Gala Manager

About the role

Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven Gala Manager to lead the strategy, planning, execution, and growth of our signature annual fundraising event – the Youth of the Year Gala. This role goes beyond hosting an exceptional event; it focuses on using the Youth of the Year Gala as a powerful fundraising and relationship-building strategy. The Gala Manager will oversee every aspect of the Gala, including volunteer leadership, sponsorship development, guest experience, event production, donor stewardship, and post-event engagement to strengthen lifelong relationships and convert event supporters into year-round organizational supporters. Working closely with the Resource Development team, executive leadership, board members, and volunteer committees, this role will recruit influential community leaders, build corporate and philanthropic partnerships, and develop strategies that grow revenue, deepen donor engagement, and increase the organization's visibility in Silicon Valley.

Responsibilities

Gala Strategy & Production

• Lead the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of BGCSV's signature Gala, ensuring an exceptional experience for sponsors, donors, volunteers, and guests.
• Develop and manage the annual Gala work plan, production timeline, budget, and revenue goals.
• Oversee all event logistics, including venue management, production, program flow, auction, registration, volunteer coordination, and guest experience.
• Evaluate event performance and implement strategies that improve fundraising results, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

Revenue Generation

• Develop and execute sponsorship strategies that grow partnerships and event revenue.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective sponsors and event supporters.
• Collaborate with Resource Development staff, executive leadership, and board members to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward sponsors and major donors.
• Recruit and engage C-suite executives and corporate leaders to increase sponsorship, volunteer leadership, and long-term organizational support.

Volunteer Leadership

• Recruit, develop, and manage executive volunteer leadership, committee members, and event volunteers.
• Support committee members in opening doors to new sponsors, donors, and community leaders.
• Foster meaningful volunteer engagement that extends beyond the Gala.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Design intentional donor journeys before, during, and after the Gala that strengthen relationships with attendees.
• Develop and execute strategies to convert Gala sponsors, guests, and donors into year-round supporters through intentional cultivation, stewardship, and meaningful post-event engagement.
• Partner closely with the Director of Philanthropy and the Resource Development team to ensure timely follow-up, coordinated donor moves management, and long-term relationship building following the Gala.
• Collaborate with marketing to develop stewardship communications and compelling impact stories that keep sponsors and donors connected throughout the year.

Relationship Management

• Cultivate relationships with corporate executives, philanthropists, community leaders, and volunteers to expand the organization's network of supporters.
• Represent Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley at community events, donor meetings, networking opportunities, and stewardship activities.

Financial Management

• Monitor event budgets, expenses, and revenue performance to ensure financial goals are achieved.
• Conduct ROI analysis across sponsorships, auction, fund-a-need, guest experience, and event components, implementing improvements that maximize fundraising outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and legal requirements in all event-related activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible fundraising or special event experience, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
• Proven success in planning and executing large-scale fundraising events with demonstrated revenue growth and achievement of ambitious fundraising goals.
• Experience securing corporate sponsorships and cultivating relationships with major donors, volunteers, and community leaders.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in recruiting, managing, and inspiring volunteer committees.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills with the ability to engage executives, philanthropists, volunteers, and board members.
• Demonstrated development and sales competencies, including customer focus, strategic thinking, relationship management, results orientation, networking, and initiative.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, CRM systems, and online fundraising platforms.
• Team player who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for meetings and events.
• Must possess reliable transportation for work-related travel.
• Must successfully complete a Criminal History Check and FBI Fingerprint Clearance.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing and walking.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and by phone.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds of event supplies and materials.