Manager of Special Events

The Manager of Special Events is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing a wide range of museum events and programs, including—but not limited to—exhibition openings, donor and member events, special trips, the annual gala, and other fundraising initiatives as needed. This position plays a key role in enhancing the museum’s visibility, deepening audience engagement, and supporting fundraising goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• • Plan, organize, and manage museum events including the Annual Gala, the Summer Party, and international Board Travel from concept to completion, including developing timelines, coordinating vendors, and overseeing event staffing. Assist with Education programming.
  • Collaborate across departments, particularly with Facilities, to ensure seamless logistics and on-site execution.
  • Develop and manage event budgets, monitor expenses, and reconcile costs in coordination with the Finance Department.
• Collaborate on the creation of event-related marketing materials such as sending invitations, tracking responses, selecting menus, and creating signage.
  • Manage post-event follow-up, including thank-you communications, distribution of photos, donation and newsletter links, and social media engagement.
  • Record and track event donations in Raiser’s Edge to ensure accurate data management and reporting.
  • Maintain the departmental and institutional events calendars to ensure alignment across teams.
• Work with Marketing Manager for special events presence on website, marketing strategy for ticket sales for fundraising events
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills:

• • Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Communications, Arts Administration, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in large scale fundraising and event planning, preferably in a museum, cultural institution, or nonprofit organization.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail and creative problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience managing event budgets and vendor relationships.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for events.
  • A collaborative spirit, flexibility, and enthusiasm for the mission of the museum.

Technology Skills

• • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Raiser’s Edge, MailChimp, and Eventbrite.

Preferred Qualifications

• • Spanish proficiency.
  • Knowledge of Hispanic art, literature, and culture.

About the Hispanic Society Museum & Library

The Hispanic Society Museum & Library was founded in New York City in 1904 by Archer M. Huntington with the purpose of advancing the study and appreciation of the art, literature, and culture of Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the Philippines. Today, the museum and library collections from antiquity through the early 20th century are widely recognized as the most comprehensive in scope and quality outside of Spain. Museum highlights include numerous masterworks by El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, and Sorolla; sculpture by Pedro de Mena and Luisa Roldán; Latin American paintings by Vázquez, López de Arteaga, Rodríguez Juárez, Arrieta and Campeche; as well as masterpieces in all areas of the decorative arts. Recent additions include works by Jose Clement Orozco and Pablo Picasso.

EEO Statement

The HSM&L is an equal opportunity employer. The HSM&L does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, partnership status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(B) elections.
• Paid Time Off Benefits
  • 3 weeks’ vacation (pro-rated in 1st year)
  • 3 personal days
  • 5 sick days (beginning January 2026)
• Commuter benefits - parking and mass transit.
• This position will be covered by Local 2110.

Spanish Proficiency preferred