Role Title: Philanthropic Events Manager
Reports to: Vice President of Philanthropy
Supervises: N/A
Classification: Full-time/Exempt
Pay Grade/Salary Range: Grade 5 / $56,727-$66,654
Role purpose: The Philanthropic Events Manager provides visionary leadership, fundraising management and execution oversight for Starlight’s philanthropic events, including signature fundraising events (Annual Gala and Starry Night at Starlight), donor receptions, coordination of Starlight’s donor lounge, and other special events to recognize Starlight supporters.
Required Accountabilities & Deliverables:
- Manage fundraising initiatives for both of Starlight’s signature fundraising events, including sponsorship solicitation, selection and management of Co-Chairs and committee members, communication with Board of Directors, meeting facilitation, and in-event fundraising opportunities.
- Serve as project manager for signature fundraising events by providing overall vision, developing and executing a communications strategy, ongoing oversight of timeline and event budget, providing script assistance, drafting website copy and sponsorship levels, brainstorming with Marketing team on video content, and overseeing program creation.
- Track RSVPs, input attendance and generate guest lists for fundraising events and receptions.
- Provide logistical oversight for signature fundraising events through work with Special Events + Sales Coordinator, and lead logistics for donor receptions, donor lounge and other small philanthropic events.
- Implement and oversee donor benefits fulfillment for special events.
- Utilize Tessitura to monitor event pledges, record gifts, and pull lists, reports and acknowledgments.
- Strategically cultivate relationships with select event donors by making timely acknowledgments and finding meaningful ways to further engage with and connect them to Starlight.
- Maintain a portfolio of active event donors and prospects by making timely acknowledgments and finding meaningful ways to further engage them with Starlight.
- Embrace Starlight’s mission, vision, values, and commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access.
The above listing is not all-inclusive; other duties may be assigned to meet the evolving needs of the organization.
Preferred Education/Work Experience: BA in a relevant degree and 5-7 years of relevant experience.
Preferred Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrated ability to articulate passion for performing arts, civic assets and community engagement.
- Desire to seek, accept and implement feedback and openness to new ideas.
- Technical proficiency and enthusiasm to learn Starlight’s database platforms (Tessitura, Momentus).
- Developed ability to prioritize and balance multiple initiatives.
- Understanding of the Kansas City philanthropic landscape and stakeholders.
- Exceptional communication, meeting facilitation and relationship building skills.
Other Working Conditions: Variable work schedule driven by performance schedule and administrative needs, including nights, weekends and typical holidays; some weeks include 12+ hour days and 45+ total hour weeks.
Due to the nature of Starlight’s business, availability/communication may be required in cases of urgent or emergency matters during nights and weekends.
Starlight Theatre Association of Kansas City, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization with a mission to connect our community through live arts experiences that entertain, inspire, and engage.
