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• Essential Functions

  Key Responsibilities:

  • Create, manage, and execute a comprehensive annual calendar of key events around performances that are of interest to donors. These include named master classes, student recitals, Curtis Symphony Orchestra concerts, and Curtis Opera Theatre performances, among others.
  • Serve as the project manager for all development events.
  • Manage event budgets ensuring that revenue and expenses are effectively tracked and adjusted throughout the fiscal year; provide progress reports and revenue/expense projection to development leadership; manage all post-event financial reconciliation and ensure all invoices are submitted in a timely manner.
  • Prepare and conduct briefings for executive leadership on key event details.
  • Provide clear communication and guidance to the development team and other stakeholders on event timelines, details, and guest experience, including registration and RSVP process, and performance and dinner seating.
  • Create and manage staffing charts for events, including the week leading up to each event.
  • Monitor institutional calendar and schedule programming to leverage and integrate student, faculty, Curtis on Tour, and Curtis Artist Management performances to create elevated and exclusive experiences for donor audiences.
  • Ensure high-end customer service for all patrons, supporters, and donors.
  • Play a key role in creating a thoughtful and cohesive event plan for Curtis’s centennial year (2024-25).

  Gala Project Management:

  • Work closely with the managing director of development to lead a seamless execution of the annual gala, which is the school’s most significant fundraising event of the year.
  • Serve as the event project manager by managing and implementing event logistics and daily administration, including but not limited to communications and design, facilities, décor, catering, supplies, and attendee tracking, and collaborate with the managing director of development to guide overall event strategy.
  • Ensure a high level of donor engagement and an exceptional guest experience throughout the event.
  • Implement effective measures for post-event evaluation, analyzing gala performance, and making recommendations for future improvements.

• Preferred Experience and Qualifications

  Curtis welcomes applications from people with a wide variety of experience and backgrounds, who are eager to work hard, learn, and contribute.

  Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.
  • A minimum of 3 – 5 years of experience in event planning, project management, donor engagement, or a related field.
  • Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with donors and colleagues.
  • Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts in a compelling manner.
  • Proficiency in donor management systems (Curtis uses Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge).
  • Familiarity with the arts, music, or educational sectors is preferred.
  • Commitment to the organization’s mission, values, and goals.

• Required Core Values

  The ideal candidate must exhibit:

  • A positive, “can-do” attitude.
  • Devotion and dedication to Curtis, its students, alumni, and parents.
  • Passion for their work, and contribution to the field and greater good.
  • Commitment and accountability for their work, and their ability to effect change.
  • Desire and willingness to collaborate, think creatively, and make data-driven decisions.
  • Respect, courtesy, and patience for colleagues, other staff, faculty, patrons, core constituents, and volunteers.
  • An eagerness to make Curtis a more diverse and inclusive institution.

• Working Conditions and Physical Demands

  • Position is located in Philadelphia but a hybrid work schedule may be possible consistent with departmental needs; events work must be done in-person
  • Exertional requirements are primarily routine office environment
  • Infrequent travel and some night and/or weekend work may be required
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire
  • COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement for all positions at the Curtis Institute of Music and all new hires are expected to be fully vaccinated before beginning work

• Compensation and Benefits

  • $65,000 – $75,000 gross annually salary, commensurate with experience
  • The Curtis Institute of Music offers a number of perks for full-time staff including free meals on campus, a wellness stipend, and mass transit support with employer-sponsored, all-access SEPTA Key Advantage program enrollment
  • Curtis offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees including health, dental, and vision insurance, basic term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and short and long-term disability insurance, supplemental insurance options, and parental leave

Position will remain open until filled.