Associate Director, Special Events
CATEGORY: Administrative
LA Opera
Los Angeles, CA
US
Job Details
DESCRIPTION
LA Opera is seeking a dynamic Associate Director, Special Events to lead the strategy, planning, and execution of dozens of high-impact events each season. From our signature annual gala to opening night celebrations, cast suppers, and intimate donor gatherings, this role is essential in advancing our fundraising goals and deepening engagement with patrons, artists, and community partners.
As a key member of the Development Operations team, the Associate Director, Special Events delivers exceptional event and meeting experiences with precision, efficiency, and adherence to budgetary and logistical parameters. This position supervises the Event Design Specialist.
This is a full-time, exempt administrative staff position based out of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles and also includes work events at other locations in Southern California. In addition to regular office hours, this position requires frequent evening and weekend work. Presently there is some remote work flexibility, with the ability to work remotely up to twice a week in many weeks.
The anticipated range for the starting annual salary is $84,000 to $105,000. This position is eligible to participate in LA Opera benefit programs, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and long-term disability insurance; 403(b) retirement savings plan with a company match; cell phone stipend; Employee Assistance Program; subsidized parking or public transit reimbursement; and complimentary and discounted tickets.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Strategic Event Leadership
· Develop and execute a comprehensive special events strategy in partnership with the Director of Development Operations and other Development leaders.
· Oversee all LA Opera special events, including the annual gala, opening night dinners, cast suppers, donor benefit events, and additional engagements at The Music Center, private residences, and other venues across Los Angeles.
· Conceptualize event themes, aesthetics, and formats that align with LA Opera’s brand and strategic goals.
Operations & Execution
· Manage the annual special events calendar and ensure seamless coordination across departments.
· Collaborate closely with Artistic teams to facilitate artist participation and with Production/Technical teams to support event setup, operations, and load-out.
· Negotiate venue and vendor contracts; steward strong vendor relationships.
· Maintain accurate event budgets, track expenses, and proactively mitigate variances.
· Manage event supply inventory and maintain thorough, up-to-date special event standard operating procedures.
Team & Stakeholder Communication
· Supervise the Event Design Specialist.
· Draft public remarks for leadership to deliver at events.
· Oversee approvals for invitations, collateral, and all event-related communications.
· Provide logistical support for Board of Directors meetings and events.
Desired Experience and Qualifications:
- Minimum four years of experience in non-profit event management.
- Experience supervising staff.
- Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service and professional, polished communication.
- Strong interpersonal savvy and emotional intelligence, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of personalities.
- Discretion in handling confidential information.
- Ability to stay poised, organized, and solution-oriented in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other workplace applications.
- Availability for frequent evenings and weekends.
- Ability to travel throughout Los Angeles area for events.
- A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
To Apply:
Apply here through our online candidate portal. If you don’t meet all the criteria listed above but you believe you have what it takes to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself in your cover letter.
Individuals of identities that are underrepresented in the fields of fundraising and arts administration are especially encouraged to apply.Applications received by Monday, December 1, will receive full consideration.
SALARY
$84,000.00 – $105,000.00 per year