Assistant Manager, Special Events

Woodruff Arts Center Employees Play An Integral Role In Creating And Supporting Great Art And Education Initiatives At The Nation’S Third Largest Arts Center. Comprised Of Three Art Partners—Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra And High Museum Of Art—There’S A Role For Everyone At The Woodruff.

Reports To:

Director of Special Events

Flsa:

United States of America (Exempt)

Employment Status:

Regular/Full time

About The High

The High brings art, ideas, and people together to amplify the importance of artistic expression, envision a better future, and positively change Atlanta. 

Our work is rooted in five guiding ambitions: Growth, Inclusivity, Collaboration, Connectivity, and Optimization. These values shape our programs, partnerships and the way we work together. Candidates who are energized by these ambitions will find a meaningful and supportive home at the High. 

About The Role

The Assistant Manager, Special Events plays an essential role within the High Museum of Art’s Development department, contributing to the success of the Museum’s donor-focused, mission-aligned fundraising events.  

Reporting to the Director of Special Events, the Assistant Manager is a unique position that combines event management and fundraising responsibilities, with an emphasis on donor engagement and revenue-related event tasks supporting the museum’s signature events including the Wine Auction, Driskell Prize Gala, Paladin Dinner, and other cultivation programs.  

The ideal candidate is an experienced event professional with strong donor-relations skills, exceptional organizational abilities, financial acumen, and a passion for creating memorable, donor-centric experiences.  

What You Will Do:

Production & Operations (20%)  

• Collaborate with the Director and Manager, Special Events to support the planning and execution of donor-focused events including the Driskell Prize Gala, Paladin Dinner, and cultivation programs. 
• Assist in coordinating event production logistics such as run-of-show preparation, vendor deliverable tracking, event materials management, and on-site operational support. 
• Manage event materials, supplies, and inventories, ensuring readiness and accuracy for all events. 
• Oversee assigned on-site event roles including guest check-in, wayfinding, and donor hospitality, providing seamless, welcoming experiences for guests and donors. 
• Serve as a secondary liaison to vendors and partners as needed, supporting event logistics while the Manager, Special Events leads vendor relationships. 
• Assist with silent and live auction logistics to include bidding processes, guest experience, and auction lot fulfillments. 

Donor Engagement & Communications (40%) 

• Partner with the Director, Special Events to support donor engagement, participation tracking, and communication for the Wine Auction and other events as assigned.   
• Serve as a front-line contact for donor and guest communications for designated events, providing concierge-level service through timely, professional, and personalized outreach. 
• Manage RSVP processes and guest list maintenance for the Wine Auction and other events as assigned, ensuring accuracy, thoughtful follow-ups, and comprehensive guest service. 
• Coordinate the invitation and guest communication process for the Wine Auction and other events as assigned, collaborating with the Special Events Coordinator and Development Communications team on content, production, and distribution. 
• Represent the Museum with professionalism and warmth at all donor-facing events, actively fostering positive relationships through on-site guest engagement and post-event follow-ups.  

Financial Oversight & Reporting (40%)  

• Track and report event-related revenue for the Wine Auction and other events as assigned in collaboration with the applicable finance teams. 
• Process donor gifts, contributions, and event-related payments in a timely and accurate manner. 
• Prepare and issue acknowledgment letters, tax receipts, and thank-you correspondence for event-related contributions. 
• Assist in generating financial reports, pledge tracking documents, and revenue recaps for internal meetings and post-event debriefs. 

What will we expect of you:  

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and event details in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. 
• Proficiency in managing invitation lists, RSVP tracking, and event communications through CRM and project management systems (Tessitura preferred). 
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments and with external partners, vendors, and volunteer leadership. 
• Warm, polished, and professional demeanor in donor-facing roles, both in written correspondence and during in-person events. 
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required by event schedules. 

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Arts Administration, Marketing, Communications, or other relevant disciplines. 
• Minimum of 3–4 years of professional experience in event coordination, fundraising events, nonprofit development, or a related field, preferably within a cultural institution or mission-driven organization. 
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. 

Language Skills

• Experience in managing donor communications, financial reporting, and event-related revenue tracking. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a concierge-style approach to guest and donor interactions 

Mathematical Skills

• Experience in financial tracking and event-related revenue reporting, with high attention to accuracy and detail. 

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.  

What you can expect from us/ Benefits of working here 

• Health Insurance

• Life And Ad&D

• Dental

• Vision

• Short Term Disability

• Long Term Disability

• Flexible Spending Account

• Employee Assistance Plan

• 403b (with employer match!) 

• Financial Wellness Program

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program 

• Paid Time Off

• Paid Holidays (including employee’s birthday!) 
• Discounts and complimentary offers to visit the High Museum, Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. 
• Corporate Urban Sitter membership