Development Events Specialist

Posted: June 8, 2026
Expires: August 7, 2026

Toledo Museum of Art

2445 Monroe Street, Toledo, OH 43620

• Job Title:   Development Events Specialist
• Department:  Development
• Reports to:  Director of Development Operations
• FLSA Status:  Exempt
• Employment Status:  Full-Time
• Compensation:  $53,079 - $62,368
• Deadline to Apply:  June 23, 2026 at 12:00pm Eastern  on the Toledo Museum of Art website  https://toledomuseum.org/about/jobs-internships

Since our founding in 1901, the Toledo Museum of Art has earned a global reputation for the quality of our collection, our innovative and extensive education programs, and our architecturally significant campus. And thanks to the benevolence of its founders, as well as the continued support of its members, TMA remains a privately endowed, non-profit institution and opens its collection to the public, free of charge.

At the Toledo Museum of Art, we are dedicated to fulfilling our mission and our commitment to cultivating an organizational culture where every individual feels valued, inspired, respected, and empowered. We believe fostering such a culture requires everyone to work daily at positively enhancing the experience of our team members. We hope all interested in employment here will strive to elevate our mission and our culture!

SUMMARY

The Development Events Specialist plays a central role in designing and delivering exceptional donor experiences that strengthen engagement with Toledo Museum of Art’s supporters, members, and major donors. Reporting to the Director of Development Operations, this position leads the planning and execution of development-related events and experiences, ensuring seamless coordination, high-quality service and alignment with the Museum’s mission and brand.

This role partners closely with Development colleagues to support donor engagement strategies through thoughtfully executed events and touchpoints, while also contributing to the coordination and organization that support the department’s broader operations. Responsibilities include managing event communications, guest tracking and registration, and supporting the systems and processes that ensure accurate donor data and effective follow-up. The role requires strong project management, attention to detail, and an experience-driven mindset, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and support both front-facing events and behind-the-scenes coordination.

At TMA, we believe every interaction with a donor or community member reflects our mission and values. This position plays an important role in ensuring those interactions are thoughtful, inclusive, and mission driven, while also contributing to the operational effectiveness that sustains the Museum’s fundraising success.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Event Planning & Hospitality Experiences

• –Execute a diverse range of development-related events, including donor receptions, exhibition opening events, lectures, VIP experiences, and campaign gatherings.
• –Lead all event logistics including budgeting, timelines, space reservations, catering, audio/visual, décor, and security coordination.
• –Serve as the primary point of contact for event execution, including vendor coordination and on-site and off-site event management
• –Design and implement a consistent hospitality approach that ensures a welcoming, inclusive, and high-quality guest experience.
• –Conduct site walkthroughs, manage staff and volunteer assignments, and ensure accessibility and mission alignment.
• –Partner with internal teams (Culinaire, Facilities, Protective Services, etc.) to deliver seamless event operations.

Development Event Strategy & Support

• –Serve as the primary point of contact for day-of event registration, manage check-in staff/volunteers, print name tags/place cards, and assemble VIP donor materials.
• –Assist with tracking event sponsor benefits and coordinate delivery timelines with event vendors.
• –Partner with Development leadership and gift officers to align events with fundraising priorities, donor engagement strategies, and campaign goals.
• –Support the planning and execution of cultivation and stewardship events by translating strategic goals into meaningful experiences.
• –Provide recommendations on event formats, audience engagement, and experience design to enhance impact and attendance.
• –Manage the procurement and inventory of event supplies and materials, ensuring timely ordering and availability to support Development events and team needs.

Guest Management & Communications

• –Oversee RSVP tracking, guest lists, seating, and event communications to ensure a high-touch guest experience.
• –Collaborate with Marketing & Communications on invitations, promotional materials, and event messaging.
• –Collaborate with Marketing & Communications on invitations and promotional materials, with the ability to design basic event invitations and email communications (e.g., Mailchimp) as needed.
• –Support post-event follow-up in partnership with Development staff, including attendance reporting and coordination of next steps.
• –Communicate directly with guests on invitations, registrations, accessibility, and individual needs.

