Manager of Special Events

6 days ago

Cleveland, OH, United States The Cleveland Orchestra Full time

The Cleveland Orchestra is seeking a Manager of Special Events, who will be responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and evaluation of high-impact fundraising and stewardship events within a 60-70 event annual portfolio. This role leads the production of major events such as the Blossom Summer Soirée, Winter Spree, and Forte, and supports large-scale fundraisers including the annual Gala and Florida-based events. The Manager ensures all events align with donor engagement goals, are executed with excellence, and remain within budget.

Position responsibilities include the following:

Fundraising Event Planning
Independently manage three major fundraising events with projected net revenue of $225K-$260K. Develop timelines, fundraising strategies, and operational plans. Oversee vendor contracts and guest logistics.
Event Production & Logistics
Lead planning and execution of approximately 45 Tier 1 stewardship events annually. Manage all logistics including venue booking, catering, AV, décor, and staffing. Support corporate activations/ events and plan and execute Florida-based donor events.
Volunteer Leadership
Serve as liaison to Blossom Friends and Friends of The Cleveland Orchestra. Support volunteer-led initiatives and manage seasonal operations of the Blossom Friends Information Booth.
Vendor & Budget Oversight
Negotiate vendor contracts, monitor budgets, and collaborate with Finance to ensure fiscal accountability.
Departmental Coordination & Reporting
Align event strategy with Development goals. Maintain planning documents and provide regular updates to leadership.
Musician Engagement & Logistics
Hire and manage Orchestra musicians for donor events. Oversee performance logistics and ensure timely payments.
Post-Event Analysis
Conduct evaluations, prepare reports, and recommend improvements to enhance future event impact and ROI.

The successful candidate will meet the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree required
  • Minimum 4 years of experience in event planning or nonprofit operations
  • Strong skills in vendor management, budgeting, and logistics
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Asana, and CRM systems (e.g., Tessitura)
  • Excellent communication and organizational abilities
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed, and travel to Florida and NYC for events
Preferred Skills
  • Knowledge of event design (floral, lighting, tablescapes, catering)
  • Familiarity with classical music and chamber repertoire
  • Experience coordinating performances with professional musicians

We offer a competitive salary of $55,000-$70,000, very generous medical and dental plan benefits, 403(b) plan with employer match, hybrid remote/onsite work schedule, complimentary concert tickets, and the opportunity to work with a world-renowned Orchestra.

  • Event & Convention Manager

    1 week ago

    Cleveland, OH, United States Crescent Hotels and Resorts Full time

    Description Primary liaison between hotel sales department and banquets department for assigned groups. Once a contract is signed with group sales, this position coordinates every detail of the event with the meeting planner, including guest rooms, meeting space setup, menu selection, and audio-visual requirements. Communicate effectively with sales,...

  • Event & Convention Manager

    23 hours ago

    Cleveland, OH, United States Crescent Hotels and Resorts Full time

    Description Primary liaison between hotel sales department and banquets department for assigned groups. Once a contract is signed with group sales, this position coordinates every detail of the event with the meeting planner, including guest rooms, meeting space setup, menu selection, and audio-visual requirements. Communicate effectively with sales,...

  • Event & Convention Manager

    7 days ago

    Cleveland, OH, United States Crescent Hotels and Resorts Full time

    Description Primary liaison between hotel sales department and banquets department for assigned groups. Once a contract is signed with group sales, this position coordinates every detail of the event with the meeting planner, including guest rooms, meeting space setup, menu selection, and audio-visual requirements. Communicate effectively with sales,...

  • Director, Event Planning

    1 week ago

    Cleveland, OH, United States Savour Hospitality Full time

    Position Overview The Director of Event Planning manages event planning functions and staff on a daily basis. Core area of responsibility is the event planning team, including management and direct supervision of event staff. Position oversees the administrative processes associated with the pre-event and post-event phases of an event and the associated...

  • Event Sales Specialist

    4 days ago

    Cleveland, OH, United States The Revenue Optimization Companies Full time

    Looking for flexible, project-based work that fits around your life? FLEX-ROC by T-ROC is seeking energetic, outgoing individuals to represent exciting consumer brands inside Costco, Sams, BJ's and various big-box retailers during special two-week roadshows. This is a short-term, high-impact role where you'll demo products, engage shoppers, and drive sales....

  • Event Sales Specialist

    1 week ago

    Cleveland, OH, United States The Revenue Optimization Companies Full time

    Looking for flexible, project-based work that fits around your life? FLEX-ROC by T-ROC is seeking energetic, outgoing individuals to represent exciting consumer brands inside Costco, Sams, BJ's and various big-box retailers during special two-week roadshows. This is a short-term, high-impact role where you'll demo products, engage shoppers, and drive sales....

  • Event Sales Specialist

    2 days ago

    Cleveland, OH, United States The Revenue Optimization Companies Full time

    Looking for flexible, project-based work that fits around your life? FLEX-ROC by T-ROC is seeking energetic, outgoing individuals to represent exciting consumer brands inside Costco, Sams, BJ's and various big-box retailers during special two-week roadshows. This is a short-term, high-impact role where you'll demo products, engage shoppers, and drive sales....

  • Lead Event Specialist Part Time

    2 weeks ago

    Cleveland, OH, United States Acosta Full time

    Job DescriptionOverview The Associate is responsible for completing in-store food and non-food demonstrations. Acquires and maintains knowledge of products represented. Serves, demonstrates, intercepts consumers and sells products in a professional manner. Responsible for the Event execution equipment in the stores. Maintains an overall professional...

  • Special Education Compliance Auditor

    5 days ago

    Cleveland, OH, United States The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) Full time

    Position Type: Administration and Professionals Date Posted: 2025-01-06 Location:Administration or As Assigned INTRODUCTION: CONTEXT AND MISSION The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) serves approximately 37,000 students in 100+ schools. Over the past several years, the Greater Cleveland community has united behind the collective goal of ensuring...

  • Special Education Compliance Auditor

    18 hours ago

    Cleveland, OH, United States The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) Full time

    Position Type: Administration and Professionals Date Posted: 2025-01-06 Location:Administration or As Assigned INTRODUCTION: CONTEXT AND MISSION The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) serves approximately 37,000 students in 100+ schools. Over the past several years, the Greater Cleveland community has united behind the collective goal of ensuring...