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About the Role

The Director of Special Events provides strategic vision, leadership, and operational direction for DREAM's portfolio of fundraising, cultivation, stewardship, community, and signature events. This role oversees an event portfolio generating approximately $8 million annually toward the Advancement team's $21 million fundraising goal, translating Advancement priorities into high-impact experiences that deepen donor relationships, expand DREAM's network of supporters, and drive meaningful fundraising results. The Director manages the Events & Operations Manager while partnering closely with the Advancement Operations Manager, Database Manager, and Advancement Operations Coordinator to ensure strategic planning, operational execution, and data management are aligned across DREAM's fundraising events.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead the multi-year vision and annual strategy for DREAM’s fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship events
Build and oversee an integrated annual event calendar aligned with Advancement priorities
Partner with frontline fundraisers to establish revenue, sponsorship, cultivation, and stewardship goals
Guide audience strategy, experience design, program development, and donor engagement
Lead sponsorship, auction, host committee, and revenue-generating strategies
Serve as a strategic advisor to Advancement leadership, Board members, and event leadership
Oversee the full portfolio of fundraising and donor engagement events
Establish standards for quality, risk management, operational readiness, and guest experience
Lead cross-functional planning teams across Advancement, Communications, Finance, schools, and programs
Oversee vendor relationships, contract negotiations, production partners, and consultants
Ensure events authentically reflect DREAM’s mission and values
Own event budgets, forecasting, financial performance, and reconciliation
Establish event portfolio KPIs and lead post-event evaluation
Partner with the Database Manager to ensure effective systems, reporting, gift processing, and event data management
Identify opportunities to strengthen event systems, processes, and technology
Supervise, coach, and develop the Event & Operations Manager
Provide direction and oversight to the Advancement Operations Coordinator for event execution, including event administrative coordination and operational support
Set priorities and allocate team capacity across concurrent initiatives
Build strong partnerships across Advancement and organizational leadership
Represent Events within Advancement planning and organizational initiatives
Perform additional duties as assigned

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising events, experiential engagement, or nonprofit event leadership
Three or more years of people management experience
Demonstrated success leading complex fundraising event portfolios
Strong fundraising strategy, financial management, and project leadership skills
Experience managing significant budgets, vendors, contracts, and operational teams
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills
Experience with Salesforce and fundraising technology
Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
Strong commitment to DREAM’s mission and values

Skills

Salesforce
Fundraising technology

Location

East Harlem
South Bronx

Work Type

Hybrid
Some evening and/or weekend work required

Experience Level

Seven or more years of experience
Three or more years of people management experience

Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Salary/Compensations

$125,000 to $140,000

Benefits

Flexible Medical Health Plans
Dental and vision plans
Disability benefits
Life insurance
Up to 12 weeks fully paid of Parental Leave
Flexible spending account options
Pre-tax commuter benefits
Fitness and entertainment discounts
Employee assistance program (EAP)
403(b) retirement plan with employer match
Referral, performance, and tenure milestone bonuses
Discounted school meals
Tuition reimbursement support
Access to a professional development fund
Approximately 48 days off throughout the school year for 12-month employees

About the Company

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs.
Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom.
We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to grow our organization’s impact and level the playing field for all children.
Visit wearedream.org to learn more.

Equal Opportunity

At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission.
DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom.
DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive.
We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.
DREAM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact your recruiter.