Title: Events Manager & Development Associate
Reports to: Executive Director
Job Status: Full-time, exempt
Organizational Description
Valley Art Center (VAC) enriches and inspires the community through meaningful visual art education, exhibitions, events, and partnerships. Valley Art Center, a 501c3 nonprofit organization with over 50 years of history, continues to thrive as the hub of the visual arts in the Chagrin Valley. Each year, we offer over 400 classes, workshops, and summer camps for students, from children to seniors, who range from beginners to seasoned professionals. We offer year-round onsite and offsite classes in drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, photography, jewelry, metalwork, textiles, and more. VAC’s gallery hosts over 9 exhibitions annually with curated, invitational, and juried shows. Our calls to entry draw local, regional, and national artists from the Cleveland area and beyond. The Valley Art/Shop host hundreds of unique original pieces of art for sale. Our flagship art festival, Art by the Falls, draws over 20,000 annually to the Chagrin Valley with over 140 exhibiting artists. VAC is engaged in numerous local and regional community partnerships and outreach efforts.
Primary role: Lead the planning and execution of all VAC events (including Art by the Falls, Gallery Receptions, Fundraising Events, etc.) and oversee, manage, and expand the organization’s fundraising efforts, donor relations, and overall development strategies in partnership with the Executive Director.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Art by the Falls
- Oversee calendaring and scheduling in collaboration with ED
- Maintain and update event timelines, ensuring event-related tasks are completed in a timely manner
- Apply, submit, and maintain required permits
- Create and oversee the call for artists
- Secure and coordinate food truck vendors and rental vendors
- Assist Jurors as needed in the jury process
- Manage the database of artists, juror scores, communications, etc.
- Communicate details and jury results with artist applicants
- Create and oversee layout of exhibiting artists for best flow, visual aesthetics, and show success
- Create schedule for exhibiting artists move-in / move-out
- Communicate with exhibiting artists throughout the planning and execution of Event
- Work closely with Assistant Director and Gallery Manager and/or outside marketing firm to prepare signage, promotional, and other marketing materials to promote the Event
- Coordinate and lead volunteers in preparation and execution of Event
- Solicit feedback from exhibiting artists, volunteers, etc for future improvements to Event
- Plan and execute the Volunteer & Sponsor Thank You Party following the Event
- Develops, monitors, evaluates, and recommends improvement to processes, procedures, workflow and/or standards and policies regarding event management
Gallery Receptions, Fundraisers, and other VAC Events
- Lead the Events Committee of staff and volunteers in the planning for future events
- Plan, purchase, and present refreshments (food, drinks, etc) during events
- Apply, submit, and maintain required alcohol permits
- Coordinate volunteers for event roles (bartenders, food prep, servers, greeters, etc)
- Support the broader team in setting up and tearing down events
Development/Fundraising
Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and potential donors and sponsors
- Assist in identifying and researching prospective donors and sponsors
- Develop relationships and secure sponsorships from corporations
- Maintain accurate donor and prospect information in the organization’s database
- Ensure timely and accurate entry of donations, pledges, and other relevant data
- Prepare and send acknowledgment letters, thank you notes, and other communications to donors
- Support the creation and distribution of event invitations, promotional materials, and other communications
- Research potential grant opportunities from foundations and government sources
- Assist in writing and submitting grant proposals and reports
- Track grant deadlines, submissions, and reporting requirements
- Generate reports and analyze data to support development activities
- Manage the annual fund process, which consists of creating and executing a compelling direct mail solicitation, tracking results, and identifying opportunities for growth
- Assist in the development and execution of other fundraising campaigns, including online appeals
- Maintain and update the development section of the organization’s website and social platforms
- Work closely with the Development Committee to execute the annual development plan
General
- Maintain a courteous and professional demeanor whenever interfacing with members, students, teachers, artists, visitors, and board members or when representing the VAC to community organizations, clearly identify the staff to callers or visitors and greet them courteously
- Maintain calendar of deadlines for duties assigned to this position
- Create and maintain procedures and maintain files for general office functions
- Attend team meetings and support team members in time of need on other duties throughout the VAC facility and operations
- Adhere to all policies and procedures applicable to VAC employees
- Other duties as needed
Required Skills & Attributes:
- Excellent organizational and project management skills; ability to multitask and meet deadlines
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
- Process-oriented and able to successfully work independently and collaboratively
- Demonstrated creative, innovative, and critical thinking with strong ability to problem solve
- Comfort working in a fast-paced environment
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Fosters, creates, and embraces a culture of inclusion and welcome for all individuals, including those from diverse backgrounds
Education and Experience:
- At least 2 years of experience in Event Planning management and fundraising and/or development
- Community relations, volunteer, and/or nonprofit experience preferred
Physical/Other Requirements:
- Able to stand or walk for prolonged periods of time
- Able to perform duties in variant temperatures and inclement weather
- Evening and weekend availability as needed
Hours: This is a full-time position (including Development/Fundraising responsibilities) Hours typically range from 9AM to 5PM with frequent shifts in hours for evening and weekend program commitments as needed.
Compensation and Benefits: Salary and employment package commensurate with experience and organization’s budget. Benefits include medical insurance (in the form of Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA)), class discounts, and personal time off (vacation and sick time).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
VAC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to welcoming and supporting people from all walks of life across our audience, staff, and Board of Trustees. We offer a hybrid schedule, career development and growth, transparent and visible leadership, and a workplace built on fairness, respect, and opportunity.
Please submit a letter of interest and resume by email to Austin Wieland, Executive Director, at director@valleyartcenter.org. All materials should be in PDF format. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Must be available to start by February 1, 2026.
Valley Art Center is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.