Senior Director of Event Planning

Job Description:

Berklee is where creativity meets purpose. With campuses in Boston, New York City, Valencia, and a powerful global presence online, Berklee empowers students to discover who they are and how they can shape the future of music, dance, theater, and beyond. As the leading institution for contemporary arts education, Berklee is fueled by innovation, driven by community, and united by a commitment to artistic excellence.

The Senior Director of Event Planning is a key leader in making Berklee’s mission come alive through high-impact experiences that inspire, elevate, and connect. From presidential galas and trustee events to Commencement and global showcases, this role orchestrates the moments that define Berklee’s story—and ensures they’re told with precision, passion, and purpose.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead the vision, strategy, and execution of Berklee’s most high-profile and mission-driven events, from start to standing ovation.
• Oversee a centralized team that supports a wide range of institutional priorities—including presidential, advancement, donor, academic, and student engagement events.
• Collaborate closely with senior leaders, faculty, artists, and partners to ensure events align with Berklee’s brand, values, and strategic goals.
• Manage event planning from top to bottom: logistics, production, budgets, staffing, communications, and post-event analysis.
• Provide first-class service to internal and external guests—including celebrities, trustees, donors, dignitaries, and families—with discretion and grace.
• Lead and mentor a passionate, high-performing team of event professionals, fostering a culture of creativity, service, inclusion, and operational excellence.

What You Bring:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business, arts administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of leadership experience in high-level event planning—preferably in higher ed, nonprofits, or cultural institutions.
• A proven track record of producing large-scale events with complex logistics and multiple stakeholders.
• Strategic vision, operational expertise, and a collaborative spirit that thrives across departments and disciplines.
• Experience managing high-profile guests and audiences with professionalism, discretion, and cultural awareness.
• Comfort working nights and weekends as needed during peak times of year (e.g., orientation, Commencement, donor events).
• A deep commitment to equity, creativity, and inclusive excellence in everything you do.

Why Berklee:

At Berklee, your work directly supports the next generation of creative leaders. Here, you’ll find:

• A mission-driven culture where your ideas matter and your impact is visible.
• Hybrid work flexibility with four in-office days.
• Generous time off and holidays to recharge.
• Tuition benefits for you and your family.
• Access to unforgettable performances, guest artists, and events.
• A diverse and inclusive community committed to lifelong learning and collaboration.

At Berklee, events aren’t just gatherings—they’re opportunities to celebrate culture, honor achievement, and connect communities. If you’re a visionary planner who thrives at the intersection of art and operations, this is your stage. Apply today!

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee:

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at hroperations@Berklee.edu or call 617-747-2375.

Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of our institution, community, and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

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