Manager of Special Events and Programs at the American Federation of the Arts

Job Title: Manager of Special Events and Programs 

Job Status: Full-time

Location: New York, NY

Salary $80,000 to $85,000

About the American Federation of Arts
The American Federation of Arts (AFA) was founded in 1909 following a discussion by congress.

Throughout its history the AFA has been a leading champion of access to art and a critical voice for how art impacts everyday communities. Over the AFA’s history it has partnered and presented hundreds of exhibitions in museums throughout America in collaboration with the finest museums and collections world-wide. The AFA has approximately 100 partner member museums and continues to be a leading advocate for art in communities and cross-cultural exchange that unites visitors around the power of art and shared experiences. The AFA is a nimble organization and looks for fresh perspectives and new opportunities for exhibitions to inform the present and strengthen understanding among cultures. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access underpin its value system and form the foundation on which it strives to deliver the very best experiences for American museums. The AFA’s national-caliber Board brings together decades of museum experience, broad museum and art world connections and expertise to advise and guide the AFA’s mission and programs. Throughout its 113-year history the AFA has been dedicated to enriching the public’s understanding of the visual arts. Arguably now more than ever, the AFA’s commitment to art, diverse audiences and access to art, strengthens its position as the leader in traveling exhibitions internationally.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • In tandem with the Director & CEO, and Director of Institutional Advancement, create, manage, and execute all aspects of the organization’s special events, member events, and public programs. Events include an annual gala, annual spring luncheon, annual membership programming, day trips, cultural travel program, donor cultivation events, and other events as assigned
  • The successful candidate must be a proven fundraiser and event producer, with a successful track record of meeting budgeted revenue targets while driving event production, logistics, and operations for the full event cycle
  • In collaboration with AFA leadership devise and implement a fundraising plan that includes identifying new gala and spring luncheon donors, stewardship and upgrading support from past attendees, identify and solicit corporate sponsors to meet revenue goals
  • Work with the Development Coordinator to track and analyze event program performance on an ongoing basis – prepare budget revenue and expense forecasts, monitor financial performance, prepare financial reports, manage department expenditures to budget
  • Manage AFA’s robust individual membership program working with the Development Coordinator to coordinate six to twelve events annually, send quarterly membership renewals, strategize and drive new members, and manage fulfillment of benefits (including coordinating invitations to museum exhibitions, gallery tours, private collection visits, art fair passes, catalog mailings, etc.)
  • The Manager of Special Events and Membership will play a key role in developing a strategy to steward and cultivate fall gala and spring luncheon attendees to become members and major donors.
  • Collaborate with Director of Institutional Advancement to identify, cultivate and solicit corporate sponsors for benefits events, public programs, museum membership, individual membership and other sponsorship opportunities as assigned; -and; coordinate the fulfillment of sponsorship benefits
  • In tandem with the Development Coordinator, work with the Communications department to coordinate and produce printed and electronic materials for events (postcards, invitations, e-blasts, event programs, website and social media content, signage, etc.)
  • Interact with key patrons and donors inclusively, including the Board of Trustees.
  • Function as key staff liaison to Development Committee and ad-hoc event committees
  • Collaborate with communications staff to advise on public relations and communications-related plans and strategies for events and programs
  • Work in close collaboration with the Development Coordinator, Curatorial and Communications departments to manage and produce 6 to 8 public programs annually that directly relate to the AFA’s calendar of exhibitions
  • Work with the Development Coordinator, and Manager of Communications and Marketing to grow online and in-person attendance at public programs through digital marketing initiatives
  • Devise a plan to engage and cultivate public program registrants to become members or annual fund donors
  • Oversee the quarterly appeal cycle for AFA annual fund to be managed by Development Coordinator.
  • In Collaboration with the Director of Institutional Advancement and assistance of the Development Coordinator, manage the AFA’s Museum Membership program. Overseeing a quarterly renewal campaign and new member appeal.
  • Identify strategies to grow museum membership through digital marketing campaigns
  • Supervise full-time Development Coordinator, interns and event volunteers

Requirements

  • Undergraduate degree in arts related discipline, master’s degree preferred
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience with special events, membership and public programming
  • Excellent organizational, communication (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills
  • Experience managing benefit events, membership and public program budgets
  • Candidate must be able to work independently, as part of a team and across departments
  • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks with attention to detail
  • Established ability to interact with donors at all levels
  • Experience with Raiser’s Edge strongly preferred
  • Experience with Mailchimp and social media marketing
  • Knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint required. Canva desired

Reports to: Director of Institutional Advancement

 Salary Range: Competitive and commensurate with experience. Low to Mid 80’s.

Comprehensive Benefits Package including employer paid insurance premiums for medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability. Generous PTO includes 15 vacation days (years 1-4 then 20 days per year after 4 years of service), 12 sick days, 4 personal days, and 10 paid holidays annually.

Hybrid Work Environment

To apply: Submit a cover letter and resume to hr@amfedarts.org by January 6, 2025

This job was sourced via NYFA