Stewardship and Special Events Manager

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Philadelphia, PA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Administrative Skills, Budget Management, Communication Skills, Detail Oriented, Donor Program, Donor Relations, Event Management, Event Marketing, Exceeded Sales Goal, Follow Through, Fundraising, Fundraising Program, Interpersonal Skills, Logistics, Marketing, Marketing Communications, Marketing/Promotional Messaging, Microsoft Office, Multitasking, Organizational Skills, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Project/Program Management, Revenue Management, Stewardship, Volunteer Experience, Volunteer Management, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Philadelphia, PA
POSTED
1 day ago

PAFA is seeking a Stewardship and Special Events Manager to execute high-impact fundraising events, exhibition openings, and donor engagement strategies that strengthen relationships, inspire philanthropy, and advance the mission of one of the nation's premier art institutions. 

POSITION: Stewardship and Special Events Manager

The Stewardship and Special Events Manager leads the strategy and execution of PAFA's donor events and stewardship program, supporting fundraising goals and deepening donor engagement.

This role manages a portfolio of high-impact experiences-including fundraising events, exhibition openings, and cultivation programs-while overseeing donor communications, recognition, and stewardship systems.

Working closely with the Director of Individual Giving and Major Gifts and Corporate Relations Officer, the Manager plays a key role in creating and implementing meaningful donor engagement that drives revenue, strengthens relationships, and advances PAFA's mission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Fundraising & Signature Events

  • Plan and execute PAFA's fundraising and cultivation events from concept through post-event reporting
  • Manage budgets, revenue goals, sponsorships, auctions, and logistics
  • Partner with staff and volunteers to meet or exceed annual revenue targets

Donor Engagement & Stewardship Events

  • Plan and execute exhibition openings, affinity group programs, and donor cultivation events
  • Ensure high-quality, personalized donor experiences across all touchpoints

Volunteer & Committee Management

  • Support Director of Individual Giving in managing event committees, including recruitment, engagement, and meeting facilitation
  • Serve as administrative support to the Women's Committee

Stewardship Communications & Recognition

  • Oversee donor communications, including personalized high-touch acknowledgments and impact reporting
  • Manage donor recognition across print, digital, and onsite platforms

Event Communications & Marketing Collaboration

  • Oversee invitations and event materials in partnership with Marketing
  • Ensure consistent messaging and effective promotion of Development events

Stewardship Systems & Tracking

  • Develop and manage stewardship workflows to support consistent donor engagement
  • Track activity and ensure follow-through in Raiser's Edge NXT

Major Gift Engagement Support

  • Partner with Development colleagues to support high-touch cultivation and stewardship strategies

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree required
  • 3–5 years of experience managing development events and working with donors
  • Volunteer management experience required
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and execute fundraising and stewardship events
  • Strong project management and organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Experience collaborating with marketing on event communications and promotions
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor databases; Raiser's Edge NXT preferred
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed

KEY ATTRIBUTES

  • Strategic and creative thinker with strong execution skills
  • Relationship-driven with professionalism and sound judgment
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and results-focused

About the Company

P

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts