About Us: French Heritage Society (FHS) is an American nonprofit dedicated to preserving French architectural and cultural heritage in France and the United States. Since 1982, FHS has awarded over $16.5 million to more than 700 restoration projects, supporting historic sites from châteaux and monuments to urgent preservation efforts following the Notre-Dame fire and Hurricane Katrina. FHS has also enabled nearly 600 university students to pursue career-defining internships in the heritage field. Headquartered in New York with an office in Paris, with 12 volunteer-led chapters – 11 in the U.S. and 1 in France – FHS advances its mission through grants, education, and a dynamic program of over 40 programs, galas and trips that connect and inspire supporters across both countries. Position Summary: The Director of Special Events leads FHS’s special events portfolio as a strategic driver of fundraising revenue, donor engagement, and organizational visibility. The current portfolio generates substantial operating revenues, with significant opportunity for future growth. This role owns event growth strategy, revenue performance, and flagship event leadership across key markets. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, this role works closely with the Executive Director and Communications Manager to ensure alignment across fundraising, donor engagement, and organizational visibility initiatives.Responsibilities Flagship Event Leadership Lead strategy and execution of the NYC Fall Gala as FHS’s flagship fundraising and donor engagement event.Develop and implement annual growth strategies for sponsorship, attendance, donor participation, and net revenueGrow net proceeds from the NYC Fall Gala by 20-30% over a three-year period through sponsorship expansion, donor cultivation, and revenue optimizationPartner with the Director of Advancement on donor strategy, invitation development, sponsorship outreach, and stewardshipOversee all event production, budgeting, vendor management, and executionTrack event performance metrics and prepare post-event analysis for leadership and Board review45th Anniversary Planning (2027) Lead planning and execution of FHS’s 45th anniversary activities in 2027, including major events in New York and Paris, as well as regional programs across the United States.Develop and implement a cohesive anniversary events strategy in coordination with Advancement and the Executive DirectorOversee planning, budgeting, and execution of anniversary-related events, including flagship galas in New York and ParisWork closely with the Paris team to coordinate planning and executive of the Paris gala, ensuring alignment across teams, timelines, and stakeholdersSupport development of regional anniversary programmingCollaborate on donor engagement, sponsorship opportunities, and communications strategy tied to anniversary initiativesEnsure alignment of anniversary activities with broader fundraising and organizational visibility goalsPortfolio Event Management Lead strategy and execution of additional fundraising and cultivation events, including the Palm Beach Gala, Palm Beach Luncheon, Summer Soirée in the Hamptons, and select regional benefits.Develop annual event plans and revenue goals Support sponsorship and audience growth strategiesEnsure alignment with organizational branding, donor engagement, and fundraising priorities Collaborate with the Communications Manager on event communications, branding, and collateral; the Communications Manager leads execution, with strategic input from the Director of Special EventsEnsure compliance with fundraising regulations and best practicesTrack event performance and prepare post-event reports for leadership and the BoardAuction Strategy and ExecutionDevelop auction strategy as one component of gala revenue growthManage auction partners, procurement support, and bidder cultivation in coordination with AdvancementNew York Chapter Events Support for New York Chapter events in coordination with volunteer leadership.Coordinate logistics and vendor relationships for select Chapter eventsEnsure alignment with FHS branding, fundraising priorities, and donor engagement strategySupport volunteer leadership in planning and executionNational Chapter Event Support (Advisory) Support FHS chapters across the U.S. in planning and executing events.Serve as strategic advisor to Chapter leadership on event planning, donor engagement, and revenue growthCollaboration and Organizational AlignmentPartner with the Executive Director on institutional representation, strategic donor engagement, and high-level event positioningWork closely with the Director of Advancement to ensure events are fully aligned with fundraising strategy and donor engagement prioritiesCollaborate with the Communications Manager to ensure consistent messaging, branding, and promotion of all eventsContribute to a cohesive donor experience across events and broader organizational activitiesPerformance Metrics and Organizational GoalsAchieve annual gross and net revenue goals across the events portfolioIncrease sponsorship revenue and donor participation year over yearGrow net proceeds from the NYC Fall Gala by 20–30% over a three-year periodTrack and evaluate event performance metrics, including attendance, sponsorship retention, donor engagement, and ROIDevelop strategies to strengthen long-term donor cultivation and event sustainabilityAssess event portfolio performance annually and recommend opportunities for growth, refinement, or restructuringKnowledge and Skills5+ years of experience planning and executing complex fundraising events, preferably within a nonprofit or cultural institutionDemonstrated experience managing high-profile events (200+ guests) from concept through executionStrong project management and organizational skills Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage donors, vendors, and stakeholdersStrong attention to detail, including budgeting, contracts, and event executionAbility to work independently, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple concurrent projectsAvailable to attend evening and weekend events as neededPositive, collaborative approach and strong team orientationBachelor’s Degree required Schedule Full-time, hybrid (3 days in the office, workload permitting)Benefits Full health benefits, including dental and vision coverageEmployer-managed 401KPre-tax commuter benefitsGenerous paid vacation and holiday packageSalary $90,000 To Apply Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience to sarah@frenchheritagesociety.org.French Heritage Society is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds.
