Manager of Events and Member Engagement

The Farnsworth Art Museum, located in the scenic coastal community of Rockland, Maine, is recognized nationally as one of the finest repositories of American art. With over 15,000 works, our collection underscores Maine as the inspiration for many of the artists represented in our holdings.

Manager of Events and Member Engagement

REPORTS TO: Associate Director of Advancement STATUS: Full-Time, Onsite, Exempt

Position Summary

The Manager of Events and Member Engagement is responsible for the successful execution of the Museum’s fundraising and stewardship events, with a primary focus on the annual gala (targeting $1 Million in revenue). This role is also responsible for the Farnsworth’s membership program ($650,000 annually), in particular benefit fulfillment and planning of engagement opportunities for members at all levels. 

Key Responsibilities

Events 

• Serve as the lead logistical and administrative planner for the annual gala, working directly with the Associate Director of Advancement (ADoA). This includes managing venue contracts, catering, décor, vendor negotiations, entertainment, and on-site event execution, working with an outside event production company.
• Ensure timely and accurate fulfillment of all gala sponsor benefits, including coordinating recognition, seating, and special access for high-level gala supporters.
• Cultivate and solicit gifts for the Gala in coordination with full advancement team, in order to ensure fulfillment of fundraising goal. 
• Plan and execute major donor cultivation and stewardship events, and other events as assigned. 
• Manage budgets for all assigned events, negotiating contracts, tracking expenses, processing invoices, and ensuring cost-effective, high-quality event production.
• Work closely with the Manager of Development Operations and Development Associate to ensure accurate guest lists, ticket sales reconciliation, and timely event acknowledgment processes.
• Manage all food and beverage for monthly First Friday program.
• Collaborate with the communication and brand strategy team on event branding, invitation design, and promotional materials.
• Field private event rental inquiries with the potential to manage private event rentals in the future as the Museum’s program develops.
  
  

Member Engagement

• Develop, plan, and oversee a year-round calendar of events and programming for Farnsworth members, including high-level cultivation and stewardship events for the Museum’s patrons program. 
• Strategize and execute, in coordination with the Associate Director of Advancement, membership acquisition campaigns, renewal and reinstatement efforts, and benefit fulfillment, ensuring a seamless member experience and revenue growth of the program. 
• Coordinate with the Development Associate on timely and accurate gift processing, data entry, and renewal & acknowledgment preparation.
• Lead the creation of all membership invitations, and member digital communications (email), in coordination with the Museum’s communications and brand strategy department. 
• Work closely with Visitor Services and Retail staff to train them on membership talking points, resolve complex member issues, and maximize on-site acquisition opportunities.
• Manage the operational budget for all Membership benefit fulfilment.
• Track, analyze, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) including renewal rates, acquisition costs, average gift size, and campaign ROI, providing regular updates to the ADoA and Chief Advancement Officer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of direct experience in professional event planning, or work administering a membership program, or a combination of both, preferably within a non-profit or cultural organization.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale fundraising events that generate significant revenue.
• Highly organized with exceptional project management skills and the ability to manage multiple complex timelines simultaneously.
• Excellent negotiation, writing/communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with event management platforms, donor databases (CRM), Office and Google suites.
• Must have regular access to a car and a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to work frequent evenings and weekends for event execution, and lift/move event materials (up to 25 lbs).