The Director of Special Events is a high-impact role responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive, multi-channel fundraising and engagement strategy to secure at least $5M in annual revenue through fundraising events. This role is both strategic and execution-focused, requiring strong leadership, judgment, and the ability to operate at a senior level with trustees, major donors, and executive leadership. The primary focus is maximizing revenue through galas, high-level cultivation events, and institutional stewardship initiatives. This role also oversees the planning and execution of all fundraising and cultivation events for both the annual and capital campaign efforts; and leads the execution of large-scale organizational openings and milestones to support FHL's fundraising efforts. Fundraising events include a signature 500-650 person annual Spring Benefit and the annual 250-person High Line Art Dinner, as well as luncheons, lectures, tours and cocktail receptions. The Director reports to the Chief Advancement Officer.

Responsibilities

Organizing and executing the annual Spring Benefit and High Line Art Dinner generating more than $5M annually
Lead the planning and execution of events tied organizational milestones, as well as cultivation and stewardship events.
Securing corporate and individual sponsorships and underwriting for the Benefits
Implementing a strategy for planning, managing, and executing a consistent series of donor cultivation and stewardship events built for growth of priority audiences
Enhancing fundraising opportunities for current events and identify new events with revenue potential
Developing and tracking event budgets and overall planning timelines
Set and monitor revenue/expense targets for all events, ensuring a high ROI, and produce regular reports on progress to goal
Overseeing the management of event communications, including web and print materials, invitation designs and mailings, and printed programs
Work to recruit, train, and manage high-level honorees and volunteer committees to leverage their networks for sponsorship and ticket sales
Actively maintain a portfolio of honoree prospects and event leadership prospects, focusing on building long-term relationships and moving them through the pipeline through continued stewardship and engagement.
Overseeing the compilation and management of solicitation and invitation lists and appropriate research
Overseeing the reconciliation of revenue and expenses with Finance Department; ensuring the timely collection of pledged gifts for fundraising events
Management of outside vendors and negotiation of contracts with competitive pricing
Serving as project lead for events that involve external stakeholders like government partners, such as ribbon cuttings and other opening events
Overseeing a staff of one, Special Events Manager, and empowering them to meet ambitious goals
Advancing a multi-year approach to cultivation of a pipeline of future honoree prospects and developing ways to engage them in the work of FHL
Providing consistent coaching, feedback, delegation, and development opportunities to build team capacity and readiness for increased responsibility.
Collaborating closely with Individual and Institutional Giving teams to align events with donor cultivation strategies, stewardship plans, and revenue projections.
Using data, post-event analysis, and donor insights to continuously refine event strategy and improve performance year over year.

Requirements

Qualifications

A minimum of seven to ten years fundraising experience relevant to the responsibilities outlined in job description; proven track record of fundraising
Experience planning and executing highly successful fundraising galas and other events
Must be self-motivated, energetic, and highly organized team player
Demonstrated ability to pay absolute attention to detail and to manage volunteers, vendors, and sponsors
Outstanding writing and interpersonal communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and fundraising software
Ability to work extended hours and occasional weekends as needed
Bachelor's degree is required
Experience with Raisers Edge preferred
Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and competing deadlines

This is a full-time exempt position with a salary range of $118,000 - $125,000, based upon experience and qualifications.

The location for the role remains hybrid, with a requirement to physically report to the office a minimum of 3 days per week (located in Manhattan's Meatpacking District in New York City).

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave
20 Vacation days, 7 sick days, and 10 paid holidays with floating holidays & Winter Fridays, Discounts Citi Bike Membership
Discounts with vendors at the High Line & around the Meatpacking neighborhood
Free entrance to the Whitney Museum
Supplemental short-term disability insurance and paid life insurance
Commuter benefits
Flexible Spending Accounts
Contribution in a 403(b) retirement plan
Employee Assistance Program
Growth & Development

About Friends of the High Line:

The High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. We're devoted to reimagining public spaces to create connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities through our work with communities on and off the High Line. Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through the gardens, view art, experience a performance, enjoy food or beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City. Nearly 100% of our annual budget comes through donations. The High Line is owned by the City of New York, and we operate under a license agreement with NYC Parks.

EEO Statement:

The High Line is guided by a series of values through which we make decisions, including hiring. These values include proactively creating access points for all people, regardless of age, sex, color, creed, race, income, country of origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

As part of our commitment to living up to these values and advancing equity within our organization and through our work, we are committed to an equitable hiring process. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with a broad range of lived experiences. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.

If you have a disability and need help with the application process:

Email peopleandculture@thehighline.org to request accommodations (like alternative formats, extra time, etc.)

Important clarification:

This email is ONLY for requesting disability accommodations
Resumes sent to this email won't receive special treatment in the selection process
The only special consideration will be providing the specific accommodation you need to complete the application fairly

Friends of the High Line

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Director of Special Events