Job Description
Full job description
Description:
The Seattle Symphony operates on a 35-hour work week. This position is overtime eligible.
Why Seattle Symphony?
Thank you for considering the Seattle Symphony for the next chapter in your career. Our mission is to unleash the power of music, bring people together, and lift the human spirit. After the global challenges of the past several years, we believe our community needs music now more than ever. As a member of the Development team, we partner with community members who share this belief and help unlock critical resources to keep the music playing.
The orchestra is made up of world-class musicians who dedicate their lives to sharing this incredible artform with audiences. Since our first performance in 1903, our impact has grown to reach the highest levels of artistic excellence. Our donor family continues to give generously, and this role provides ample opportunity to make an impact. If you believe in the power of music and love executing all the details, we want to hear from you!
About our Culture
Working in the Development Department at the Seattle Symphony is fast-paced and results driven. We like to say “yes” and aren’t afraid to try something new. As a team, we value hard work, ingenuity, and attention to detail. We are warm and supportive of each other and are personally committed to delivering our best.
As the largest performing arts organization in the Pacific Northwest, our colleagues love the energy, variety, and opportunities for connection this brings to our work. At our core, we care deeply about our work together, ensuring an excellent experience for our donors and guests at Benaroya Hall, whose sincere enthusiasm makes the music possible and brings joy to our community.
Position Overview:
The Special Events Manager is responsible for the implementation and organization of donor benefit events and engagement experiences designed for individual, corporate and foundation donors of the Seattle Symphony.
This position is an opportunity for someone who is experienced in events and is ready to lead with efficiency and creativity. Our fundraising department is fast-paced and high-performing with more than 60 stewardship and cultivation events each year. The Special Events Manager will take ownership of all of the Donor Benefit Events – from mid-sized luncheons, open rehearsals, various special events, and pre and post-concert receptions which cultivate unique experiences between donors and world-class musicians.
The Special Events Manager will also support the Director of Special Events with planning and operations of large fundraising events, community events and more.
A person who can jump right in with a can-do attitude, lead with positivity, seek clarity when needed, and are eager to provide special experiences for supporters and artists would be an ideal candidate for this role. Interest and knowledge of classical music is desirable.
This position is eligible for a hybrid in-person/remote work arrangement.
Regular team meetings require in-office work at least 3 days per week in addition to attending in-person evening and weekend concerts and/or events. Each employee will establish any schedule for remote work in accordance with company policy and supervisor approval. The Seattle Symphony will provide a laptop, but the employee is required to have their own access to a high-speed internet connection for any remote work.
Requirements:
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
3-5 years prior experience working in events, ideally within a development department or with personal and high-touch, high-volume events
Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks; excellent time-management and problem-solving skills
Highly organized and deadline focused
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Demonstrated proficiency with accuracy in using Word, Excel and Outlook products
Commitment to exemplary customer service
Experience with project management tools. Experience with Asana a plus.
Ability to adhere to SSO policies and support management decisions in a positive and professional manner.
Experience working with donor databases. Experience with Tessitura software a plus.
Availability to flex schedule and work regular overtime outside of typical office hours, including evenings and weekends
Must be available starting no later than September 2 and available for the Opening Night Concert and Gala on Saturday, September 13, 2026.
Essential Job Functions:
Proficient project management and implementation of all donor benefit and stewardship events including but not limited to:
Sponsorship experiences including arranging private rehearsal attendance, dinners or toasts for sponsors with artists, and gifts.
Donor benefit events including Open Rehearsals, Benaroya Legacy Circle Luncheon, Artists Circle Preview, Season Closing Celebration, Presidents Council Preview, and additional benefit and stewardship events as assigned.
Supporting Opening Night Gala, Lunar New Year Gala, and other large-scale events by stepping in to support complex operations and leading staff and volunteers with authority including catering, operations and event production, with pre-event in-kind sponsorship tracking, event committee support including meeting arrangement and note taking, and more.
Regularly report on key event information to staff through detailed event memos.
Serve as a primary liaison for development events to the venue administration team, the in-house caterer, and the orchestra crew for donor benefit events.
Manage external vendor relationships for events including arranging contracts and invoice processing.
Provide exemplary customer service as required; manage patron needs and feedback at events with grace and confidence to provide an experience that honors their commitments as donors.
Monitor and report on in-kind product inventory including wine and liquor, and trade credit balances.
Other duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements:
The physical requirements described here must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The functions of this position are performed primarily in an office environment.
Regular activities include frequent sitting, standing, walking, reaching and bending.
This position may require occasional pulling, lifting and climbing stairs.
Ability to speak, hear and communicate clearly while handling staff inquiries, telephone calls and customer requests.
Specific vision abilities require close visual acuity for viewing a computer screen and reading, preparing, entering and/or analyzing data.
This position requires repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and fingers for typing at a standard keyboard and regular pinching, picking up and holding pencils and other desk tools.
Must have the ability to lift 30 pounds as needed.
Benefits:
Excellent Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance program (PPO, low deductible)
Employer paid Long-Term Disability, AD&D and Life Insurance
403b retirement savings plan with employer matching at 1 year
10 days Vacation Time, 10 days Sick Time
2 personal days
11 holidays per year
Your birthday off!
Employee Assistance Program
The Seattle Symphony values diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace. Individuals who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives are encouraged to apply. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EOE) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, ****** orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Seattle Symphony will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Description:
The Seattle Symphony operates on a 35-hour work week. This position is overtime eligible.
