Special Events Manager

DEPARTMENT: Development

POSITION: Special Events Manager

REPORTS TO: Associate Director of Development 

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday; some evenings and weekends required

CLASSIFICATION: Annual full-time, exempt

COMPENSATION: $70,000-72,000 annually; benefits eligible after 90 days

Position Summary

Berkeley Repertory Theatre (Berkeley Rep) has grown from a storefront stage to an international leader in innovative theatre. Known for its ambition, relevance, and excellence, as well as its adventurous audience, the nonprofit has provided a welcoming home for emerging and established artists since 1968. Over 6 million people have enjoyed more than 500 shows at Berkeley Rep, including 85 world premieres. Berkeley Rep shows have gone on to win 8 Tony Awards, 9 Obie Awards, 11 Drama Desk Awards, 1 Grammy Award, 1 Pulitzer Prize, and many other honors. In recognition of its place on the national stage, Berkeley Rep received the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre in 1997. Through its annual seven-play season, together with up to four special event presentations, Berkeley Rep invites audiences to enjoy an eclectic range of theatrical experiences featuring diverse artistic voices, themes, and perspectives.

Berkeley Rep seeks a highly organized and dynamic Special Events Manager. The Special Events Manager manages Berkeley Rep’s donor cultivation and fundraising events, including donor receptions, artist dinners, backstage tours, virtual events, and more. They work closely with the Director of Development and the event production consultant on Berkeley Rep’s annual fundraising gala. They collaborate with the Corporate Partnerships Manager to lead the in-kind sponsorship program, partnering with local hospitality businesses. They supervise the Development Coordinator and work cross-functionally with staff across Berkeley Rep, as well as donors, corporate partners, artists, and patrons. They play an integral role on the Development team in the cultivation and stewardship of the Theatre’s donors and partners. The manager’s essential job duties must primarily be conducted on Berkeley Rep’s campuses and at regular external meetings and events, in person, and may rarely be performed remotely.

Responsibilities include but aren’t limited to the following tasks:

Special Events

• Develop annual donor event and stewardship strategy and calendar, in collaboration with Development Director and Development team.
• Lead Development events, including planning and on-site execution.
• Manage event logistics, including invitation creation, registration, attendee RSVP tracking, food and décor management, event content and entertainment, and post-event evaluations.
• Manage event ticket sales and strategic event/theatre seating, using Berkeley Rep’s audience database Tessitura.
• Develop and oversee event budgets and timelines.
• Coordinate the development and promotion of all event collateral materials and event webpages, working with in-house Graphic Designers.
• Supervise and train volunteers and Development staff assisting with events.
• Provide speech notes for various speakers.
• Manage storage and track inventory of events décor, supplies, and wine.
• Work closely with Development Director and Event Production Consultant on Berkeley Rep’s annual gala, including project management, budget tracking and invoicing, event marketing and collateral, and staff and volunteer coordination.
• Effectively steward relationships with key stakeholders – trustees, donors, sponsors, vendors, and staff across the company.
• Provide exceptional and professional customer service to donors and trustees.

Supervising the Development Coordinator

• Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance management for the Development Coordinator, who is responsible for donor prospect research and tracking, donor benefits and recognition fulfillment, donor lounge coordination, and events and grant-writing support. 

In-Kind Sponsorships

• Partnering with the Corporate Partnerships Manager, identify, solicit and negotiate in-kind sponsorships with restaurants, caterers, wineries, and other local businesses, managing relationships with sponsors and ensuring fulfillment of benefits and recognition.

Other

• Actively participate in workshops and training as requested, including harassment prevention, bystander intervention, and other initiatives related to antiracism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access.
• All other duties as assigned. 

Preferred candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Minimum of two years’ professional experience in managing events.
• Demonstrated success in securing cash and in-kind sponsorships.
• Proficiency with MS Office; experience working with Tessitura or other CRM databases a plus.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull 40 pounds.

Preferred candidate will have the ability to:

• Work independently and manage multiple simultaneous events and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Possess acute attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills.
• Think creatively in the formulation of events which reflect the quality and diversity of Berkeley Rep.
• Solicit in-kind sponsorships from local vendors.
• demonstrate strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and communication skills with a high degree of emotional intelligence and cultural competency. 
• Build trusted relationships with Berkeley Rep’s trustees, sponsors, vendors, and donors.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues within and outside the Development department.
• Regularly problem-solve and negotiate with diplomacy and tact.
• Demonstrate a commitment to antiracism, equity, diversity, access, and inclusion.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to confidential information.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making.
• Identify creative event sponsorship opportunities.
• Serve as an enthusiastic advocate of Berkeley Rep.

Application Procedure

Berkeley Rep is an equal opportunity employer and offers a full range of employee benefits including 85% employer-paid health and dental insurance, optional vision, FSA, and 403(b) plans, professional development support, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

Position available immediately. Online submissions only. Please include a cover letter and résumé when you submit your application. Persons from diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

Berkeley Rep will contact candidates of interest. Please, no calls. Only complete submissions will be considered.