POSITION: Special Events Coordinator

EXEMPT STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Events

LOCATION: 212 West 83rd Street, New York, NY 10024

WEBSITE: www.CMOM.org

About The Children’s Museum Of Manhattan

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) is a steward of early childhood, helping all children grow and develop into their best selves. Through our programs on-site, online, and around the five boroughs, CMOM nurtures the next generation of creative global citizens as they learn through exploration and play. Our offerings embrace the intersection of the arts, sciences, and humanities and include exhibitions, classes, workshops, performances, and festivals. Our programs and exhibits are designed to address the multiple ways children learn and to help parents understand and support their children’s development. CMOM’s special areas of focus include early childhood education, creativity, health, and world cultures. The museum’s programming reflects the rich cultural diversity, energy, and resilience of New York City itself and we aim to ensure our programs are available to those families who might not otherwise have access.

Founded in 1973 as a neighborhood organization, CMOM has grown over the years into a beloved destination and resource for children, families, and educators from across the five boroughs and from around the world. The museum welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to its Upper West Side location and engages hundreds of thousands more through its outreach programs in partnership with schools, libraries, shelters, and Head Start centers throughout New York City; its touring exhibitions; and its online tools and curricula.

CMOM is actively engaged in a major capital campaign aimed at securing the resources necessary for its transformative expansion and future sustainability.

About The Position

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) seeks a highly organized and detail-oriented Special Events Coordinator to support the planning and execution of the Museum’s signature fundraising and cultivation events—including our annual Gala, Sunday Funday family benefit, and a range of donor stewardship gatherings.

Reporting to the Director of Special Events, the Coordinator plays an integral role on a high-performing development team and collaborates closely with internal staff, external vendors, and volunteer leaders. This role is key to ensuring that CMOM events are well-executed, mission-aligned, and donor-focused.

The ideal candidate brings strong project management skills, clear communication, and a solutions-oriented mindset—ready to pitch in wherever needed to help deliver events that strengthen relationships and drive revenue.

RESPONSIBILITIES (include, but are not limited to):

Support the Direct of Special Events in the planning and execution of CMOM’s signature fundraising events—including the annual Gala and Sunday Funday—as well as donor cultivation events throughout the year
Serve as a key logistical lead across events, helping to coordinate timelines, vendor deliverables, and internal workflows to ensure events run smoothly
Liaise with external vendors to support timelines, deliverables, and day-of logistics, ensuring consistent communication and execution
Track event-related revenue, including sponsorships, donations, ticket sales, and in-kind gifts, using Classy and Raiser’s Edge to ensure accurate and timely data entry and reporting
Manage real-time RSVP tracking, guest lists, seating, and guest communications, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records
Coordinate and help lead on-site event execution alongside the Director of Special Events, including managing guest check-in and overseeing front-of-house operations with professionalism and care
Support the Director of Special Events with event committees by scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and minutes, and managing follow-up communications
Lead coordination of auction items, including managing donor outreach, item tracking, packaging, and post-event fulfillment
Support the planning and execution of donor stewardship events, with the number of events expected to increase significantly in the coming years as CMOM expands its engagement efforts
Collaborate with the Communications team to align event collateral, invitations, social media, and promotions with broader institutional messaging
Maintain and organize event supplies and materials, including ordering, packing, transport, and inventory tracking
Track and process event-related invoices and expenses; support ongoing budget monitoring in collaboration with the Director of Special Events
Contribute to post-event reporting and analysis, including compiling results, capturing learnings, and archiving materials for future use
Provide administrative and cross-functional support to the Director of Special Events and Development team as needed

Qualifications

3–5 years of professional experience, including at least 2 years focused specifically on event planning; experience with fundraising or donor-focused events strongly preferred
Proven ability to manage event timelines, logistics, and multiple competing priorities with accuracy and composure
Clear, professional communication skills—both written and verbal
Experience supporting or executing events with 200+ attendees; familiarity with high-profile events such as galas is a plus
Comfortable working in donor databases or CRMs; experience with Raiser’s Edge (NXT) preferred
Ability to represent the organization with poise and professionalism when interacting with donors, board members, and vendors
Detail-oriented and solutions-driven, with a proactive, hands-on approach to troubleshooting in real time
Strong team player who works collaboratively and takes ownership of their responsibilities
Experience with Canva or similar design tools a plus (for event signage, invitations, and basic collateral)
Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required for events

Compensation

Compensation is $60,000 to $70,000 commensurate with experience.

Our company offers a comprehensive benefits package including vision, dental and medical (free medical coverage for employees, with premium plans available for dependents), 403B, life insurance, EAP, Paid Holidays, Personal Time Off, Vacation leave and Sick leave. We also offer a range of voluntary benefits, such as, FSA/HSA, critical illness, accident insurance, legal services, and pet insurance. As a CMOM employee, you are eligible for free admission to other participating cultural institutions.

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage people from all backgrounds, ages, abilities, and experiences to apply. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If, due to a disability, you need an accommodation during any part of the interview process, please let your recruiter know.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you’re excited about this role and believe you could thrive in it, we encourage you to apply. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds—whether you're new to arts and culture, returning to work, or exploring a career shift. Use your cover letter to share your interest and what you hope to bring to the role.

Background checks will be completed on all employees.

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Children's Museum of Manhattan

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Special Events Coordinator