Job at a glance
Position: Manager, Special Events Department: Philanthropy FLSA Grade: Full-Time, Exempt Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 Annually Position Summary The Manager, Special Events is an integral member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association’s Philanthropy team, responsible for the strategic planning, project management, and execution of a dynamic calendar of 80+ annual donor, cultivation, stewardship, and engagement events across the LA Phil’s four venues—Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, and Beckmen YOLA Center—including Board meetings, signature events, salons, invited rehearsals, and other special programs, as well as two major fundraising events: Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl and the Gala at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Working closely with the Director, Special Events, the Manager leads assigned events from concept through execution and post-event follow-up, overseeing budgets, vendors, guest experience, communications, production, and cross-departmental coordination, while developing strategies that advance donor relationships, philanthropic priorities, and fundraising goals. The Manager must be a highly organized and strategic project leader who can manage multiple complex events simultaneously, anticipate challenges, exercise sound judgment, deliver exceptional experiences for donors and other key stakeholders, and provide mentorship and direction to event staff as appropriate.
Position Elements Planning and execution of an assigned portfolio of annual donor, cultivation, stewardship, and engagement events across all four LA Phil venues and off-site locations. Lead key planning and production components of Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl and the Gala at Walt Disney Concert Hall, supporting fundraising, donor engagement, and revenue goals. Develop and manage event plans, timelines, budgets, guest communications, invitations, RSVPs, seating, ticketing, run-of-show materials, and on-site production.
Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned events, coordinating with Philanthropy and cross-functional teams including Artistic, Marketing, Finance, Presentations, Operations, Orchestra Management, Box Office, and venue staff. Manage vendors and event partners, including caterers, designers, printers, and production companies, overseeing proposals, contracts, budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
Partner with Philanthropy leadership and fundraising teams to align events with donor cultivation, stewardship, solicitation, and revenue objectives. Oversee event financial activity, including budgets, revenue and expense tracking, reconciliation, and reporting, and partner with Philanthropy Operations on gift processing and acknowledgments. Manage event and donor information in Tessitura, ensuring accurate and timely records related to invitations, RSVPs, attendance, seating, ticketing, and donor engagement.
Coordinate events involving artists, conductors, Board members, and other VIP guests, ensuring a high level of discretion, hospitality, and attention to detail. Provide on-site leadership for event production and direct staff, vendors, volunteers, and other event personnel as appropriate. Mentor the Assistant Manager and Coordinator, delegating responsibilities and establishing priorities to support successful event execution.
Evaluate event outcomes and contribute to annual and long-range event planning, process improvement, and the continued enhancement of the donor experience. Represent the LA Phil at donor, Board, community, and other special events throughout Los Angeles. Relationships Reports To: Director, Special Events Provides guidance and support to the Coordinator, Assistant Manager, interns, and volunteers. Interacts With:Philanthropy leadership and staff; Board members; donors and prospects; artists and artist representatives; LA Phil senior leadership; staff across Artistic, Marketing, Finance, Presentations, Operation