Associate Director, Events, Donor & Engagement

This position is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive and robust portfolio of recognition, stewardship, and cultivation events. Accountable for executing all projects within budget and on time, the Associate Director will collaborate with Dana‑Farber faculty and leadership, develop compelling event programs, secure the best value from vendors, identify process efficiencies, collaborate with departments across Dana‑Farber, and ensure alignment with policies and standards.

This position will participate in the creation and implementation of the annual events operating plan, including campaign planning, and will supervise an Assistant Director. Responsible for assisting the entire Division with reaching financial goals.

This position's work location is fully remote with occasional time on‑campus in Brookline, MA. The selected candidate may only work remotely from a New England state (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI).

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life‑changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high‑risk and underserved populations.

We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School‑affiliated hospitals.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with the Senior Director, Events, to create an annual strategy for a pipeline of recognition, stewardship, and cultivation events, including campaign events.
• Manage an Assistant Director: support staff member’s planning and execution of assigned events, ensure all details are managed and deadlines are met, and encourage continued professional growth.
• Serve as the event manager for a portfolio of high‑profile recognition, stewardship, and cultivation events, including campaign events:
  • Generate ideas for event programs, including the identification of strategic program topics and speakers which align with Division goals.
  • Oversee event goals, catering, A/V, event collateral, volunteer management, and donor gifts.
  • Lead all strategy and planning meetings with philanthropy colleagues and leadership, and internal and external vendors.
  • Coordinate briefing materials for the President and CEO, Chief Philanthropy Officer, and Philanthropy staff.
  • Work with vendors to obtain best prices and services.
  • Prepare and monitor budgets for all events.
  • Conduct post‑event analysis and evaluation, including drafting debrief reports.
• Build credibility and trust with Division colleagues, faculty, patient speakers, the donor community, and vendors as a specialized event partner.
• Participate in the strategic planning process related to new event concepts, translating initiatives and funding priorities into targeted event programs.
• Create and oversee implementation of various project management tools, policies, and procedures to aid in the successful planning of all events.
• Seek ways to ensure quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of event capabilities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly supervises an Assistant Director.

MINIMUM

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required with a minimum of 6‑8 years of professional experience.
• Event planning experience required;
  Experience planning philanthropy events required.
• Direct report management experience preferred.
• Significant donor and volunteer management experience and direct work with frontline fundraising staff strongly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

REQUIRED:

• Strong ability to plan strategically and see the bigger picture as it relates to stewarding, cultivating, and recognizing major donors and prospects through events.
• Strong people management, leadership abilities, and project management skills.
• Confident leading meetings with and presenting ideas to leadership.
• Sharp attention to detail and ability to review and…