The Ordway: The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is one of the leading performing arts centers in the United States and a catalyst for vibrant arts in Minnesota. Powered by hundreds of talented and dedicated staff members and volunteers, the Ordway is renowned for its multidisciplinary programming, welcoming atmosphere, and comfortable environment. The Ordway welcomes audiences of all ages and backgrounds for year- round eclectic and entertaining offerings, including Broadway musicals, concerts, dance, vocal artists, and new works. Performances take place in the 1,900-seat Music Theater and a 1,100-seat Concert Hall. The Ordway serves tens of thousands of students and families each year through its arts education and community impact programs, and is a proud member of the Arts Partnership, a collaboration comprising the Ordway, Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Schubert Club.

Position Purpose: The Events Manager, reporting to the Director of Individual Giving, is responsible for the successful planning and implementation of the Ordway’s annual Garden Gala fundraising event, and donor cultivation and appreciation events.

Position Details:

• Posting Date: 7/1/25 - The Ordway is dedicated to building an equitable environment and strongly encourages applications from populations underrepresented in the theater field.
• Pay: $52,000 - $60,000 annually
• Employee Type: Fulltime, Salaried, Exempt
• Department: Advancement   
• Reports to: Director of Individual Giving

 Key Performance Areas:  

• Manage and oversee all aspects of fundraising and management of the annual Garden Gala.
• Manage and oversee the planning and implementation of donor cultivation and appreciation events including Insider Receptions, sponsor receptions, student matinee donor breakfasts, Luminaria Society luncheon, and additional events as opportunities arise.
• Supervise, inspire, evaluate, and coach a temporary, part-time Garden Gala assistant.

Other Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required, bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least three years’ work experience in event planning and management required.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to listen and communicate routine exchange of factual information.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people including vendors, donors, staff, volunteers, and the general public.
• Ability to compose, write and edit documents with appropriate grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, clarity and creativity.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher and Word).
• High degree of sensitivity for confidentiality.
• Ability to demonstrate behaviors that enhance the level of customer satisfaction and meet the customer expectation. Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the customer’s request, offer solutions, prioritize tasks, be proactive, demonstrate flexibility and a desire to satisfy the customer and advance the Ordway’s mission.
• An understanding of the organizational structure and functions, and the inter-relationship of functions and how each impacts the other; knowledge or reporting relationships.
• Knowledge of the performing arts industry.
• Ability to demonstrate positive, proactive and self-motivated behavior.
• Ability to represent the Ordway in a professional manner.
• Ability to identify, evaluate, investigate and offer alternative solutions to problems.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative/team setting.
• Ability to develop a project budget, projecting income and expenses, and to monitor and report on that budget in a monthly and quarterly report as a cost center manager.
• Ability to create compelling email marketing materials.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to travel as needed.

To Apply: For more information or to apply, visit ordway.org/employment. Ordway is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, age, local human rights commission activity, national origin, and veteran, or disability status.  The Ordway Theater and administrative office are wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcomed. All applicants who have questions or would like to request a reasonable accommodation or interpreting assistance for job interviews are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources.