Head of Special Events

Full-time, Exempt

Background

Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, the Frick is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts.

The collection originated with Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919), who bequeathed his home, paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts to the public for their enjoyment. The institution’s holdings, which encompass masterworks from the Renaissance through the nineteenth century—have grown over the decades, more than doubling in size since the opening of the museum in 1935. A critical component of the institution is the Frick Art Research Library, founded in 1920 by Helen Clay Frick, daughter of the museum’s founder. Recognized as one of the world’s top art history research centers, it has served students, scholars, and members of the public free of charge for generations.

The Frick has undergone a comprehensive renovation and was open in a temporary home, Frick Madison, from 2020 through early 2024, while renovations were underway at the mansion on 70th Street. In addition to special exhibition galleries and education spaces, we have added enhanced visitor amenities and accessible spaces. The Museum and Art Research Library reopened to the public in April.

Workplace Culture

At the Frick Collection, we pride ourselves on promoting an open and welcoming workplace culture that supports diversity and work-life balance. The Frick strives to provide our employees with competitive salaries and exceptional benefits in a beautiful and pleasant work setting, while offering an excellent opportunity to appreciate some of the world’s finest works of art.

Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at The Frick Collection, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, alienage or citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, military status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status or any other protected characteristic as established by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director of Development, the Head of Special Events works with staff across departments and with outside vendors to execute events that lend support in the general fundraising efforts and promotion of the Frick’s mission. They will actively market and solicit event rentals to generate revenue; lead, produce, and execute the Frick’s two major fundraising events, the Autumn Dinner and the Young Fellows Ball; assist with other membership and cultivation events, including the annual Spring Garden Party; manage and track budgets for all events; and develop sponsorship partners. They will supervise a staff of three, Senior Manager of Special Events, Manager of Event Sales and Operations, and Special Events Assistant. The Head of Special Events will play a pivotal role in maintaining the Frick’s reputation as a premier event destination and driving revenue growth through exceptional event experiences. This position offers an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional to contribute to the success of a renowned institution while showcasing the museum’s iconic and renovated spaces.

Skills and Qualifications

The education and/or experience requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. 

Successful candidates will have extensive skills and experience in: Strategy and Business Development; Donor Management; Event Coordination and Execution; Marketing and Promotion; and Financial Management. These core functions and competencies will be reviewed in detail during the interview and selection process.

Role Requirements

• Minimum of six (6) years of progressive fundraising experience with a focus on special events & event production.
• Experience running a successful rental events program, including marketing and organizational best practices.
• Ambition to strengthen and grow an already successful and substantial fundraising events program.
• Knowledge of evolving event tastes to maintain core audience while refreshing events annually.
• Understanding of developing and managing event budgets of varying sizes.
• An effective team member, who possesses accountability, organizational skills, and creativity.
• Well-organized and comfortable juggling multiple timelines and projects calmly and strategically without sacrificing details.
• Superb verbal and written communication skills with outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of the New York art world and its funding community is a plus.
• Competency with Microsoft Office Suite and databases; experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred.
• The ideal candidate will be flexible and positive, while developing creative ideas that significantly increase revenue-growing opportunities associated with events at the Frick.

Physical Requirements

The candidate must be able to perform the essential functions of the position and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Physical requirements are comparable to most office roles: the ability to interact in-person with colleagues and use common office tools and machines (computer, phone); and the ability to traverse throughout the offices and building(s) both inside and outside of the museum and visit different levels of the building. Ability to carry/transport materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

Benefits in Employment with the Frick Collection

Paid Holidays: Full-time employees are eligible for 14 paid holidays, all federal holidays including Juneteenth, and Election Day and four floating holidays: two may be used in the first half of the calendar year, two may be used in the second half of the calendar year.

Sick and Vacation time: Eligible full-time employees accrue up to 12 sick and 12 vacation days in their first year of employment. In subsequent years, eligible full-time employees accrue up to 12 sick days and 25 vacation days/year.

Paid Family leave: In addition to adhering to all federal family leave laws, we provide all eligible employees with paid bereavement and family leave.

Health, Dental and Vision insurance: all full-time employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in employer sponsored benefits plans. Employees contribute to the cost of health insurance based on income level and type of coverage selected.

Short and Long Term Disability and Life Insurance: the Frick covers the entire cost of these benefits for all full-time employees. The life insurance benefit is up to three times the employee’s annual salary.

Retirement: The Frick supports all employees in planning for retirement by offering participation in a Tax Deferred Savings Plan – 403(b) and a defined benefit pension plan. We also offer retiree health benefits for retirees and their eligible dependents.

Wellness Programs at the Frick include an Employee Assistance Plan, a discount on Citi Bike memberships and a discount on bike helmets.

Additional benefits include discounted Metro Cards/Transit Checks, flexible spending accounts for health, dependent care and commuting costs.

Employment Status and CompensationThe salary for this full-time exempt role is commensurate with skills and experience with a starting annual salary of $140,000.00 to $150,000.00.

The Frick Collection hosts events and other activities in the evenings and weekends that often require the Head of Special Events to be present for the oversight and execution of these activities.

Apply here or send resume and cover letter to: Associate Director of Development 

The Frick Collection

1 East 70th Street

New York, NY 10021

This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.