Events Manager

Events Manager (Full-time, exempt)

Santa Fe Desert Chorale is a professional choir, producing two main concert seasons and regular community engagement and fundraising events throughout the year, as well as tour and recording projects. We seek a skilled project manager to bring a sense of ease to the event production process by creating general planning infrastructures, plotting out project plans, and overseeing task delegation and progress tracking. Working across all departments, the Events Manager supports and is supported by the full team in executing events and major organizational initiatives. A team-oriented leader, the Events Manager enhances event and project goals and outcomes, develops repeatable systems for execution, and facilitates proper debriefing. This role reports to the Operations Director.

Responsibilities and Outcomes: In this role, you will

• As project manager for Chorale concerts and events, streamline and refine planning process and execution. 
• As producer or stage manager at concerts and events, ensure events run smoothly and efficiently. 
• Take the lead in planning special projects, such as tours and recordings.
• Create and implement post-event evaluation processes and analyze results in order to build upon successes and identify opportunities for improvement.

Overview of Duties: Some of the key ways you will contribute

• Collaborate with team to plan events from ideation stage to post-event debrief
• Delegate event tasks and regularly track progress; identify and course-correct inefficiencies
• Assist in building and tracking event budgets
• Identify staffing needs and assist in hiring and managing seasonal contractors, including technical personnel
• Assist in preparing schedules, travel and transportation, and materials for artists
• Vet and establish relationships with venues and vendors; book and liaise as necessary
• Draft and/or execute necessary contracts and payments
• Create and maintain seasonal production schedules and event “run-of-show”
• At concerts and events, oversee timeline and logistics, keep team on task, troubleshoot issues as they arise
• Facilitate event debrief meetings, as well as staff, volunteer, and artist surveys and incident reports
• Inventory and maintain production and artistic equipment and supplies

Upcoming and annual events include but are not limited to:

Concerts: Summer Festival (3 programs, 9 concerts in July and early August); Winter Program (8 concerts in December)

Tours & Recordings: 2025 will include a national conference appearance and a commercial audio recording

Development: summer gala; winter fundraiser; donor appreciation and cultivation events; board meetings and social events

Community Engagement: community singing event; informal caroling appearances; family concerts; educational events (virtual lectures, summer symposium)

Systems: All Desert Chorale employees interface with the following platforms

• Monday.com project and task management platform
• GMail, Google calendar, G-Suite (Docs, Sheets, etc.)
• PatronManager CRM (customer relationship management)

Required Skills and Experience: On “Day One”, we expect you to demonstrate

• Ability to use project management software (Monday.com experience a plus) and GSuite applications 
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and time management
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Resourcefulness, self-motivation, and creative problem solving skills
• Professionalism, punctuality, and positive representation of the Chorale in all job functions

Desired Attributes and Skills: We think will make you most successful in this role if you have

• Some technical theater or production skills, ex. lighting, live sound, stage management, building stage plots
• Experience building and adhering to budgets
• Ability to learn new platforms/applications
• Familiarity with and appreciation of the choral art form
• A calm presence in stressful situations, able to maintain composure and inspire the same in others

Education and Qualifications: Your experience matters, but we believe you are more than a degree and a resumé

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution preferred
• At least two years experience working in event planning and/or project management
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle with valid drivers’ license and reliable vehicle 
• In-person work and New Mexico residency is required. Relocation expenses up to $2,000 are reimbursable.

Schedule

• M-F, 40 hours/week (some schedule flexibility, including remote work, is possible)
• Evening/weekend hours will be required during peak periods, as well as throughout the year for special events

Compensation and Benefits

• $48,000-$53,000/year, commensurate with experience (full-time, exempt)
• Health benefits, including vision and dental, and disability insurance, with all premiums paid by SFDC
• 15 vacation days, 8 sick days, plus 10 federal holidays and December 24-31 off annually
• SIMPLE IRA plan matched at 3% (available following one year of employment)
• Annual professional development budget

To apply: submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to careers@desertchorale.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The Santa Fe Desert Chorale is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are based on business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or family status, disability, veteran status, or other non-merit factor. As we grow, we maintain a commitment to cultivate an inclusive and equitable workplace, where diversity is celebrated and valued.