Special Events Manager

Museum Vision and Mission:

MOHAI is treasured locally and respected nationally as a vibrant resource where history inspires us to build a better future. To serve our region, we bridge the past, present, and future by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories through compelling, innovative exhibits and community engagement.

Special Events Manager

Development Director

MOHAI McQuaid Resource Center in Georgetown

Non-exempt;
Full-time;
Hourly

Monday – Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends

$33 – $41 per hour

Medical, dental, vision, life insurance; holiday, vacation, sick pay; FSA; 403(b) plan

The Special Events Manager is responsible for planning, managing, and executing all fundraising, stewardship, and membership events, and for meeting the annual contributed income goals for special events. This position includes major donor cultivation and stewardship, extensive analytics, and vendor relations and negotiation. The Special Events Manager is creative, resourceful, and enthusiastic about identifying personalized and meaningful ways to inspire our community to be part of the great work we do.

The Special Events Manager reports to the Development Director and is a member of the Advancement team.

• Provide sophisticated and detailed event planning, project management, and choreography (run-of-show, script development) for MOHAI fundraising/stewardship events including but not limited to: MOHAI Gala, Heritage Circle reception, capital campaign/major donor events, members’ exhibit openings, and annual member night.
• Ensure that all interactions are culturally responsive, respectful, and based on a foundation of MOHAI’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
• Develop and monitor an annual donor events strategy, with individual and corporate income as part of the overall development plan. Establish quarterly revenue projections with Development Director.
• Develop event objectives and recommend production and experiential elements that advance the event goals and secure/retain donor and member interest and participation. Secure guest speakers as needed.
• Engage trustees in active involvement with individual solicitation, stewardship, and planning events. Provide leadership and oversight of special event committees, primarily the MOHAI Gala.
• Create and monitor budgets and prepare comprehensive analysis of events, including goals vs actuals (income and expense), year to year comparisons, live and silent auction performance, raise the paddle, etc.
• Negotiate contracts, discounts, and in‑kind contributions with vendors including caterers, wineries, rental companies, videographers, lighting/AV, musicians, etc. Oversee procurement and tracking of auction items.
• Work cooperatively with the Capital Campaign Director, Membership Manager, and Individual Giving Manager to plan and execute donor and member events.
• Work with MOHAI staff and/or external event management teams on large‑scale events and/or to recruit and manage volunteers for events.
• Work with MOHAI leadership to develop and execute event vision and story. Work with the Marketing & Communications team to develop materials, Power Points, videos, branding, advertising, and digital strategy.
• Work cooperatively with the Events Services Department regarding facility scheduling and logistics.
• Collaborate with Advancement team members to develop and maintain cohesive post‑event stewardship plans for individual, foundation, and corporate prospects and donors.
• Complete post‑event tasks, including evaluation of all event elements, recommendations for improvement, donor communications and acknowledgement, and reconciliation of budget and vendor payments. Work with Controller and Advancement team to ensure accurate financial coding and gift acknowledgment.
• Opportunity to serve on IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) Committees.
• Attendance at museum‑sponsored events may be required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 3+ years of experience in planning and executing complex nonprofit fundraising events.
• Bachelor’s…