Director of Special Events

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement Operations, the Director of Special Events provides the strategic vision, leadership, and operational direction for DREAM's portfolio of fundraising, cultivation, stewardship, community, and signature events. The Director oversees an event portfolio that generates approximately $8 million annually toward the Advancement team's $21 million fundraising goal, translating Advancement priorities into high-impact experiences that deepen donor relationships, expand DREAM's network of supporters, and drive meaningful fundraising results. The Director manages the Events & Operations Manager while partnering closely with the Advancement Operations Manager, Database Manager, and Advancement Operations Coordinator to ensure strategic planning, operational execution, and data management are aligned across DREAM's fundraising events.

Responsibilities Develop and lead the multi-year vision and annual strategy for DREAM’s fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship events;

Build and oversee an integrated annual event calendar aligned with Advancement priorities;

Partner with frontline fundraisers to establish revenue, sponsorship, cultivation, and stewardship goals;

Guide audience strategy, experience design, program development, and donor engagement;

Lead sponsorship, auction, host committee, and revenue-generating strategies;

Serve as a strategic advisor to Advancement leadership, Board members, and event leadership.

Event Portfolio Leadership

Oversee the full portfolio of fundraising and donor engagement events;

Establish standards for quality, risk management, operational readiness, and guest experience;

Lead cross-functional planning teams across Advancement, Communications, Finance, schools, and programs;

Oversee vendor relationships, contract negotiations, production partners, and consultants;

Ensure events authentically reflect DREAM’s mission and values.

Financial, Data & Operational Leadership

Own event budgets, forecasting, financial performance, and reconciliation;

Establish event portfolio KPIs and lead post-event evaluation;

Partner with the Database Manager to ensure effective systems, reporting, gift processing, and event data management;

Identify opportunities to strengthen event systems, processes, and technology.

Team Leadership

Supervise, coach, and develop the Event & Operations Manager;

Provide direction and oversight to the Advancement Operations Coordinator for event execution, including event administrative coordination and operational support;

Set priorities and allocate team capacity across concurrent initiatives;

Build strong partnerships across Advancement and organizational leadership;

Represent Events within Advancement planning and organizational initiatives.

Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required;

Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising events, experiential engagement, or nonprofit event leadership;

Three or more years of people management experience;

Demonstrated success leading complex fundraising event portfolios;

Strong fundraising strategy, financial management, and project leadership skills;

Experience managing significant budgets, vendors, contracts, and operational teams;

Excellent communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills;

Experience with Salesforce and fundraising technology;

Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed;

Strong commitment to DREAM’s mission and values.

Working Expectations This role is part of the Advancement Team, which currently works 3 days in the office and up to 2 days remote, per week (subject to change, and with some weeks requiring more time in-person, for example for donor events).

Some evening and/or weekend work, for example to prepare for and attend donor events, is required.

Benefits and Paid Time Off We offer comprehensive benefits including:

Flexible Medical Health Plans, subsidizing the majority of costs for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner and children;

The ability to select between a variety of medical plans according to what best suits the employee’s needs;

Dental and vision plans;

Disability benefits;

Life insurance;

Up to 12 weeks fully paid of Parental Leave;

Flexible spending account options;

Pre-tax commuter benefits (parking and transit);

Fitness and entertainment discounts;

A variety of support through our employee assistance program (EAP);

403(b) retirement plan with employer match starting at 4% after one year, with increases tied to DREAM tenure;

Referral, performance, and tenure milestone bonuses;

Discounted school meals through our in-house Scratch Food Program;

Tuition reimbursement support;

Access to a professional development fund;

School-based 12-month employees have approximately 48 days off throughout the school year including holidays, school breaks, personal days, and wellness days.

Benefits are subject to change.

Compensation DREAM offers a competitive salary commensurate with relevant experience. The incoming annual salary range for this position is $125,000 to $140,000. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary closer to the start of the range depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. All regular employees receive annual compensation increases and have the opportunity to earn both performance- and tenure-based bonuses. Because we value tenure in each role, our salary ranges are not capped.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission. 

From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.

Come dream with us.

DREAM Maxims 

All Kids Can. This Kid Can. DREAM is Family. Fun is a Serious Value. Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work. Fail. Persist. Exceed. DREAM Big.

Applying to DREAM

We know applying for a new job can be a daunting process. In addition, studies have shown that historically underrepresented individuals often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all applications! You may be just the person we need. If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to ask your recruiter; we are here to help!

DREAM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact your recruiter.

If you are a current DREAM employee, please click here to review our Internal Selection Process before applying.