Temporary Senior Manager, Special Projects

Job Title: Temporary Senior Manager, Special Projects
Department: Development – Events
Reports To: Director of Events
Classification: Temporary full-time, exempt 
Compensation: $3,461.53 - $3,653.85 biweekly
Duration: September 30 – May 15, 2026
Location: San Francisco Ballet Offices (hybrid work schedule)

Primary Responsibilities:

• Domestic & International Travel Engagements
  • Partner with the Director of Events and Senior Manager, Special Events on the planning and execution of donor travel programs, both domestic and abroad.
  • Research and identify invitation prospects; manage outreach, tracking, and timely follow-up with participants.
  • Coordinate travel-related logistics including itineraries, hospitality, and donor stewardship touchpoints.
• Campaign Salon Events
  • Collaborate with the Senior Manager, Strategic Engagement Events to plan and execute Campaign Salon events designed to cultivate and engage key supporters.
  • Manage invitation lists, guest communications, and event-day execution.
  • Ensure alignment of event strategy with broader campaign goals.
• Signature Fundraising Event Support
  • Work in close partnership with the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Director of Events to secure event sponsorships and table sales.
  • Provide oversight and hands-on support for the Opening Night Gala Virtual Auction and School Spring Festival including:
    • Soliciting in-kind donations and managing donor communications.
    • Managing Greater Giving platform.
    • Bundling auction items and experiences into compelling packages.
    • Setting lot pricing and drafting engaging auction descriptions.
  • Manage Fund-a-Need initiative for School Spring Festival, including strategy, donor outreach, and on-site execution in partnership with Development Events colleagues
  • Contribute to the overall success of the Events team by assisting with additional projects and responsibilities as assigned.
• Strategic Event Development – External Events Program Plan
  • Research, assess, and develop external events rental/sales plan.
  • Design a structured menu of tiered event offerings at multiple price points, with clear benefits and experiences tied to each level.
  • Create sales strategy for external events, outlining prospects and stewarding existing donors/sponsors into higher levels of participation.
  • Provide recommendations for scalable, mission-aligned event formats that can generate new revenue streams.

Qualifications

• Significant experience (7+ years) in event management, donor relations, or fundraising, ideally within the nonprofit or performing arts sector.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly step into senior-level responsibilities and manage complex projects.
• Proven success in planning and executing high-profile events such as donor travel programs, fundraising events, and cultivation events.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities and tight timelines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage high-level donors, trustees, and stakeholders with professionalism and discretion.
• Experience with event and fundraising technology platforms (e.g., Greater Giving, Tessitura are a plus) and strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of developing creative event concepts and revenue-generating opportunities.
• Collaborative and adaptable team player, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and providing hands-on support where needed.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends as required.

Application Procedure

We prefer you apply online

NO CALLS, PLEASE

San Francisco Ballet Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to employing a diverse staff. Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for the position in accordance with the Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO).

Organizational Profile

As America's oldest professional ballet company and one of the three largest ballet companies in the United States, San Francisco Ballet has enjoyed a long and rich tradition of artistic firsts since it was founded in 1933. SF Ballet performed the first American productions of Swan Lake and Nutcracker, as well as the first production of Coppelia, choreographed by an American choreographer. Guided in its early years by American dance pioneers and brothers Lew, Willam, and Harold Christensen, San Francisco Ballet currently presents more than 100 performances a year locally, nationally, and abroad. Under the direction of Tamara Rojo, the Company upholds and drives an international reputation as one of the preeminent ballet companies in the world.