Associate Director, Special Events

Job Description

Job Description

About the New York Philharmonic

The New York Philharmonic connects with millions of music lovers each season through live concerts in New York and around the world, as well as broadcasts, recordings, and education programs. After returning to a transformed David Geffen Hall in 2022, the Orchestra is acting on a renewed commitment to building on a legacy of more than 180 years, serving as a platform for today’s greatest musical artists and connecting with our communities. Gustavo Dudamel will become the Philharmonic’s Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Music and Artistic Director beginning at the start of the 2026-2027 season.

About the Role

The New York Philharmonic seeks an enthusiastic, hands - on Associate Director of Special Events to join its collaborative and dynamic Special Events team. This role plays a key part in advancing the New York Philharmonic’s mission by producing high-impact fundraising events throughout the concert season.

The Associate Director serves as the production and logistics lead for five pillar events—Opening Gala, Young New Yorkers Winter Fête, Lunar New Year Gala, Fun at the Phil Family Benefit, and Spring Gala, as well as additional cultivation events. Working closely with the Director of Special Events, they oversee every aspect of event production and help implement practices and procedures that elevate the guest experience.

Your Day-to-Day

• Serve as primary manager for the Opening Gala, Lunar New Year Gala, and Spring Gala, overseeing budgets, production planning, timelines, vendors, seating, contracts, and on-site operations.
• Actively contribute to fundraising strategy by cultivating donor relationships and supporting sponsorship and leadership prospecting efforts under the direction of the Director of Special Events.
• Maintain high-level financial and tracking documents to ensure annual revenue goals are met, in partnership with the Director of Special Events and the SVP, Philanthropy.
• Lead the planning and execution of assigned cultivation events, including on-site, off-site, and out-of-state donor events.
• Oversee and provide guidance on all event collateral, both digital and print.
• Liaise with internal departments including Artistic, Education, Development, Finance, Marketing, and PR to achieve event goals.
• Provide hands-on support to the Director of Special Events in the day-to-day management of the department, including supervising team members, interns, and volunteers as needed.
• Participate in Patron Lounge duty during the concert season to support guest engagement and tracking.
• Miscellaneous duties as assigned.

What you Bring to the Team

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience preferably in nonprofit event planning; arts or cultural experience a plus.
• At least 1 year managing or co-managing a team preferred.
• Strong project management skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across all levels of an organization and with external partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.) and experience with at least one donor database (Tessitura preferred)
• Flexibility working evenings and weekends for performances and events
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
• Bilingual capability is a plus.

Who You Are

• A collaborative people leader who builds trust and develops strong teams.
• A relationship‑builder who enjoys engaging donors and representing the organization.
• A clear, effective communicator who works well across teams.

• Organized, detail‑oriented, and committed to an inclusive, values‑driven workplace.

Work Arrangement

This position operates in a hybrid work environment. Candidates should expect a regular in-office presence, particularly during the first several months, to support onboarding, relationship building, and operational integration. Ongoing hybrid flexibility is available based on role responsibilities and organizational needs.

Perks & Benefits

The New York Philharmonic offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to our full-time employees including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage from Day 1
• Employer contributions to the 403(b) plan
• Employer-paid Life and Disability insurance
• 12 Holidays
• Vacation benefits
• Access to world‑class performances and events

Everyone Belongs Here

The New York Philharmonic is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, immigration or citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, marital and partnership status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran or active military service member or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws in its employment policies.