Director Events Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

SUMMARY OF JOB The Assistant Director supports the Opera House by leading planning, partnership development, fund development, and organizational initiatives that advance the mission and strengthen operations. The role expands organizational capacity by developing partnerships, coordinating initiatives, supporting performance planning, and enhancing the Opera House's role as a cultural resource and regional destination. Working collaboratively with the Director, the Assistant Director identifies opportunities, cultivates partnerships, develops projects, and recommends improvements that support long-term organizational goals.

The position requires independent judgment, strong communication, and the ability to manage projects and coordinate activities across functional areas. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Community & Partnership Development: Build relationships with schools, nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders to support outreach, collaboration, sponsorship, and audience development. Fund Development & Sponsorship: Cultivate donors, write grants, secure sponsors, and strengthen membership and individual giving.

Marketing & Outreach: Enhance audience engagement, increase visibility, and support promotional efforts across print, digital, and social platforms. Programming & Special Initiatives: Create and support community programs, education initiatives, and special events that advance organizational impact. Data, Evaluation & Strategy: Track program impact, analyze trends, and identify opportunities for improvement and growth.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP Support implementation of organizational priorities, long-range initiatives, and annual planning efforts. Recommend improvements to systems, procedures, and operational practices. Lead assigned initiatives that build organizational capacity and community engagement.

Represent the Opera House in meetings with partners, artists, presenters, and civic organizations. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS & INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, educational institutions, businesses, artists, and presenters. Coordinate projects that strengthen the Opera House's role as a community gathering place and cultural destination.

Cultivate partnerships and sponsorships that enhance organizational sustainability. Lead special projects that expand visibility, impact, and community engagement. PERFORMANCE PLANNING & COORDINATION Collaborate with the Director to plan and coordinate performances, public programs, and special events.

Coordinate artist hospitality, including lodging, meals, dressing rooms, and related logistics. Communicate hospitality needs clearly to staff, volunteers, and contractors. Monitor hospitality preparations and support artist services during events.

Participate in post-event evaluations and recommend improvements. OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP Coordinate organizational initiatives across functional areas and facilitate effective communication among staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners. Develop systems that improve efficiency, consistency, and communication.

Monitor project progress and assist in resolving implementation issues. Recommend improvements to strengthen organizational effectiveness. MARKETING, AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH Collaborate on audience development and promotional initiatives.

Assist with creation and distribution of promotional materials across print, digital, email, and social platforms. Cultivate promotional partnerships that expand audience reach and community engagement. Evaluate promotional activities and recommend strategies to enhance outreach.

ADMINISTRATIVE & ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT Prepare reports, correspondence, presentations, and planning documents. Maintain calendars, project schedules, and planning resources. Coordinate administrative projects supporting Opera House operations.

Maintain accurate records for assigned projects and initiatives. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience (8+ years) in arts administration, nonprofit leadership, organizational development, community engagement, event management, or a related field. Valid Wisconsin Driver's License required.

Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed. JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Project management, organizational leadership, communication, relationship building, independent judgment, collaboration, performing arts operations, audience engagement, organizational improvement, adaptability. COMPUTER SKILLS Must be fluent with Microsoft programs and have advanced skills in excel.

JUDGMENT AND SITUATIONAL REASONING Ability to apply rational systems to interpret instructions and resolve varying objectives. Ability to use judgment, creativity, and decisiveness in situations requiring subjective evaluation. ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY Ability to work in environments involving temperature and noise extremes, toxic agents, or machinery with some discomfort and risk of injury.