The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

Reporting to the Director of Major Giving and Institutional Relations, the Gala Sponsorship and Stewardship Coordinator will provide critical support for Avant Garden, the Walker’s annual benefit event. The Gala Sponsorship and Stewardship Coordinator will work in close partnership with members of the Development and Membership team and with staff across departments (Design, Editorial, Marketing PR, etc.) to support efforts to ensure Avant Garden achieves revenue goals and delivers a high-quality experience for donors and sponsors. 

WHAT YOU GET TO DO 

I. Support Gift Officer solicitation and stewardship of Avant Garden sponsorships

• Draft/update proposal templates for use in sponsor solicitations
• Process sponsor agreements
• Track/fulfill sponsor benefits

II. Coordinate donor and sponsor recognition on Avant Garden materials

• Serve as primary contact in the Development Department for review and approval of funding credits on all Avant Garden materials
• Work closely with cross-departmental Avant Garden team to ensure complete, accurate, and legible funding credits
• Confirm and manage recognition preferences for donors and sponsors
• Review all proofs of event materials to ensure accuracy and to meet deadlines
• Manage process for sharing proofs with donors/sponsors and securing donor approvals as needed
• Track timeline and meet deadlines for Avant Garden proof reviews and approvals

III. Coordinate benefits fulfillment for Avant Garden table donors and sponsors

• Request/coordinate donor and sponsor guest names/RSVPs, dietary restrictions, accessibility needs, etc.
• Field questions from event donors, sponsors, and guests
• Track/coordinate details for donor and sponsor tables, reserved lounges, and tickets
• Coordinate additional benefits for donors/sponsors as outlined in letters of agreement
• Manage event confirmations and other communications as needed with donors and sponsors

IV. Support the onsite event experience for Avant Garden donors and sponsors

• Manage the welcome and check-in experience for sponsors
• Coordinate and support onsite sponsor activations as needed
• Organize photography shot list to document sponsor engagement, recognition, and benefits at the event
• Coordinate event photography shot list and logistical details with contracted photographer

V. Coordinate post-event donor and sponsor communications

• Collect and organize event photography for use in donor/sponsor reports and other materials
• Create templates for sponsor stewardship reports and coordinate distribution with Gift Officers
• Manage communications with donors to the art auction and coordinate related details

VI. Work closely with and provide support for the Donor Relations Coordinator to manage donor and sponsor data and records

• Pledge and gift processing, invoicing, receipts, and acknowledgements
• Ensure information is accurately entered and tracked in Tessitura

Provide additional support of Avant Garden event/logistics as needed leading up to, during, and after the event.

WHAT WE NEED IN YOU 

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of three years of sponsorship support, donor relations/stewardship, and/or event management experience, or a combination thereof.
• Strong customer service, interpersonal, and relationship management skills; ability to clearly communicate with a wide range of individuals from varied backgrounds and perspectives.
• Excellent project management, problem-solving, and organization/time-management skills.
• High degree of initiative and attention to detail.
• Ability and judgment to maintain confidentiality.
• Experience and proficiency with donor/customer databases and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
• Night and weekend availability around and on the event date (Saturday, September 21, 2024) to support installation, execution, and de-installation.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working in a museum, arts organization, or non-profit setting.
• Tessitura experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

• Ability to lift and/or move print and event materials (approximately 15 pounds).
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS This position is considered part-time, non-exempt. (15-35 - progressively more hours closer to Avant Garden event 9/21/24)
As a non-exempt position, it is eligible for overtime pay. The minimum compensation for this role is $25.00 hourly. The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Vaccination Expectation The Walker Art Center’s COVID vaccination policy requires staff to be fully vaccinated or to supply a negative test every 6 days. We will consider requests for reasonable accommodations based on disability or sincerely-held religious beliefs

Walker’s DEI commitment The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

Recruitment Timeline All positions are open until filled.