Donor Events Associate

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award® and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them with work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.  

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley’s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences.

Rob Melrose, Managing Director Dean Gladden, and the Alley’s leadership team are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves.

JOB STATEMENT

Alley Theatre seeks a highly organized and proactive Donor Events Associate to provide critical support for the planning and execution of fundraising and cultivation events. This position works closely with the Donor Events Manager and Director of Special Events, ensuring that all donor-facing events are executed smoothly and with the highest level of professionalism.

The Senior Associate will contribute to a wide range of signature events including Alley Ball, Deck the Trees, Photos with Santa, Opening Night Dinners, Artistic Director’s Circles, Behind the Scenes Tours, and Donor Receptions, all designed to steward, cultivate, and celebrate Alley Theatre’s supporters.

JOB DUTIES

• Event Support & Execution
  • Support the planning and execution of all donor events in coordination with the Donor Events Manager and Director of Special Events.
  • Events include Alley Ball, Deck the Trees, Photos with Santa, Board Holiday Party, Opening Night Dinners, Artistic Director’s Circles, Behind the Scenes Tours, Donor Receptions and Donor Greenroom.
    • There are events year-round, with the heaviest times of year in November, December and April.
  • Assist with event logistics including venue coordination, catering, vendor communications, scheduling, and marketing project management.
  • Prepare and organize event materials such as run-of-show documents, name tags, signage, and other printed materials.
  • Track RSVPs, manage guest communications, and support seating and check-in procedures.
  • Provide on-site event support including setup, registration, guest service, and breakdown.
• Administrative & Donor Relations Support
  • Maintain accurate guest lists and event records in donor databases (e.g., Tessitura, OneCause).
  • Assist with tracking event expenses and compiling post-event reports.
  • Help fulfill sponsor and donor benefits associated with events.
  • Coordinate donor acknowledgments, thank you correspondence and post-event follow-ups.
  • Manage the pipeline to ensure all pledges have been invoiced and payments received.
• Marketing & Collateral
  • Collaborate with Marketing and Development teams to prepare invitations, email communications, social media and other event materials.
  • Ensure branding consistency across all print and digital event assets.
• Internal Coordination & Calendar Management
  • Maintain the internal donor events calendar and assist with timeline and task tracking.
  • Communicate event needs across departments including Development, Operations, Artistic/Production, and Marketing to ensure alignment and support.

REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE):

• Experience in event planning or fundraising preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, energized and quickly changing environment.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making skills.
• Experience with CRM or event platforms such as Tessitura, Raiser’s Edge, or OneCause is preferred.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. 
• Ability to be self-directed and take initiative.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Exhibits a positive attitude with good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of (or a commitment to learning about) historical and institutional racism in the American theatre.
• College degree preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing and being on your feet during events.
• Ability to lift and move 25 lbs.
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where directions and priorities can change rapidly.
• Typical hours are during the day, but the position requires flexibility to be available for weekend, holidays and evening work hours as needed.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, floating holiday, and sick time
• 401(k) with matching, FSA, HRA (Alley paid deductible)
• Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances
• Bi-Weekly $4 Discounted Parking.
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee wellness program & EAP
• Houston, TX is one of the most affordable cities in the nation with no state or city income tax.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please go to the following link on the Alley’s website and apply.

https://www.alleytheatre.org/about-us/opportunities/employment

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HRdept@alleytheatre.org.

The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.