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Gala Chair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Test Job

Chicago, IL · On-site

$5 - $10/hr

Celebrate CJE Gala Work with Senior Systems Analyst, Celebrate CJE Ad Book co-chairs and Board members to send solicitation emails for the procurement of ads and perform all follow-up functions ...

Celebrate CJE Gala Work with Senior Systems Analyst, Celebrate CJE Ad Book co-chairs and Board members to send solicitation emails for the procurement of ads and perform all follow-up functions ...

Manager, Development

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$49K - $59K/yr

... On! gala event. The ideal Development Manager is a self-starter who can quickly establish ... chairs and committee members and build strong relationships with community partners. * In ...

Manager, Development

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$49K - $59K/yr

... gala. * In collaboration with the Director of Development, responsible for the recruitment, stewardship, and retention of honorary chairs, event committee chairs and committee members and build ...

Manager, Development

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$49K - $59K/yr

... gala. * In collaboration with the Director of Development, responsible for the recruitment, stewardship, and retention of honorary chairs, event committee chairs and committee members and build ...

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Gala Chair information

What are Gala Chairs?

Gala Chairs are individuals responsible for leading and organizing fundraising galas or special events, typically for nonprofit organizations. They oversee event planning, coordinate committees, manage budgets, and ensure the event achieves its fundraising and social goals. Gala Chairs often work closely with staff, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors, and play a key role in attracting guests and donors. Their leadership and organizational skills are critical to the success of the event.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Gala Chair, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gala Chair, you need strong event planning experience, organizational skills, and a background in fundraising or nonprofit management. Familiarity with event management software, donor databases, and budgeting tools is typically required. Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building abilities are crucial for coordinating teams and engaging sponsors or donors. These competencies ensure that the event runs smoothly, meets fundraising goals, and creates a positive experience for all stakeholders.

What are some common challenges faced by a Gala Chair when coordinating large-scale fundraising events?

As a Gala Chair, one of the main challenges is managing multiple stakeholders, including sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and committee members, to ensure seamless event execution. Balancing the event’s fundraising goals with providing an engaging guest experience can also be complex, requiring careful budgeting and creative programming. Additionally, unexpected issues—like last-minute cancellations or technical difficulties—require quick problem-solving and adaptability. Success often depends on strong organizational skills, effective delegation, and clear communication across all involved parties.

What is the difference between Gala Chair vs Gala Event Coordinator?

AspectGala ChairGala Event Coordinator
Primary RoleLeading and overseeing the entire gala event, including planning, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement.Managing the logistical details of the gala, coordinating vendors, and ensuring event execution.
Required CredentialsExperience in event planning, fundraising, or nonprofit leadership; often a volunteer or board member.Event planning experience, organizational skills, and vendor management.
Work EnvironmentHigh-level meetings, strategic planning sessions, and community engagement.On-site event management, vendor coordination, and logistical setup.

The Gala Chair typically holds a leadership role, focusing on strategy and stakeholder relationships, while the Gala Event Coordinator handles the day-to-day logistics and execution of the event. Both roles require event planning experience but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Gala Chair jobs
Infographic showing various Gala Chair job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.
Associate Vice President of Development

Associate Vice President of Development

American Heart Association

Wellesley, MA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


American Heart Association rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 707 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.

The American Heart Association has an excellent opportunity for an Associate Vice President, Development (AVP) in the Boston metro market.

In this position, responsibilities include leading a revenue-driving team and partnering with corporations, C-suite leaders, and philanthropists to drive fundraising efforts for the Boston Social campaigns, including the Heart & Stroke Gala and Go Red For Women Luncheon, and contributing $2M to the overall market goal.

Additionally, responsibilities include expanding year-round support for the Luncheon and Gala campaigns, a key priority is to grow the STEM Goes Red initiative, along with the Women and Teen of Impact campaigns. Accountable for revenue generation and corporate development activities as well as handling top corporate accounts, securing cause sponsorships, identifying and recruiting volunteer leadership, recruiting Executive Leadership Teams, and holding others accountable to the team fundraising goals and objectives. We’re looking for a proactive individual who enjoys taking initiative and is excited to lead and support our team.

