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 over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

The Director of Benefit Events plans and executes the Walker Art Center’s Avant Garden fundraising event.  This annual benefit attracts more than 1,000 guests and has secured a net profit of up to $1M for the Walker. This position works collaboratively with Avant Garden Committee Co-Chairs, a team of volunteers, donors, and staff in the Development and Membership Department as well as with staff in multiple departments across the Walker, including the Executive Director’s Office, the Visual Arts curatorial team, Registration, Exhibition Installation, Event Production, Marketing, Finance, and Visitor Services, among others. This position also works closely with vendors, contractors, and other external partners critical to the success of the event.

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

WHAT YOU GET TO DO 

Partner with Avant Garden Committee Chairs, Volunteers, Walker staff, and Contractors to:

• Create and execute a vision for the event that meets the net income goal.
• Ensure the event aligns with the Walker’s and the Development and Membership Department’s goals.
• Ensure event goals are met for the BIPOC Artist Fund, sponsorship, table, and ticket sales.
• Ensure that night-of fundraising goals are met for the Fund-A-Need and auction.
• Organize and oversee the event committee and volunteer structure with defined roles and responsibilities.
• Organize and oversee the event staffing structure that includes multiple Walker departments with defined roles and responsibilities.
• Gather extensive post-event feedback from volunteers, staff, and party guests and synthesize and summarize it for the event Co-Chairs and staff leadership.

Lead a cross-departmental staff team to meet the goals for the event:

• Create, manage, and adhere to event timelines and distribute information and assignments to staff, vendors and volunteers with sufficient advance notice.
• Develop and maintain strong inter-departmental relationships to efficiently and effectively leverage Walker-wide resources to achieve the goals of the event.
• Oversee the production of printed and digital collateral in collaboration with members of the Design and Development teams.
• Create and manage the event budget, and provide timely reporting of revenue and expense budget and actuals throughout the year.
• Secure all Avant Garden-related contracts, including venue, entertainment, designer, florist, catering, transportation, and photographers.
• Ensure all event registration information is properly documented in the Walker’s database and ensure the timely production and delivery of acknowledgment letters.
• Oversee the writing of scripts for all Avant Garden-related events and any associated video scripts.
• Manage any contract staff hired to assist with Avant Garden.

Ensure the success of Avant Garden the night of the event:

• Ensure the evening production, run-of-show, and night-of-event timelines are defined, staffed, and successfully executed.
• Ensure staff and volunteers are trained and able to implement their responsibilities the night of the event.
• Provide exceptional customer service to event attendees.

Other duties as assigned.

• Assist with non-Avant Garden Development events throughout the year, as needed and when timing allows.

WHAT WE NEED IN YOU 

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent event and fundraising event experience.
•  8-10 years of event management and/or fundraising experience in a non-profit setting.
• Must be able to demonstrate a proven track record of success in fundraising events.
• Must be able to work at the Avant Garden event, including night and weekend availability around and on the event date to support installation, execution, and de-installation.
• Possess demonstrated high-level interpersonal communication and relationship management skills; ability to clearly communicate (both verbally and in writing) with a wide range of individuals with varied talents, backgrounds, and perspectives.
• Experience as a successful, collaborative leader who motivates volunteers and colleagues.
• Experience collaborating with different teams within and across departments.
• Strong skills and experience with customer service, events management, and project management.
• High degree of initiative and attention to detail; ability to manage and prioritize multiple activities related to the planning and execution of a major fundraising event; and ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and with excellent judgment, discretion, and sensitivity to confidential matters and in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to serve as an enthusiastic and professional representative of the Walker.

• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, and donor databases.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working in a museum, arts organization, or non-profit setting.
• Tessitura experience preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS   

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and prolonged periods of walking and standing in the event spaces. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position; they do not purport to describe all functions of the role. All Walker role descriptions allow for potential career growth through broadening accountabilities. Other duties may be assigned and/or the essential functions of the position may change or be changed.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS This position is considered full-time (35 hours per week), exempt. As a exempt  position, it is not eligible for overtime pay. The compensation range for this role is $70,000-80,000 annually. The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.  

Walker’s DEI commitment The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

Recruitment Timeline All positions are open until filled.