Full-time Director, Special Events

Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer and serving as a key member on the development team, the Director of Special Events will oversee the strategy, planning, and execution of a comprehensive calendar of fundraising events, patron cultivation activities, performance-related hospitality, and institutional celebrations. This individual will bring fresh, innovative thinking to enhance Houston Ballet’s event portfolio, ensuring that every experience reflects the artistic excellence, sophistication, and ambition of Houston Ballet. The Director of Special Events will lead all aspects of event management, including budgeting, logistics, vendor and venue coordination, volunteer engagement, sponsorship fulfillment, guest experience, and cross‑departmental collaboration. The successful candidate will partner closely with development colleagues to support donor cultivation and stewardship goals, maximize fundraising opportunities, and identify creative ways to expand corporate and community engagement through events. The Director of Special Events is responsible for the overall management of the Onstage Dinner, Nutcracker Market, Ballet Ball, Nutcracker Market SPRING and Raising the Barre. This is a remarkable opportunity for a dynamic and detail‑oriented leader to build upon the strong foundation established by Houston Ballet’s development team while helping shape the next generation of unforgettable patron experiences and philanthropic events. The successful candidate will bring strategic vision, creativity, professionalism, and a passion for the performing arts to further strengthen Houston Ballet’s culture of philanthropy and community engagement. This role requires evening and weekend availability to support performances, special events, and donor engagement activities. Please Apply: Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree or higher degree required Minimum of eight years of development experience with five or more years of individual giving and special events experience Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills Strong presentation skills Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work and be able to meet tight deadlines Ability to analyze cost effectiveness of programs Knowledge of database, Internet, spreadsheet, and word processing software #J-18808-Ljbffr