Why Seattle Symphony?
Thank you for considering the Seattle Symphony for the next chapter in your career. Our mission is to unleash the power of music, bring people together, and lift the human spirit. After the global challenges of the past several years, we believe our community needs music now more than ever. As a member of the Development team, we partner with community members who share this belief and help unlock critical resources to keep the music playing.
The orchestra is made up of world-class musicians who dedicate their lives to sharing this incredible artform with audiences. Since our first performance in 1903, our impact has grown to reach the highest levels of artistic excellence. Our donor family continues to give generously, and this role provides ample opportunity to make an impact. If you believe in the power of music and love executing all the details, we want to hear from you!
About our Culture
Working in the Development Department at the Seattle Symphony is fast-paced and results driven. We like to say “yes” and aren’t afraid to try something new. As a team, we value hard work, ingenuity, and attention to detail. We are warm and supportive of each other and are personally committed to delivering our best.
As the largest performing arts organization in the Pacific Northwest, our colleagues love the energy, variety, and opportunities for connection this brings to our work. At our core, we care deeply about our work together, ensuring an excellent experience for our donors and guests at Benaroya Hall, whose sincere enthusiasm makes the music possible and brings joy to our community.
Position Overview:
The Special Events Manager is responsible for the implementation and organization of donor benefit events and engagement experiences designed for individual, corporate and foundation donors of the Seattle Symphony.
This position is an opportunity for someone who is experienced in events and is ready to lead with efficiency and creativity. Our fundraising department is fast-paced and high-performing with more than 60 stewardship and cultivation events each year. The Special Events Manager will take ownership of all of the Donor Benefit Events – from mid-sized luncheons, open rehearsals, various special events, and pre and post-concert receptions which cultivate unique experiences between donors and world-class musicians.
The Special Events Manager will also support the Director of Special Events with planning and operations of large fundraising events, community events and more.
A person who can jump right in with a can-do attitude, lead with positivity, seek clarity when needed, and are eager to provide special experiences for supporters and artists would be an ideal candidate for this role. Interest and knowledge of classical music is desirable.
This position is eligible for a hybrid in-person/remote work arrangement.
Regular team meetings require in-office work at least 3 days per week in addition to attending in-person evening and weekend concerts and/or events. Each employee will establish any schedule for remote work in accordance with company policy and supervisor approval. The Seattle Symphony will provide a laptop, but the employee is required to have their own access to a high-speed internet connection for any remote work.
Requirements:
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
3-5 years prior experience working in events, ideally within a development department or with personal and high-touch, high-volume events
Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks; excellent time-management and problem-solving skills
Highly organized and deadline focused
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Demonstrated proficiency with accuracy in using Word, Excel and Outlook products
Commitment to exemplary customer service
Experience with project management tools. Experience with Asana a plus.
Ability to adhere to SSO policies and support management decisions in a positive and professional manner.
Experience working with donor databases. Experience with Tessitura software a plus.
Availability to flex schedule and work regular overtime outside of typical office hours, including evenings and weekends
Must be available starting no later than September 2 and available for the Opening Night Concert and Gala on Saturday, September 13, 2026.
Essential Job Functions:
Proficient project management and implementation of all donor benefit and stewardship events including but not limited to:
Sponsorship experiences including arranging private rehearsal attendance, dinners or toasts for sponsors with artists, and gifts.
Donor benefit events including Open Rehearsals, Benaroya Legacy Circle Luncheon, Artists Circle Preview, Season Closing Celebration, Presidents Council Preview, and additional benefit and stewardship events as assigned.
Supporting Opening Night Gala, Lunar New Year Gala, and other large-scale events by stepping in to support complex operations and leading staff and volunteers with authority including catering, operations and event production, with pre-event in-kind sponsorship tracking, event committee support including meeting arrangement and note taking, and more.
Regularly report on key event information to staff through detailed event memos.
Serve as a primary liaison for development events to the venue administration team, the in-house caterer, and the orchestra crew for donor benefit events.
Manage external vendor relationships for events including arranging contracts and invoice processing.
Provide exemplary customer service as required; manage patron needs and feedback at events with grace and confidence to provide an experience that honors their commitments as donors.
Monitor and report on in-kind product inventory including wine and liquor, and trade credit balances.
Other duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements:
The physical requirements described here must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The functions of this position are performed primarily in an office environment.
Regular activities include frequent sitting, standing, walking, reaching and bending.
This position may require occasional pulling, lifting and climbing stairs.
Ability to speak, hear and communicate clearly while handling staff inquiries, telephone calls and customer requests.
Specific vision abilities require close visual acuity for viewing a computer screen and reading, preparing, entering and/or analyzing data.
This position requires repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and fingers for typing at a standard keyboard and regular pinching, picking up and holding pencils and other desk tools.
Must have the ability to lift 30 pounds as needed.
Benefits:
Excellent Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance program (PPO, low deductible)
Employer paid Long-Term Disability, AD&D and Life Insurance
403b retirement savings plan with employer matching at 1 year
10 days Vacation Time, 10 days Sick Time
2 personal days
11 holidays per year
Your birthday off!
Employee Assistance Program
The Seattle Symphony values diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace. Individuals who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives are encouraged to apply. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EOE) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, ****** orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Seattle Symphony will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Special Events Manager position is now open for candidates interested in the Event Management Jobs sector. This role in Seattle offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Event Management Jobs is a plus.