Long Beach Symphony Orchestra

Special Events Manager

July 20, 2010

About the Position:

The Long Beach Symphony Orchestra is expanding its professional staff. The new position of Special Events Manager will be a critical member of the Development Department with responsibility for the planning and successful execution of three major annual fundraising events – the Crescendo Gala, the Symphony Classics Golf Tournament, and the annual Lexus Opportunity Drawing – as well as a variety of social and cultivation events each season for donors, sponsors and subscribers. In addition, the Special Events Manager will act as staff liaison to Ovation! , the Orchestra's volunteer organization, in support of their annual wine tasting event, Uncorked!

Reporting:

This position reports to the Director of Development, and works closely with members of the board of directors, with members of the major event leadership committees, and with sponsors.

Necessary Abilities, Skills and Characteristics:

Ability to articulate the purpose/goal of the event in consultation with Director of Development and/or orchestra leadership with a focus on cultivation and education;

Ability to effectively recruit, motivate and capitalize on the talents and contributions of event volunteer leadership and committees;

Prepare and maintain timelines/timeflows and ensure that other departments are kept informed in a timely manner;

Prepare and track event budgets with Director of Development; accurately code expenses;

In collaboration with event volunteer leadership, Orchestra management and staff, coordinate event design (e.g. venue, floorplan, rentals, theme and décor, catering, entertainment), contract negotiation and execution for locale, décor, hospitality, meals, music, and other elements of event implementation, as required;

Ensure timely acquisition of all required permits and insurance coverage for all off-site events;

Coordinate the creation, design (including design approval), printing and mailing of invitations and marketing materials;

Provide on-site event organization and supervision of staff, volunteers and vendors, including set- up, check-in, tear down, etc.;

Flexible, creative, and cheerful "can do" approach to tasks and challenges;

Clear understanding of the erratic hours and schedules inherent in special events management – working evenings and weekends is required.

Competence using the Microsoft Platform (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Raisers Edge or a similar relational donor database program.

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3 years experience in special events planning and management, preferably in a performing arts organization;

Superb writing skills; excellent grammar, spelling and punctuation is essential;

Demonstrated success in working with volunteers; the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people is essential, including board members, committee members, donors and volunteers, staff members and vendors in all arenas;

Strong negotiation and relationship management skills; aptitude for working collaboratively with colleagues and constituents;

Meticulous attention to detail; highly organized with well-honed ability to multi-task in a dynamic work environment;

Ability to work within a team structured environment as well as be a self starter and work independently;

Appreciation for the importance of information sharing in developing donors and prospects;

Professional or life experience with classical music is a plus.

How to Apply:

Deadline to apply:  August 13, 2010.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Please send a personal letter explaining your interest and qualifications for this position, along with your resume.

Email Address (preferred):

hr@lbso.org    (Please note in the Subject line, "Special Events Manager")

Mailing Address:

Long Beach Symphony Orchestra
Attn:  HR - Special Events
110 W. Ocean Blvd., Suite 22
Long Beach, CA  90802

About the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra:

Established in 1935, the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra will begin its 76th season in October, 2010. Each year LBSO draws loyal audiences from the greater Los Angeles and Orange County communities to its six Classics concerts in the Terrace Theater, four Symphony POPS! events in the Long Beach Arena and two Holiday Celebration concerts in the Terrace Theater. The Orchestra's 83 professional musicians are drawn from the finest free-lance musician pool in the country. When not performing with the orchestra, they may be heard on film, commercial and television soundtracks, or found touring internationally with well-known solo performing artists.

The Orchestra works with the Long Beach Unified School District to provide sequential, curriculum based music education opportunities throughout the year. Through its comprehensive music-education programs—including professional ensembles in elementary and middle schools and widely acclaimed symphony concerts for young people - LBSO has historically reached as many as 50,000 students a year.

For more information, please visit our web site:  www.lbso.org