Donor Experience Support

• –Support donor stewardship efforts through the execution of high-quality event experiences and hospitality touchpoints.
• –Coordinate event-related recognition elements such as signage, printed materials, and on-site acknowledgments.
• –Partner with Development colleagues to ensure donor benefits tied to events are fulfilled accurately and consistently.
• –Contribute to a culture of appreciation by ensuring all guests experience thoughtful, mission-aligned engagement.
• –Provide flexible support for department-wide initiatives and special projects as needed, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality donor experience across all touchpoints.

Data Management & Reporting

• –Maintain the Development events calendar and ensure alignment with institutional priorities.
• –Manage room reservations for Development meetings and events using TripleSeat, ensuring accurate scheduling, clear communication, and alignment with event and program needs.
• –Track event participation, engagement metrics, and expenses.
• –Generate post-event reports and insights to inform future planning and improve effectiveness.
• –Ensure accurate data entry and tracking in the donor database (Altru).
• –Serve as backup support for the Development Operations Specialist specifically for gift processing, ensuring continuity of daily gift entry, acknowledgment workflows, and data accuracy during staff absences or peak periods.

Other duties as assigned or required.

RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Director of Development Operations and collaborates with colleagues across the Museum, including Culinaire (and other executive chef relationships), Facilities, Protective Services, Education, Marketing & Communications, and the Chief Development Officer. The role also engages regularly with donors, members, vendors, and event partners.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• –Bachelor’s degree in marketing, event management, nonprofit management, communications or a related field.
• –Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in stewardship, event planning, or development within the cultural sector or not-for-profit sectors.
• –Experience in working with volunteers and interacting with donors is strongly preferred.
• –Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• –Proficiency in database management and Microsoft Office Suite.  Experience creating donor communications is strongly preferred.
• –Creativity, attention to detail and a passion for arts and culture.
• –Proven track record of successful event planning, coordination, and execution.
• –Experience with donor databases, such as Altru or similar software, is strongly preferred.
• –Experience with Mailchimp or similar software is preferred.
• –Experience using Canva or similar design tools to create event materials, invitations, and basic branded communications is preferred.

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE, COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

• –Donor-Centered Mindset: Demonstrates a commitment to providing exceptional service to donors and members.
• –Project Management: Excels at managing timelines, priorities, and multiple events simultaneously.
• –Communication: Strong written and verbal skills; capable of drafting compelling messages and event collateral.
• –Technical Skills: Competent in CRM systems and standard office software; able to learn new tools quickly.
• –Adaptability: Comfortable navigating change and ambiguity; maintains focus and flexibility under pressure.
• –Collaboration: Builds trust and positive relationships across teams; values partnership and shared success.
• –Organizational Skills: Detail-oriented and efficient; maintains high standards for data integrity and execution.
• –Availability: Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Standard open office work environment shared with co-workers, with related phone, computer, and printer noise. Position requires ability to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, printer, and phone system; ability to lift 35 pounds and to remain standing or walking for extended periods; hours may include some evenings and weekends as necessary.

BENEFITS

• –25 Days of Paid Time Off Annually
• –6 Paid Holidays Annually
• –2 Floating Holidays Annually
• –3 Paid Volunteer Days Annually
• –Birthday Paid Day Off
• –Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• –403b Retirement Savings Plan
• –Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Term Life and AD&D Insurance Plans
• –Paid Parental Leave
• –Pet Insurance
• –Employee Assistance Plan
• –Museum Family Membership
• –Employee Discounts in the Museum Store, Café, Studio Art Classes, & More!

The Toledo Museum of Art provides equal opportunity for employment and promotion to all qualified employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal or state statutes. The Museum is committed to maintaining an environment in which all employees are treated equitably and given the opportunity to achieve their full potential in the workplace. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodation by contacting People & Talent at jobs@toledomuseum.org or (567)-666-0387.