About PublicolorPublicolor is an award-winning nonprofit organization that empowers under-resourced New York City public school students to reach their academic and career potential through the power of color, design, education, and community engagement. For 30 years, Publicolor has transformed hundreds of schools and community spaces while providing thousands of students with hands-on learning experiences, academic support, paid internships, and pathways to college and careers.We are seeking a highly organized, energetic, and relationship-driven Director of Events to lead our fundraising events program. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced nonprofit event professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building meaningful relationships with donors and corporate partners, and has a proven ability to execute exceptional fundraising events that inspire philanthropy and advance Publicolor\'s mission.Reporting to the Founder + President, the Director of Events will work closely with the Development and Program teams to plan and execute Publicolor\'s signature annual gala and other fundraising and cultivation events throughout the year.Key ResponsibilitiesEvent Strategy & FundraisingPartner with the Founder + President and Development team to develop and execute a comprehensive annual events fundraising strategy that supports organizational revenue goals.Establish measurable fundraising objectives for all events and monitor progress toward achieving revenue targets.Identify opportunities to increase sponsorship revenue, ticket sales, and donor engagement.Cultivate and steward relationships with corporate sponsors, donors, volunteers, auction donors, committees, and event supporters.Event Planning & ProductionLead all aspects of planning and execution for Publicolor\'s annual gala and additional fundraising, stewardship, and special events.Develop event timelines, budgets, production schedules, and logistics.Coordinate vendors, venues, caterers, entertainment, audiovisual production, décor, transportation, and other event logistics.Oversee event registration, guest experience, seating, volunteer coordination, and on-site event management.Ensure every event reflects Publicolor\'s mission, brand, and commitment to excellence.Sponsorship & Partnership DevelopmentSolicit corporate sponsorships, auction packages, and in-kind donations through proactive outreach.Build and expand relationships with current and prospective sponsors, donors, and community partners.Work closely with Board members to leverage their networks for sponsorships, introductions, auction items, and event attendance.Assist with sponsorship fulfillment and recognition.Team LeadershipLead, train, and supervise staff, interns, volunteers, and event committees involved in event planning and execution.Foster collaboration across Development, Programs, and Finance to ensure seamless event execution.Create clear project plans and delegate responsibilities while maintaining accountability for deadlines and deliverables.Event MarketingAssist with invitations, event collateral, sponsorship materials, digital communications, and promotional campaigns.Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all event materials.Donor Stewardship & Database ManagementCoordinate with the Director of Database Management to maintain accurate records of donor interactions, sponsorships, gifts, attendance, and event engagement.Ensure timely post-event stewardship, including acknowledgments, thank-you letters, sponsorship fulfillment, and donor follow-up.Analyze event outcomes and prepare reports that measure financial performance, attendance, sponsorship growth, and return on investment.QualificationsThe ideal candidate is an experienced nonprofit event professional who combines strategic thinking, is a team player, and has exceptional organizational skills.Required QualificationsMinimum of 5–7 years of senior-level nonprofit event management experience.Demonstrated success managing fundraising galas and special events serving 400 or more guests.Proven experience securing corporate sponsorships and cultivating donor relationships.Experience leading complex event logistics from planning through execution.Strong fundraising and project management skills.Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Strong leadership skills with experience supervising staff and volunteers.Comfortable making sponsorship, auction, and donor solicitation calls.High level of professionalism, accountability, and discretion.Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.Experience using or the ability to quickly learn donor database and fundraising software.Preferred QualificationsExperience securing in-kind donations.Experience managing small-scale cultivation and fundraising events, as well as marathons, is a plus.Bachelor’s degree in Event Management or a related field.Work ScheduleLocation: New York CityMonday–FridayHybrid schedule: Four days in the office and one remote workday each weekOccasional evenings and weekends are required for fundraising events and some Saturdays at school sites throughout the year.
