Senior Events Manager

About Whitechapel Gallery 

Founded in 1901, Whitechapel Gallery is one of the world’s leading contemporary art galleries, located in the heart of London’s East End. For more than a century, the Gallery has championed ground-breaking artists and ideas, presenting exhibitions, events and learning programmes that bring together local communities and global audiences. 

Known for supporting visionary artists at pivotal moments in their careers, Whitechapel Gallery remains committed to making contemporary art accessible, amplifying under-represented voices, and creating an open, inclusive and collaborative cultural space. 

As the Gallery approaches its 125th anniversary, this is an exciting opportunity to join a pioneering arts institution during a landmark period of programming and growth.  

About the Role 

Whitechapel Gallery is seeking an experienced and highly organised Senior Events Manager to lead the delivery of its full events programme, including fundraising galas, donor cultivation events, exhibition openings, private views and commercial venue hire. 

This is a senior, business-critical role working closely with the Director of Development to deliver a high-profile programme of events that support fundraising, stakeholder engagement and commercial income generation. 

You will take ownership of the end-to-end planning and execution of a diverse events portfolio, ensuring every event is delivered to an exceptional standard, on time and on budget. The role will play a key part in the successful delivery of the Gallery’s 125th anniversary programme, requiring creativity, operational excellence and strong commercial awareness.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the delivery of the Gallery’s annual events programme, including fundraising events, exhibition openings, donor events and venue hire activity  

• Manage all aspects of event planning and delivery from concept through to evaluation  

• Deliver high-quality events that contribute to fundraising and commercial income targets  

• Manage event budgets, financial reporting and forecasting  

• Oversee suppliers, production, AV, catering and venue logistics  

• Build strong relationships with donors, sponsors, partners and internal stakeholders  

• Line manage and support the Events Executive  

• Maintain effective systems for event planning, guest management and reporting  

• Ensure all events reflect the ambition, creativity and values of Whitechapel Gallery  

About You 

We are looking for someone with: 

• Significant experience delivering complex, high-profile events programmes  

• Strong project management and organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail  

• Experience managing budgets, suppliers and operational delivery at scale  

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills  

• The ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment  

• A calm, proactive and solutions-focused approach  

• Experience within arts, culture, charity or commercial venue environments is desirable  

• Experience delivering fundraising or donor-focused events is desirable  

Benefits 

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays  

• Pension scheme  

• Employee Assistance Programme  

• Enhanced family leave  

• Training and development opportunities  

• Annual travel grant  

• Staff discounts in the Gallery bookshop and café  

• Cycle to Work scheme  

• Complimentary tickets for Gallery events, subject to availability  

• Access to exhibitions and curator-led tours  

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 

Whitechapel Gallery is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and welcoming workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those currently under-represented in the arts and cultural sector. 

We are proud to be a Disability Confident [Committed] employer and guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the role. 

We are also a London Living Wage employer, committed to fair pay and good working practices. 

If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact the recruitment team.

How to Apply 

Please complete the application form and diversity monitoring form found on our website, and return to recruitment by 10:00am on Friday, 12 June 2026.

Please include your full name and the job title in the subject line of your email. 

For further information, please refer to the recruitment pack.

Interviews will be w/c 15 June 2026. However, we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed.