Director of Events & Volunteer Services

Description

The Director provides leadership and strategic oversight of Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s (DSO) volunteer programs, including the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL), Young Professionals (YP), and Guild, and serves as senior liaison to three volunteer organization boards and more than 130 volunteer leaders. The Director holds significant revenue responsibility: strategic oversight of volunteer fundraising programs generating more than $1.2M annually and DSO fundraising events generating more than $850K annually. Reporting to and working closely with the Chief Development Officer, the position collaborates across multiple departments, including Development, Artistic Operations, Marketing, and Finance. The Director also manages a personal portfolio of Annual Fund and comprehensive campaign donors.

Key Responsibilities 

Volunteer Services Management

• Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships between the DSO and the DSOL, Guild, and Young Professionals, fostering key volunteer, donor, and community connections.
• Serve as ex-officio liaison to the DSOL, Guild, and Young Professionals boards, attending meetings and providing counsel on governance, fundraising, operations, and organizational effectiveness.
• Provide strategic guidance to volunteer organizations to achieve annual fundraising and engagement goals; oversee programs, events, sponsorships, auction execution, and guest experience across all three organizations.
• In collaboration with the Chief Development Officer and other Development leaders, create and support sponsorship proposals and cultivation opportunities for donors, corporate partners, and community supporters.
• Identify, cultivate, and develop volunteer leaders; strengthen leadership succession and recruitment pipelines for each organization.
• Advise volunteer leaders on event strategy, fundraising best practices, stewardship, communications, and alignment with DSO priorities.
• Draft and edit volunteer communications, including correspondence, invitations, sponsorship materials, event programs, and talking points.
• Negotiate and manage contracts related to volunteer programs and events; ensure all collateral aligns with DSO brand standards.
• Develop and maintain systems and best practices that strengthen volunteer operations, planning, and leadership development.
• Represent DSO at relevant professional conferences (TASO, AMSOV, League of American Orchestras) with volunteer leadership, as appropriate.

Event Planning, Production & Management

Lead planning, production, and execution of major DSO fundraising, cultivation, stewardship, and special events, including opening line events, generating more than $850K in annual revenue (e.g., Annual Gala, Chairman's Dinner, YPX, Stradivarius Patron Receptions, patron tours, comprehensive campaign events).

• Collaborate with executive officers, Board members, musicians, Artistic Operations, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Meyerson Operations, vendors, and volunteer committees to ensure successful event execution.
• Develop and maintain professional standards for event production consistent with DSO image and reputation; serve as the central resource for event protocol, hospitality, and organizational standards.
• Oversee event program development: recruit and brief speakers, develop agendas, coordinate stage remarks, and manage event flow.
• Coordinate with Marketing on digital/print assets, invitations, signage, and collateral; ensure accuracy and brand compliance across all materials.
• Serve as primary point of contact for third-party vendors, contractors, and agencies; align event objectives, manage deliverables, and oversee budgets and resources.
• Prepare pre- and post-event analysis; evaluate revenue, attendance, expenses, guest experience, and other relevant metrics; assess opportunities; and make recommendations for future events and programs.
• Develop and implement standardized systems and technology to automate and improve elements of event planning, tracking, communication, and budgeting.

People Management

• Supervise the Manager and Coordinator of Events and Volunteer Services; provide coaching, mentoring, and clear performance expectations.
• Establish priorities, delegate responsibilities, and provide oversight to ensure successful execution of events and volunteer programs.
• Coordinate professional development and training opportunities; foster a respectful, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Financial Management & Fundraising

• Manage a personal portfolio of Annual Fund and comprehensive campaign prospects; execute individualized strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop, manage, and monitor operational budgets for all major events (Gala, Chairman's Dinner, Bravo! Vail, volunteer programs) from planning through final reconciliation.
• Evaluate projected vs. actual revenue and expenses; identify opportunities to increase revenue through sponsorships, underwriting, auctions, and other strategies.
• Partner with Development Operations and Finance to ensure accurate financial tracking, reporting, and fiscal controls.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Arts Administration, Philanthropy or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in event planning, volunteer management, fundraising, or a related field.
• Substantial experience in planning, production, and management of high-profile and diverse events; ability to formulate creative ideas, negotiate details, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Strong project and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously within firm deadlines.
• Fiscal and budget management experience, including establishing, monitoring, and analyzing financial data and event budgets.
• Leadership skills to provide vision, motivation, and guidance to staff and volunteer leaders.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to express ideas persuasively to diverse constituencies.
• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to build collaborative relationships with donors, board members, volunteers, and community leaders.
• Knowledge of human resources management principles; experience hiring, training, mentoring, and evaluating staff.
• Ability to work independently and as a key member of a collaborative Development team.

Work Environment

• Must be available for some evening and weekend work to support events, performances, DSO volunteer programs, and community engagement efforts. 
• Hybrid work environment.

Values in Action

• Integrity: Acts with transparency, accountability, and professionalism in all interactions with donors, volunteers, board members, vendors, and colleagues; upholds the highest standards of fiscal stewardship and honors commitments to the communities the DSO serves.
• Creativity: Approaches event design, volunteer engagement, and fundraising strategy with imagination and intentionality, bringing fresh ideas that elevate the patron experience and reflect the artistry at the heart of the DSO mission.
• Connection: Builds and sustains meaningful relationships across a broad constituency, from volunteer leaders and corporate partners to patrons and community supporters, recognizing that enduring connection is the foundation of DSO’s philanthropic success.