Stewardship and Special Events Manager

Company/Role Overview:

CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Search has been retained by Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) to identify a Stewardship and Special Events Manager to serve their team. The PAFA is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that operates both a major American art museum and a fine arts school, and is widely recognized as the oldest institution of its kind in the United States, founded in 1805. PAFA’s mission centers on promoting the transformative power of art through its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs, while training artists and expanding public understanding of American art.

The Stewardship and Special Events Manager leads the strategy and execution of PAFA's donor events and stewardship program, supporting fundraising goals and deepening donor engagement. This role manages a portfolio of high-impact experiences-including fundraising events, exhibition openings, and cultivation programs-while overseeing donor communications, recognition, and stewardship systems. Working closely with the Director of Individual Giving and Major Gifts and Corporate Relations Officer, the Manager plays a key role in creating and implementing meaningful donor engagement that drives revenue, strengthens relationships, and advances PAFA's mission.

To learn more, click here: https://www.pafa.org/.

What You’ll Do:

• Plan and execute PAFA's fundraising and cultivation events from concept through post-event reporting
• Manage budgets, revenue goals, sponsorships, auctions, and logistics
• Partner with staff and volunteers to meet or exceed annual revenue targets
• Plan and execute exhibition openings, affinity group programs, and donor cultivation events
• Ensure high-quality, personalized donor experiences across all touchpoints
• Support Director of Individual Giving in managing event committees, including recruitment, engagement, and meeting facilitation
• Serve as administrative support to the Women's Committee
• Oversee donor communications, including personalized high-touch acknowledgments and impact reporting
• Manage donor recognition across print, digital, and onsite platforms
• Oversee invitations and event materials in partnership with Marketing
• Ensure consistent messaging and effective promotion of Development events
• Develop and manage stewardship workflows to support consistent donor engagement
• Track activity and ensure follow-through in Raiser's Edge NXT
• Partner with Development colleagues to support high-touch cultivation and stewardship strategies

What You’ll Need:

• Bachelor's degree required
• 3–5 years of experience managing development events and working with donors
• Volunteer management experience required
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute fundraising and stewardship events
• Strong project management and organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience collaborating with marketing on event communications and promotions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor databases; Raiser's Edge NXT preferred
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed