Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships & Events

Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships & Events

Department: Public Information

Employment Type: Permanent
- Full Time

Location: Downtown Boston
- Tremont Street

Compensation: $78,000 - $83,000 / year

The Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships & Special Events is responsible for the strategic planning, management, and execution of the organization's signature events, including community engagement and fundraising initiatives, corporate partnership experiences, and select organizational programs. Serving as the primary lead for event strategy and operations, this role oversees all aspects of event planning, logistics, and execution to deliver high-quality experiences that advance visibility, community engagement goals, fundraising, and stewardship.

The Associate Director reports to the Director of Communications and collaborates closely with the Vice President of Development, and other staff leadership to ensure events align with organizational goals and priorities, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and support the organization's mission.

• Oversee the strategic development of events by evaluating and improving current initiatives and creating new opportunities that foster partnerships, expand organizational visibility, and generate fundraising support. Develop, implement, and maintain a yearly calendar of special events in collaboration with Executive and other staff leadership.
• Develop and manage the logistics, vendor negotiations, on-site execution, and post-event assessment/reporting for all annual recognition and fundraising events (e.g., Community Heroes Celebration, Hoop Dreams, Field of Dreams, Staff Celebration) and other organizational events. Ensure all events comply with established event procedures, including day-of coordination and troubleshooting.
• Develop and manage event budgets, including preparing approved budgets and monitoring and tracking expenses.
• Develop and execute engagement strategies for special events by working with leadership to identify priority audiences and coordinate outreach. Build and maintain lasting relationships with supporters, prospective donors, corporate partners, volunteers, community organizations, event chairs and/or host committees.
• Oversee systems for tracking event participation, attendance, sponsor ships, and VIP involvement; manage registration and ticketing processes to ensure accurate records and a smooth participant experience; and maintain systems for post-event feedback and follow-up.
• Provide research and support related to guests, sponsors, donors, public officials, and other potential participants.
• Partner with the Development Team to identify, solicit, cultivate, and steward event-related donations. This includes managing the sponsorship pipeline, supporting donor outreach, developing fundraising materials, securing table hosts, and soliciting in‑kind gifts for efforts such as silent auctions. Track progress against fundraising and sponsorship goals for signature events, sharing accountability for revenue outcomes.
• Collaborate with the volunteer office to recruit, screen, and train volunteers as needed for each event.
• Coordinate with internal teams, including public information, finance, development, executive, and programs, on the creation and production of invitations, guest lists, and event materials. As a member of the communications team, contribute to event marketing, promotion, sponsorship packets, and social media outreach to drive attendance and visibility.
• Support programs and neighborhood sites in developing and implementing successful outreach, awareness, or resource development events.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as the event calendar requires.
• Ability to travel…