Associate Director of Development, Special Events

Reports To: Senior Director of Special Events
Department: Special Events
Status: Full- Time, Exempt

Note: A valid US driver’s license required for this position.

About Central Park and the Central Park Conservancy 

Central Park is one of the most famous and beloved urban public spaces in the world. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1857, the 843-acre park was the first purpose-built public park in the country and is a National Historic Landmark. The Central Park Conservancy, a private not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1980 to rescue the Park which had fallen into serious disrepair. Since that time, the Conservancy has overseen the investment of approximately $1 billion in the restoration of the Park, and now hosts over 40 million visitors a year. 

The Conservancy’s mission is to preserve and celebrate Central Park as a sanctuary from urban life. The City of New York has formally entrusted the care of the Park to the Conservancy which is responsible for every aspect of its care, including landscape maintenance, capital improvements, and the visitor experience. Committed to sharing the best practices in urban park management, the Conservancy also serves as a resource for other NYC parks and for public-private partnerships around the world. The Conservancy employs roughly 325 people and has a yearly operating budget of $80 million. 

The Conservancy recently completed a seven-year plan, Central Park Conservancy, A Plan for the Stewardship of Central Park: 2020-2027, which focuses on the ongoing capital investment of the last four decade’s investment of more than $1 billion into Central Park.

Job Summary:

The Associate Director of Development for Special Events plays a key role on the Special Events Department team and is responsible for key aspects of fundraising and development for events hosted by the Central Park Conservancy (CPC). 

Summary of Essential Job Functions: 

• Manage fundraising responsibilities including research, cultivation and stewardship of prospective donors, donor management and follow up; solicitation and gift processing for CPC Fundraising events Taste of Summer; Starlight Dinners and Annual Gala.
• Work towards and meet designated fundraising goals.
• Steward and support the Event Co-Chairs and Committee.
• Recruit for and liaise with Young Associates Committee for Annual Gala, steering them on fundraising and event logistics, and helping to cultivate them throughout the year. 
• Work in tandem with Special Events colleagues who execute logistics for events.
• Plan and help execute Development events including tours, picnics, cocktail receptions, Conservancy Ambassador Events, breakfasts and other benefit events for Major Donors, General Members, Conservators, and Greensward Circle as assigned by  Senior Director, and VP of Development.
• Perform database work in Raiser’s Edge such as event registration and guest list management, tracking event related gifts and acquisitions, financial reports, data imports and donor updates. 
• Work cross departmentally to help identify and solicit Event Sponsors 
• Develop and send event related communications such as invites, solicitations and mailing materials, reminders and post-event thank you emails to attendees.
• Coordinate event mailing lists, facilitate mailings, track RSVP’s and respond to event related inquiries as needed.
• Ensure donors are provided with excellent customer service through all phases of event planning.
• Coordinate with communications team on creation of event related materials including but not limited to: websites, invitations, emails, communication strategy.
• Work with other departments to streamline organizational standards and platforms including archiving, web forms, and proposal templates. 
• Support special projects for other departments as needed. 
• Answer phone and e-mail inquiries related to events and programs.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree of equivalent combination of education and experience
• 6 to 8 years of experience in fundraising events and working with event leadership and major donors.
• Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge. 
• Familiar with all aspects of events fundraising and solicitation.
• Ability to work independently and as a team. 
• Superior organizational skills and ability to prioritize and multi-task. 
• Strong written and communication skills 
• Must possess exceptional maturity, tact, and diplomacy.
• Must be able to work some late nights and weekends.
• Valid US driver’s license required; must be comfortable driving in NYC 
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, etc.).

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

The Central Park Conservancy’s work is guided by the belief that Central Park, and all public parks, must be managed and actively protected as an inclusive and democratic space for all.

Working closely with our New York City partners, we will always strive towards creating and sustaining a sense of belonging for all visitors and advocating for equitable and accessible public use of the Park.

In service of this belief, we are committed to fostering a workforce and organizational culture that is as diverse as Central Park itself and the dynamic city it serves.

Salary range:  $85K to $90K (based on level of experience).

Safety Requirements:
Establishment and maintenance of a safe work environment is the shared responsibility of this organization and employees at every level. The Conservancy will make every effort to assure a safe environment and follow federal, state, and local safety regulations. Employees are expected to obey safety rules and to exercise caution in all their work activities. Accordingly, employees should be aware of any hazards, which could cause an injury or accident (e.g., spills, obstacles in walkways, etc.). If an employee discovers a potentially dangerous condition, he/she should alert other employees and notify his/her supervisor immediately. 

Disclaimer: 
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.