This office-based role, with a hybrid work schedule, requires approximately 75% travel within the assigned territory. In this fast-paced environment, the position plays a critical role in driving revenue to support our mission. The role is based in our Wellesley, MA office.
 

We offer a base salary with the potential to earn an incentive up to 25% of your base pay. The potential incentive is based on achieving certain revenue targets and triggers.

The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.

#TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.


The Associate Vice President will plan, coordinate, staff, and lead the Greater Boston market’s operations for the Heart & Stroke Gala and Go Red for Women campaign initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of fundraising efforts. Will work closely with the Vice President, Development, along with internal and external partners to ensure unified health and revenue efforts for the campaigns, and will serve in a player/coach capacity. 

  • Guide and direct assigned staff to reach fundraising goals. Accountable for hiring, directing, training, evaluating, and coaching staff under their supervision.
  • Ensuring your team meets/exceeds annual revenue goals for the market.
  • Engage, recruit, and mobilize CEOs, corporate leaders, and community leaders to serve on each of the campaign's leadership committees and to chair the event, ensuring fundraising and health outcomes success. This includes encouraging personal and corporate giving of volunteer leaders.
  • Lead existing and new sponsorships and relationships to achieve campaign goals through the cultivation, stewardship, renewal, and deepening engagement via frequent face-to-face meetings to retain and upgrade their financial dedication, according to each campaign's timeline and business plan.
  • Lead coordinated planning processes for the Gala and Go Red for Women’s health and revenue efforts for all functional areas. Actively involve, inform, and integrate with internal partners across the metro market, region, and association.
  • Research, identify, and acquire companies to support the campaigns. Empower employers to establish recruitment and monetary goals based on market potential and their role in achieving goals.
  • Develop and lead/monitor each campaign's budget within the span of control and in accordance with internal business operations, policies, and fiscal standards, and in accordance with the approved operating budget.
  • Prepares plans, documents, and communications for GAP (getting to goal) meetings, revenue projection updates, and other priority meetings as they arise.
  • Coordinate with business operations to provide a seamless donor and participant experience through event logistics excellence.
  • Willingness to continuously learn about the organization's standard methodologies with dedication to implementation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement market strategies, build blended sponsorships, and relationships with volunteers and other campaigns.

Want to help get your resume to the top? Take a look at the experience we require:

  • University/College degree or equivalent experience.
  • 3 years minimum prior relevant experience and at least 1 year of supervisory experience. 
  • Strong experience in individual giving and corporate fundraising preferred.
  • Consistent track record in exceeding sales/fundraising goals.
  • Experience in recruiting, training, and advising multiple staff in a team environment.
  • Understand and navigate workplace cultures to achieve goals.
  • Proven experience in building powerful partnerships with corporate leaders and senior-level volunteers; interact and communicate clearly and concisely, exchange ideas, facts, and information.
  • Proven track record of cultivating major donors, securing city-wide sponsorships, and recruiting new companies and donors.
  • Direct knowledge of special event fundraising tactics is essential.
  • Display outstanding organizational, communication, negotiation, and social skills.
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including large and small group presentations.
  • Proficiency in identifying and addressing challenges.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to do daily local travel up to 75%; requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis.

The expected pay range will be $88,320 to $117,875. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range. This position is incentive-eligible based on achieving certain targets.

The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package.  Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.

  • Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary.  That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
  • Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; this position is incentive eligible based on achieving certain targets.
  • Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution.  As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.

  • Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program.  Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
  • Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees.  The number of days will increase based on seniority level.  You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
  • Tuition Assistance - We support the career development of all employees.  This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.

The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.


At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.
This position not a match with your skills? 
Click here to see other opportunities.

In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities


#LI-Hybrid, #AHAIND3

What American Heart Association employees say

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American Heart Association logo

About American Heart Association

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

\#TheAHALife is our company culture, our way of life, reflecting our diversity and inclusion, our focus on work-life harmonization and our Guiding Values. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued™ at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and at heart.org.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

1924