Director of Events – Development

Job Description

Director of Events – Development

Boston, MA (Hybrid) | Full-Time | $119,000 – $140,000 / year

Lead a high-impact, donor-centered events strategy at a mission-driven nonprofit

A leading nonprofit organization in Boston is seeking an experienced Director of Events to drive strategy and execution for high-profile fundraising events. This leadership role sits within the Development department and will oversee a growing team of event professionals, manage key donor relationships, and collaborate cross-functionally to align events with overall fundraising and engagement goals.

This is a hybrid position requiring regular on-site and in-office presence.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, the Director of Events is responsible for designing and managing a comprehensive portfolio of donor engagement events. From signature galas to intimate cultivation dinners, the role is both strategic and hands-on—requiring a dynamic leader who can drive revenue, coach high-performing teams, and deliver exceptional donor experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute a strategic events plan to support revenue goals, donor engagement, and sponsorships

Collaborate with Major Gifts and Corporate Partnerships teams to align event programming with fundraising objectives

Lead a team of event specialists, consultants, and contractors in the planning and delivery of events of all sizes

Oversee a small portfolio of major donors connected to signature events, including solicitation and stewardship

Create and track event metrics to evaluate ROI, inform decision-making, and optimize performance

Manage event committees, co-chairs, and board engagement in collaboration with other development leaders

Coordinate hospital / executive leader involvement in events, including briefings and talking points

Continuously improve the guest experience—from registration to post-event follow-up

Deliver event support and strategic thinking across the organization’s broader health system and affiliate entities

Contribute new ideas for event innovation and expand programming aligned with evolving organizational goals

Requirements

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (required)

10+ years of nonprofit event management experience, with 8+ years managing teams and driving revenue

Experience in healthcare, higher education, or other complex nonprofit environments

Proven ability to lead multi-stakeholder teams and deliver results in high-pressure environments

Preferred Experience & Skills

Fundraising experience in large, matrixed nonprofit organizations

Proficiency in fundraising and event platforms such as Raiser’s Edge NXT, GiveSmart, Whova , or similar

Strong written and verbal communication skills with executive presence

Ability to multitask, adapt, and manage competing priorities with attention to detail

Creativity, resourcefulness, and a proactive approach to solving challenges

Requirements

3–5 years of experience in development, with strong emphasis on Annual Fund strategy and direct mail campaigns.