Full-time Special Events Manager

Come work with us at Houston Ballet!

Join a leading nonprofit arts organization thats redefining what ballet can be. Were committed to inspiring a lasting love of dance through nationally recognized bold performances, new choreography, and education programs. At Houston Ballet, your creativity meets purpose—and your passion takes center stage. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, every role here contributes to something bigger.

✨ Your Passion. Our Stage.

Visit: www.houstonballet.org for more information.

* * * For full consideration, please be sure to combine your resume and cover letter into one document to upload when you apply.

Summary:

The Special Events Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing Houston Ballet's fundraising events. This position manages event logistics, budgets, committee relationships, communications, and stewardship activities while working closely with the Director of Special Events, Development Department colleagues, volunteers, and key stakeholders to achieve fundraising and engagement goals.

Reports to: Director, Special Events

*Please note: This position does require significant work time outside the normal business hours.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

- Manage and execute Houston Ballet special events including logistics, budgets, reservation tracking and fulfillment, and vendor coordination

- Cultivate relationships with event chairmen and committee members for special events

- Collaborate with and provide support to the Special Events Manager on Houston Ballet events as assigned

- Work with Director of Special Events to develop and implement future fundraising opportunities

- Provide oversight of special events solicitations and mailings, event communications and materials, reservations, seating, and ticketing as assigned

- Develop and manage special event acknowledgement letters and invoicing

- Manage special events calendars, general event materials for donors and prospects, slides and talking points for Houston Ballet Board and Guild presentations as assigned

- Maintain event budgets and oversee financial reconciliation of special events expenses

- Manage special event publicity and marketing efforts, including social media content and coordination with external PR firm

- Operate as an integral member of the Development Department

- Provide support to Director, Special Events and Chief Philanthropy Officer as assigned for donor engagement opportunities

- Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

- Bachelors degree

- Three years of experience in fundraising/development/special events

- Strong organizational and project management skills

- Excellent customer service and relationship-building skills

- Ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering results in a fast-paced environment

- Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding donor information

- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills

- Ability to collaborate across teams

- Proven decision-making and problem-solving abilities, including the capacity to remain composed and effective under pressure

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience using Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office applications.

- Experience managing social media and digital communications strategies preferred

- Experience with donor databases and CRM systems; Tessitura experience preferred

Benefits:

Houston Ballet presents an enticing benefits package for eligible full-time employees, including:

- Healthcare Benefits : Embrace our comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, and vision care. Choose from plans with low-cost or zero monthly premiums, complemented by provisions for paid life and AD&D insurance, and versatile spending accounts.

- Retirement Plan : Secure your future through our 403(b) plan, bolstered by a substantial 5% annual contribution from Houston Ballet, empowering you to save and thrive.

- Paid Time Off : Embrace a healthy work-life balance with 3 weeks of paid vacation, 10 paid sick days, and 10 paid holidays. Paid parental leave is also available to support your personal milestones.

- Professional Development : Fuel your career ambition with access to online training and professional growth resources specific to arts management, empowering you to advance your career on your terms.

- Discounts and Perks : Immerse yourself in the vibrant Houston performing arts scene with discounted and complimentary tickets to captivating ballet performances and other Houston theater district venues. Enjoy exclusive partnerships with local businesses and eateries for unforgettable experiences.

- Wellness Programs : Prioritize your well-being with access to our on-site gym and counseling services through our employee assistance plan, providing comprehensive support for your physical and mental wellness.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Statement

Houston Ballet is dedicated to creating meaningful change by cultivating a space that honors what is unique in all of us. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) are instrumental in the fulfillment of our mission and values. We recognize our responsibility to be an inclusive and open organization for students, artists, staff, trustees, and volunteers of all backgrounds.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Join us, together we are Houston Ballet.

Core Values

Our shared values are essential to our success as a world-class ballet company and academy. These values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape our culture.

- EXCELLENCE : We are passionate about results. Our programs are recognized and awarded for excellence. We are committed to delivering quality programs at the highest standard. Work in all departments matches the caliber of the programming on stage.

- ENGAGED : We are proud to be a part of a company that produces art and trains artists. We attend performances and are tremendous advocates for the education and community engagement programs we offer. We are all in and well-versed in the mission of Houston Ballet.

- DRIVEN : We are driven to take goals and run with them. We are excited to deliver results beyond expectations. We are accountable for our actions and work. We reinvent Standard Operations Procedures, leaving our jobs better than we found them. Much of our work product becomes the standard for individuals who will fill our roles in the years to come.

- COLLABORATIVE : We unite around Houston Ballets mission and support each other in reaching goals. We share information widely and generously and treat our team members, customers, and patrons with respect and sensitivity. We embrace inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. We recognize our responsibility to be an open, welcoming, and anti-racist organization where students, artists, staff, trustees, and volunteers of all backgrounds collaboratively learn, work and serve. We nurture the growth and understanding of how each of us fits into the larger picture and we celebrate organizational achievements.

- PATRON-CENTERED : Our patrons (subscribers/supporters/donors/stakeholders) are at the center of all we do and are at the top of our minds in our decisions and actions. Our patrons are delighted by the excellent customer service they receive at every interaction at Houston Ballet.