POSITION: Senior Manager Special Events

DEPARTMENT:Development

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time/ Salaried / Exempt

SUPERVISOR: Chief Development Officer

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley’s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences that are as diverse and vibrant as the city of Houston.

Rob Melrose, Managing Director Dean Gladden and the Alley’s leadership team are committed to promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in all aspects of the Theatre’s programming and operations. We are conscious about fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves. We embrace differences and strive to be inclusive of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

JOB STATEMENT

Under the direction of the Chief Development Officer, this is a senior level position and as such is responsible for creating and maintaining income and expense budgets for Special Events at the Alley. Responsible for developing and executing fundraising events to achieve the artistic and financial goals of the Alley Theatre. Special emphasis on identifying, acquiring, cultivating, upgrading, and stewarding special event chairmen, potential chairmen, donors, and prospects. The position will seek, evaluate, and recommend new strategies to meet event fundraising goals. Must be a seasoned fundraiser first and foremost. Must be strong collaborator and work with dynamic development team to contribute to a donor centric development program.

JOB DUTIES

• Create detailed strategies, which include revenue goals and benchmarks, themes, dates, locations, event chairs and committees, and underwriters and appropriate timelines for fundraising events including Deck the Trees and the annual spring Ball.
• Develop event specific sales strategies to assure that fundraising goals are met, Identify, solicit, and cultivate special event donors and prospects, including committee and event chairs.
• Work with Chairs, event committee and Board Leadership to identify new guest/prospects and volunteers.
• Plan and execute auxiliary events, as appropriate, that will support overall objectives for the Alley Ball and other fundraising events,
• Evaluate and pursue other potential sources of revenue. Research and identify new methods and techniques to boost revenue and minimize expenses. Evaluate changing special event trends and technologies, formulate and implement new strategies that will result in greater productivity and the most efficient use of expense dollars.
• Prepare accurate and effective communication materials such as proposals, letters, solicitations, and support materials for special events.
• Plan and manage all committee meetings pertaining to special events.
• Lead the process designing and printing of all event materials.
• Provide regular analytical reports and updates on the performance of special events.
• Regularly contribute and develop new leads that will support growth of special events as a source of contributed income.
• Liaison to the Special Events Committee (Board); manage preparation and follow-up for all meetings.
• Track cultivation and solicitation activity via the Alley database.
• Closely monitor expenditures related to special events.
• Manage two direct reports, Manager Patron Events and Manager Special Events.
• Be Department representative as assigned in the donor lounge.
• Additional duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Updates job descriptions, hiring and training new team members.
• Motivating and coaching employees to improve performance, provide feedback and training opportunities.
• Organizes and oversees the schedules and work of departmental staff.
• Conducts or assists with performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Ensuring staff members follow company policies and procedures.

REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE):

• Minimum seven years of progressive fundraising experience in comparably complex development/fundraising-focused professional environment(s). Prefer a minimum of five years’ experience within the special events sector.
• Bachelor’s Degree in related field a plus.
• Excellent communication skills with demonstrable ability to prepare and present both formal written and oral presentations.
• Effective leadership and supervisory skills to develop motivate and retain assigned staff and volunteers. Ability to successfully manage multi-functional or diverse areas.
• Requires strong collaboration skills in order to work effectively across the organization and function consistently as a highly valued and high performing team player within the Development department and the organization.
• Requires exceptional project management skills and ability to multi-task within budgetary and resource constraints and timelines.
• Must be able to think critically and strategically and anticipate potential project challenges.
• Knowledge of analytics for response analysis, program evaluation and campaign planning.
• Extensive computer and database knowledge preferred (Word, Excel, Tessitura).
• A demonstrated record of ability to multi-task and meet deadlines completing assignments on time and on budget.
• Broad knowledge of the principals of fundraising and special events.
• Successful experience in making cold calls as well as developing cultivation and solicitation strategies,
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong problem solving, research, analytical, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
• Flexibility to work events that occur on the evenings and weekends.
• Self-motivated & self-starting.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift and move 25 lbs.
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where directions and priorities can change rapidly.
• Typical hours are during the day, but the position requires flexibility to be available for weekend, holidays and evening work hours as needed.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, floating holiday, and sick time
• 401(k) with matching, FSA, HRA (Alley paid deductible)
• Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances
• Bi-weekly $4 Discounted Parking.
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee wellness program & EAP
• Houston, TX is one of the most affordable cities in the nation with no state or city income tax.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please go to the following link on the Alley’s website and apply.

https://www.alleytheatre.org/about-us/opportunities/employment

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us atHRdept@alleytheatre.org.

The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities, veterans, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Successful candidates will commit to an equitable and inclusive workplace, including but not limited to: racial equity, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, use of gender inclusive language, and cultural sensitivity. Read more at Alley Theatre Official Website - Equity Diversity Inclusion