Special Events & Donor Engagement Manager at International Center of Photography – New York, New York

Title: Special Events & Donor Engagement Manager
Department: Development
Schedule: Full-time, Exempt
Reports To: Director of Special Events
Job Grade: 4

About ICP

The International Center of Photography (ICP) is the world’s leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture. Through our exhibitions, education, public programs, and community outreach, we offer an open forum for dialogue about the power of the image. Since our founding in 1974, we have presented more than 700 exhibitions and offered thousands of classes. Our integrated center on the Lower East Side unites our school and museum in one space, serving as a cultural anchor of Essex Crossing.

Position Summary

The Special Events & Donor Engagement Manager supports ICP’s fundraising goals through strategic events, donor engagement initiatives, and revenue-generating partnerships. This role works closely with Development leadership to support event-related revenue, contribute to sponsor and donor outreach, and ensure ICP events serve as meaningful fundraising and stewardship opportunities.

This position leads the coordination and execution of ICP’s special events, balancing fundraising support with strong operational oversight. The role collaborates cross-functionally with internal teams and external vendors to deliver high-quality donor experiences aligned with ICP’s development priorities.

Key Responsibilities & Competencies

Event-Based Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Support fundraising goals for ICP’s signature events, including the Infinity Awards and Spotlights Luncheon
• Assist in drafting and sending donor and sponsor outreach, including solicitation communications and promotional campaigns (e.g., ticketing emails)
• Support identification and cultivation of corporate sponsors and individual donors connected to events
• Track event pledges, revenue, participation, and engagement metrics
• Prepare post-event fundraising and donor engagement reports
• Partner with Development colleagues to align events with donor cultivation strategy

Special Events Planning & Execution

• Lead coordination and execution of all aspects of ICP fundraising events and exhibition openings
• Develop and manage event timelines, run of show, and budgets
• Oversee logistics in collaboration with internal teams and external vendors
• Partner with Marketing and Communications on event promotion, content, and collateral
• Develop and support communications plans for
• Development audiences around events
• Coordinate guest lists and donor communications with Development team members
• Support on-site event execution and cross-departmental coordination
• Oversee coordination across event committees, co-chairs, volunteers, and vendors, including auctions, raffles, and related fundraising components
• Partner with Development and Finance to ensure accurate data entry, invoicing, and acknowledgements

Sponsorship & Partnerships

• Support development and fulfillment of corporate sponsorship opportunities
• Assist with sponsor communications and recognition
• Maintain relationships with corporate partners and event stakeholders

Donor-Facing Events

• Coordinate the planning and execution of exhibition openings (3–4 annually) and other on-site cultivation events
• Partner with Curatorial, Public Programs, Education, Marketing, and Development teams
• Track attendance and engagement insights to support donor follow-up

Space Rentals & Event Support

• Support execution of space rental events in coordination with Facilities, Visitor Experience, and external clients
• Ensure alignment with ICP policies and operational standards
• Assist in evaluating event performance and identifying opportunities for improvement

Additional Responsibilities

• Support the overall goals and initiatives of the Development team
• Maintain accurate records and databases related to events, donors, and sponsors
• Build collaborative relationships across ICP departments
• Stay informed on trends in fundraising events and the arts sector

Core Competencies

• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage donors, sponsors, and stakeholders
• Ability to balance fundraising priorities with operational planning and execution
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfort working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
• Commitment to delivering high-quality donor and guest experiences

Education & Experience Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum 5 years of development events, fundraising, or related experience
• Experience supporting donor cultivation and sponsorships preferred
• Experience working in nonprofit, cultural, or arts organizations preferred
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM systems preferred

Working Conditions

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation Range: $66,300 – $74,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• ICP offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (with employer contributions and HRA support)
• Employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match up to 5% after one year
• Flexible spending accounts and pre-tax commuter benefits
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, personal days, holidays, floating holidays, and a birthday day off
• Free or discounted museum admission, staff discounts, and access to perks programs
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition-free ICP courses and discounted education programs for employees and dependents

The International Center of Photography is committed to equal opportunity employment. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are values that are integral to offering an open forum for dialogue around photography and visual culture that is open to all.