Manager of Special Events and Corporate Sponsorship
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Manager of Special Events and Corporate Sponsorship will be an integral part of a dedicated Development department charged with raising $3 million annually, and of a full team of 15 full-time and one part-time staff members that takes pride in serving wonderful artists and helping to bring more music into the world. YCA’s range of activities includes presenting 15-20 public concerts in New York and Washington, DC, the annual Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, two annual Galas, donor cultivation events, robust fundraising activities, ongoing marketing and communications work, and a thriving Artist Management Department which each year facilitates more than 740 external performance engagements including 250 education and community engagement activities for the YCA roster artists.
For over 60 years, YCA has identified and nurtured extraordinary young musicians who possess world-class artistry, having helped launch nearly 300 careers of leading classical musicians working in every corner of our industry. YCA provides the essential performance opportunities, mentorship, practical tools, and infrastructure artists need to take their careers to the highest levels and to lead the future of classical music.
The Manager of Special Events and Corporate Sponsorship will develop and oversee events that convene and inspire YCA’s dedicated community of Board members, donors, current artists and illustrious YCA alumni, and will collaborate creatively and strategically with these stakeholders and the YCA staff. This individual will also have the unique opportunity to build on YCA’s rich history, assets, and dedicated community of supporters and artists to develop a Corporate Sponsorship program, working closely with the Chief Development Officer.
Job Duties:
Special Events Management
- Oversee event planning, logistics and production for 15-20 donor cultivation events annually including post-concert receptions and musicales in private homes and other special venues, liaising with vendors, venues, and hosts.
- Collaborate closely with colleagues in Development, Marketing & Communications, Programs, and Artist Management, who will contribute essential event elements including guest lists and RSVP tracking and follow up, invitation design, program and print materials, and production needs.
- Play a key role in the execution of annual Gala events in New York and Washington DC, as well as the YCA International Auditions, working closely with the Chief Development Officer and YCA’s Director of Programs and Auditions.
- Take a lead role in developing and executing special experiences for patrons.
Corporate Sponsorship
- Identify and steward corporate prospects to build a pipeline of support of YCA, through sponsorship of Galas and other YCA programs, as well as customized events and programming in collaboration with corporate partners.
- Develop and execute mutually beneficial and revenue-generating partnership opportunities with companies by linking the mission of YCA with their brand, business and philanthropic priorities.
- Prepare written proposals and support materials to meet the specific needs and requirements of each partner.
- Collaborate closely with YCA colleagues and artists in formulating and executing sponsor benefits and activations.
Qualifications:
- 4+ years experience in special events and/or corporate relations work
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate multi-faceted events and projects and to work proactively and effectively with colleagues and external partners towards a successful outcome
- Track record of making a positive impact on a professional team
- Self-starter with the ability to work both entrepreneurially and as a part of a team
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
- Highly detail-oriented, organized, and results-driven
- High degree of professionalism and comfort with communicating with Board members and other key stakeholders
- Fluency with office software and technology including Google Suite and donor data systems
- Knowledge of classical music and nonprofit development experience a plus
YCA is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to diversify its staff. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.
YCA benefits include health, dental, and vision, generous holiday and paid time off, and an employer-funded retirement plan.
YCA’s offices are located at 57th and Broadway in NYC.
Salary range: $70,000 - $80,000.
All applicants must submit a cover letter and a resume.