers, and other vendors.
• Ensure accurate documentation of event registration and donor data in the Walker’s database and oversee timely donor acknowledgments.
• Oversee the development of scripts for Avant Garden-related programs and associated video content.
• Manage contract staff hired to support event planning and execution.

Deliver a Successful Event Experience

• Oversee the evening production, run-of-show, and operational timelines for the event.
• Ensure staff and volunteers are trained and prepared to implement their responsibilities on event day.
• Provide exceptional hospitality and customer service for donors, sponsors, and guests.

Lead and Manage Event Staff

• Supervise 1–2 seasonal event staff members, providing coaching, clear expectations, and performance feedback.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively while maintaining overall accountability for event strategy, planning, and execution. Experience supervising staff, contractors, or volunteers in a collaborative team environment.
• Support staff professional development and foster a collaborative, inclusive team environment.
• Manage and coordinate temporary staff, contractors, and vendors supporting event planning and production.
• Ensure team members and volunteers are well-informed, trained, and prepared for successful event execution.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support additional Development events throughout the year as needed and when scheduling allows.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT WE NEED IN YOU

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• 7+ years of event management and/or fundraising event experience, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
• Experience supervising staff, contractors, or volunteers in a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale fundraising events.
• Experience managing complex event budgets and financial reporting.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• High degree of initiative, attention to detail, and organizational skill.
• Ability to work independently with sound judgment, discretion, and sensitivity to confidential matters.
• Ability to serve as an enthusiastic and professional representative of the Walker Art Center.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe tools, and donor or CRM databases.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required for event preparation and execution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a museum, arts organization, or nonprofit cultural institution.
• Experience with Tessitura or similar CRM/event management systems.
• Experience securing event sponsorships or cultivating donor relationships through fundraising events.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This role requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, as well as extended periods of standing and walking in event spaces during planning and event execution.
• The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to describe all duties or responsibilities. Walker roles are designed to support career growth, and responsibilities may evolve over time.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

• This position is full-time (35 hours per week) and exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore not eligible for overtime pay.
• The compensation range for this position is $80,000 – $85,000 annually.
• The Walker offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees.
• Learn more here:
• https://walkerart.org/primary-benefits-package/
• This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
• The Walker Art Center is committed to being an employer whose staff, at all levels, reflects the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring equity and inclusion in our employment practices and deeply value the unique experiences and perspectives each candidate brings. We encourage anyone who meets the minimum qualifications to apply.

Walker’s Commitment to Equity and Inclusion