Overview
Assistant Director of Special Events Jobs in Costa Mesa, CA at South Coast Repertory
Full job description can be found here: https://www.scr.org/media/05kpawox/scr-job-description-assistant-director-of-special-events-6-26.pdf
POSITION: ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS
DEPARTMENT: Development
REPORTS TO: Director of Development
PAY RATE: $70,304 – $72,851 Annually
STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
ABOUT THE POSITION
South Coast Repertory (SCR) is seeking an Assistant Director of Special Events to lead the strategy, planning, and execution of donor cultivation, stewardship and fundraising events that advance contributed revenue goals and strengthen engagement with the theatre. This role oversees a portfolio of events, including the annual gala, opening night celebrations, donor reception, trustee events, and special fundraising initiatives.
The Assistant Director of Special Events creates exceptional donor-centered experiences that deepen relationships, elevate SCR’s visibility, and support fundraising success. Combining strategic planning with hands-on execution, this position manages all aspects of event production, budgeting, vendor partnerships, and guest experience in collaboration across the organization.
This position supports SCR’s mission, strategic goals, and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging core values by creating meaningful opportunities for donors and community members to connect with and invest in SCR’s work.
ABOUT THE PERSON
Qualities and skills that best serve an Assistant Director of Special Events may be:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
- 3–5 years in event management, development or nonprofit fundraising.
- Demonstrated success producing fundraising events generating six- to seven-figure revenue.
- Experience managing events ranging from intimate donor gatherings to large scale events with 500+ attendees.
- Strong budgeting, financial management, and vendor negotiation skills.
- Excellent project management, organizational, and time-management abilities.
- Strong interpersonal skills and relationship-building skills, with experience engaging donors, sponsors, volunteers and high-net-worth individuals.
- Strategic, creative and solutions-oriented approach to event planning and fundraising.
- Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently while working collaboratively across teams.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends around performances and special events.
- Valid California Driver’s License and reliable transportation.
- Experience in nonprofit arts, cultural, or performing arts organizations preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with Tessitura or other CRM systems preferred.
- Familiarity with Orange County philanthropic, cultural and special events landscape is a plus.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, and to fostering an anti-racist work culture.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- During office hours: Sitting for 5-6 hours at a time
- During events: Standing and walking for 5-6 hours at a time
- Lifting and carrying up to 30lbs alone or assisted
COMPENSATION
SCR offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including a retirement plan with an employer match, escalating paid vacation, sick, mental health time, and holidays, excellent health benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance and paid parking. Complimentary tickets for employees are available for most productions.
TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and three references to [email protected]. In lieu of a cover letter, SCR is requesting all applications complete a brief survey: Assistant Director of Special Events Survey
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory, founded in 1964, is led by Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Suzanne Appel. While its productions represent a balance of classic and modern plays and musicals, SCR is renowned for its extensive new-play development program—The Lab@SCR—which includes one of the nation’s largest commissioning programs for emerging, mid-career and established writers. Of SCR’s more than 550 productions, one-quarter have been world premieres. SCR-developed works have garnered two Pulitzer Prizes and eight Pulitzer nominations, several Obie Awards and scores of major new-play awards. Located in Costa Mesa, CA., SCR is home to the 507-seat Segerstrom Stage, the 336-seat Julianne Argyros Stage and the 94-seat Nicholas Studio. www.scr.org
SCR is a proud equal opportunity employer, embraces diversity, and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Title: Assistant Director of Special Events
Company: South Coast Repertory
Location: Costa Mesa, CA
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