Development Events Specialist

Job Title: Development Events Specialist

Department: Development

Reports to: Director of Development Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Status: Full-Time

Compensation: $53,079 - $62,368

Final date to receive applications: June 23, 2026 at 12:00pm Eastern

The Development Events Specialist plays a central role in designing and delivering exceptional donor experiences that strengthen engagement with Toledo Museum of Art’s supporters, members, and major donors. The position leads the planning and execution of development-related events and experiences, ensuring seamless coordination, high‑quality service, and alignment with the Museum’s mission and brand.

Key responsibilities include managing event communications, guest tracking and registration, and supporting the systems and processes that ensure accurate donor data and effective follow‑up. The role requires strong project management, attention to detail, and an experience‑driven mindset, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and support both front‑facing events and behind‑the‑scenes coordination.

• Execute a diverse range of development‑related events, including donor receptions, exhibition openings, lectures, VIP experiences, and campaign gatherings.
• Lead all event logistics, including budgeting, timelines, space reservations, catering, audio/visual, décor, and security coordination.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for event execution, including vendor coordination and on‑site and off‑site event management.
• Design and implement a consistent hospitality approach that ensures a welcoming, inclusive, and high‑quality guest experience.
• Conduct site walkthroughs, manage staff and volunteer assignments, and ensure accessibility and mission alignment.
• Partner with internal teams (Culinaire, Facilities, Protective Services, etc.) to deliver seamless event operations.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for day‑of event registration, manage check‑in staff/volunteers, print name tags/place cards, and assemble VIP donor materials.
• Assist with tracking event sponsor benefits and coordinate delivery timelines with event vendors.
• Partner with Development leadership and gift officers to align events with fundraising priorities, donor engagement strategies, and campaign goals.
• Support the planning and execution of cultivation and stewardship events by translating strategic goals into meaningful experiences.
• Provide recommendations on event formats, audience engagement, and experience design to enhance impact and attendance.
• Manage the procurement and inventory of event supplies and materials, ensuring timely ordering and availability to support Development events and team needs.

• Oversee RSVP tracking, guest lists, seating, and event communications to ensure a high‑touch guest experience.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications on invitations, promotional materials, and event messaging.
• Support post‑event follow‑up in partnership with Development staff, including attendance reporting and coordination of next steps.
• Communicate directly with guests on invitations, registrations, accessibility, and individual needs.

• Support donor stewardship efforts through the execution of high‑quality event experiences and hospitality touchpoints.
• Coordinate event‑related recognition elements such as signage, printed materials, and on‑site acknowledgments.
• Collaborate with Development colleagues to ensure donor benefits tied to events are fulfilled accurately and consistently.
• Contribute to a culture of appreciation by ensuring all guests experience thoughtful, mission‑aligned engagement.
• Provide flexible support for department‑wide initiatives and special projects as needed.

• Maintain the Development events calendar and ensure alignment with institutional priorities.
• Manage room reservations for Development meetings and events using Triple Seat, ensuring accurate scheduling, clear communication, and alignment with event and program needs.
• Track event participation, engagement metrics,…