Philanthropy Events Lead

The Philanthropy Events Lead is responsible for developing and executing high end Philanthropy events that align with the CMA's mission and strategic fundraising goals. This role evaluates and executes event plans, manages budgets, and recommends new approaches to enhance engagement and donor stewardship. The position will lead cross-functional teams, manage stewardship calendars, and coordinate logistics across internal departments and external vendors. This role also oversees affiliate group programming and its membership, including renewals and philanthropic initiatives, ensuring consistent and meaningful engagement opportunities for this segment of the CMA's donor and member communities.

Requirements and Key Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university with at least two years of experience working in special events.


• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are necessary. Ability to write reports and correspondence and speak effectively with members, donors, and trustees. Experience working with non-profit leadership boards and executive teams.


• Experience working within complex organizations with ability to be a team player and able multi-task. Flexible and solutions oriented with ability to maintain composure and work well under pressure to meet deadlines.


• Demonstrate experience using databases to track and analyze information and proficient in Microsoft systems including Excel. Experience with Tessitura, or similar database and tools such as Zoom, Teams, and similar platforms. Experience in InDesign a plus.


• Able to work evenings and weekends to support stewardship events.

Responsibilities   

• Develops and designs philanthropy events and programs for CMA’s Affiliate groups that align with the Museum’s mission, standards, and strategic objectives.


• Assists with organizing and facilitating prospecting events for future donors and members


• Evaluates event goals and feasibility and recommends innovative approaches to maximize engagement and impact. Events include lectures, talks with artists, experiences, artist studio tours, dinners, and more.


• Develops, manages, and makes recommendations regarding event budgets, including allocation of resources both internal and external. Exercises judgment in expenditures and ensuring fiscal responsibility.


• Ensures all event elements uphold and reflect the organization’s standards and values. Defines thematic elements, messaging tone, and audience targeting strategies. Advises senior leadership and department heads on event design, run of show, and execution, providing expert recommendations to enhance impact and alignment.


• Leads cross-functional teams tied to events, including staff, vendors/contractors, and volunteers.


• In consultation with the Philanthropy Engagement and Special Events Manager, leads the development of the stewardship calendar: updates and manages calendar; coordinates schedules of speakers and special guests / internal attendees


• Produces bi-annual event booklets; event invitations (digital and print); adds events to the museum website;


• Assists the Philanthropy Engagement and Special Events Manager for Director’s and $2,500+ giver’s events. This includes the Director’s dinner, coordinating vendors, speakers, attendees, and provides supports day of the event


• Presents event plans at the museum’s operation’s meetings;


• Prepares detailed event briefings that include the purpose of the event, guest list, run of show details, and layouts


• Coordinates with internal teams (i.e. visitor services, facilities, security) and external vendors (rentals, florists, etc.) for event production


• Connects with the leadership of each Affiliate group to process annual renewals; programs; philanthropic drives; special events; rosters; member orientation; and other support as needed.

Application Materials: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 professional references 

Salary: $50,000, Full-time work is 35 hours per week; occasional overtime might be necessary.
The position comes with a generous package of benefits, listed below.

Full-time Benefits include:  

• Partner level membership to CMA 




• Free, unlimited admission to select Cleveland Museum of Art ticketed exhibitions (two adult member tickets per visit, subject to availability)


• 50% off admission to select ticketed exhibitions for members' guests


• Free admission to select ticketed exhibitions for unlimited children, 17 and younger, when accompanied by a member


• Priority registration and discounts for museum art classes for adults and children


• 20% discount in the museum store


• 10% discount in the museum restaurant and café


• Annual subscription to Cleveland Art members magazine




• Free Garage Parking


• Your employment relationship with the museum qualifies you for free or discounted admissions to other cultural institutions such as the Natural History Museum, Botanical Gardens, The Cleveland Zoo, etc.


• Medical


• Dental


• Vision


• Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance


• Voluntary Life


• Short Term Disability


• Long Term Disability


• HSA


• FSA