Manager, Special Events and Member Hospitality

The Manager, Special Events and Member Hospitality supports BMC's mission through dynamic and strategic event planning. This position is responsible for conceiving, producing, and managing a robust calendar of fundraising, cultivation, stewardship, and internal events—including the annual gala, donor receptions, internal events, and community engagement experiences.

The ideal candidate will be a creative, organized, energetic, and collaborative professional with a passion for the performing arts, exceptional attention to detail, and a track record of producing successful events that strengthen relationships and drive revenue.

Key Responsibilities

Event Strategy and Management

  • Plan, execute, and evaluate all special events from concept to completion, including annual signature gala and auction, off-site fundraisers, donor receptions, season launches, and member stewardship including, but not limited to, pre- and post-performance receptions, dinners for major donors, and curated experiences.
  • Develop creative event concepts that reflect the organization's aesthetic vision and brand.
  • Manage timelines and contractor/vendor relationships to ensure events are delivered on time and within budget.
  • Coordinate all logistics such as venue selection, catering, décor, entertainment, permits, and staffing.

Expense Management and Value Optimization

  • Oversee and manage expenses to ensure cost efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
  • Analyze spending patterns to identify opportunities for cost savings and value enhancement without compromising quality or operational effectiveness.
  • Negotiate with vendors, suppliers, and service providers to secure favorable pricing, terms, and added-value benefits.
  • Work with other departments to develop procurement strategies that align with organizational goals and ensure optimal use of financial resources.

Analysis and Reporting

  • Track metrics for attendance, revenue, expenses, and engagement outcomes.
  • Provide post-event evaluations and recommendations for future improvements.

Fundraising and Supporter Engagement

  • Partner with the development team to set fundraising goals and integrate events into the overall fundraising strategy.
  • Collaborate with board members, volunteers, and sponsors to maximize event participation and giving.
  • Manage sponsorship packages, in-kind donations, and auction components when applicable.
  • Oversee guest list development, invitation creation, RSVPs, and post-event follow-up to ensure strong donor stewardship.

Campus Venue Rentals

  • Participate with and support Production and Operations staff to execute  on-campus, external events (fundraising events, business meetings, wedding receptions, etc.).

Team Leadership and Collaboration

  • Hire and manage seasonal staff who support the summer events schedule.
  • Supervise event staff and/or volunteers as needed.
  • Work closely with the artistic, marketing, and production teams to align events with institutional messaging and artistic programming.
  • Liaise with senior leadership, board, and ad hoc committees on event planning and fundraising initiatives.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Development.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, event planning, hospitality, communications, or a related field.
  • Minimum 5 years of professional experience in event planning, fundraising, or donor relations—preferably in a nonprofit or performing arts environment.
  • Proven success managing complex events from concept through execution, including support staff and volunteers.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Creative thinker with a collaborative spirit and an eye for detail.
  • Familiarity and working knowledge with event and donor management software (e.g., Tessitura, Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Evening and weekend work is required during the Summer Festival Season and other times of the year, as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Comprehensive salary and benefits package including health, dental, vision, paid time off, and retirement plan.
  • Complimentary tickets to performances.
  • Opportunities for professional development.

Working Conditions

  • Work takes place primarily at BMC's main administrative office and campus.
  • Attendance at concerts, donor events, and development functions, as needed.
  • Seasonal extended hours to meet specific deadlines and campaign/event needs.
  • Position reports to the Senior Director of Development.

Requirements

  • Completion of a satisfactory background check.
  • Must have a valid state driver's license and possess a clean driving record.
  • Must be able to perform physical activities such as lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

About Brevard Music Center

The Brevard Music Center (BMC) is one of the nation's premier summer music training programs and festivals, welcoming nearly 1,000 students and participants of all ages each year with broad national and international reach. Under the artistic direction of Keith Lockhart, BMC presents more than one hundred performances each summer, spanning orchestra, opera, voice, piano, chamber music, jazz, bluegrass, and film with live orchestra. For nearly nine decades, BMC has provided exceptional training for young musicians through mentorship with distinguished faculty and guest artists, while also enriching the cultural life of Western North Carolina year-round through its Parker Concert Hall Series.

BMC Development and Special Events

The Development and Special Events Office is responsible for securing contributed income to support Brevard Music Center's annual operations and identified special capital and artistic projects. We accomplish this by working collaboratively with our Board and senior staff leadership to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations who are genuinely interested in supporting our mission and our students.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Please email a cover letter and resume to:

Dave Perrett
Senior Director of Development
dperrett@brevardmusic.org

As a matter of policy, the Brevard Music Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information (including family medical history) in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment and employment of its faculty and staff, or the operation of any of its programs and activities.