Special Events Director

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Full-time Regular New York, NY, US

3 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

Job Title:
Director of Special Events

Department:
Development

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Employment Status:
Full-Time

Union Position:
No

Salary Range: $100,000-$

Reports to:
Vice President of Advancement

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Director of Special Events is responsible for shaping and executing the New Museum’s special event strategy (target currently $1.6M) and its growth, driving rental revenue and identifying new opportunities for client development and event sponsorship, while maintaining strategic oversight of operational and administrative workflow.

This role serves as a strategic sales leader, operational executive, and senior-level event producer, executing Special Events that advance the Museum’s financial and organizational goals. The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative, good-humored, and solutions-oriented professional who enjoys building relationships, bringing ideas to life, and creating exceptional experiences that reflect the Museum’s mission and values.

The successful candidate will regularly work evenings, weekends, and early mornings to support setups, load-ins, events, and strikes. A non-traditional schedule is a standard expectation of this role.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Rentals

• Lead the Museum’s event rental business, achieving annual rental targets (currently $1.6M for FY27). Develop strategic plans to achieve event rental revenue goals and promoting revenue growth.
• Manage all aspects of the event rental process, from lead generation and contract negotiation through event execution and follow-up.
• Maintain rental policies, procedures, contracts, and operational standards.
• Track rental revenue and expenses, and provide weekly financial reporting to Vice President of Advancement; develop annual event rental expense budget
• Assess and identify new leads and event rental opportunities, developing a robust roster of new and returning clients
• Ensure timely execution of communications to rental clients and leads
• Ensure rental programs align with Museum priorities, safety requirements, and visitor experience standards
• With the Department of External Affairs, develop outreach strategies, advertising campaigns, marketing materials, sales collateral—and identify opportunities for editorial placements, industry recognition, and media to highlight the Museum’s event spaces
• Identify emerging trends, technologies, partnerships, and opportunities within the cultural, nonprofit, hospitality, and corporate sectors that can benefit the Museum.
• Cultivate relationships with corporate clients, event planners, nonprofit organizations, production companies, and community partners to support event rentals

Special Events

• Lead the production and execution of a minimum of 50 annual Special Events primarily onsite, in partnership with Senior Leadership, Development, Capital Campaign, and Director’s Office. Events include, among others:
  • Exhibition Openings: previews, receptions, and dinners
  • Trustee meetings and events
  • Annual Spring Gala and other fundraising events
  • Council and Membership events
  • Institutional celebrations and special initiatives
  • Staff meetings and celebrations
  • Capital Campaign events
• Manage Special Event production schedules, vendors, staffing, logistics, and onsite execution
• Partner closely with colleagues across departments (Security, Education and Public Engagement, Department of External Affairs, Development, Visitor Experience, and Operations) to execute Special Events that advance programmatic and financial goals.
• Secure strategic brand…