Director of Advancement Events

American Jewish University (AJU)’s mission is singularly focused on the future of Jewish life in North America—training and educating the next generation of rabbis, educators, professionals, and lay leaders, and creating innovative, dynamic pathways for Jewish learning and living. With campuses in Sherman Oaks, Beverly Hills, and Simi Valley, CA, along with distance education programs that reach learners across the nation and around the world, AJU is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education offering degree-granting and for-credit academic programs, as well as community-based (non-formal academic) learning opportunities.

About the role

American Jewish University (AJU) seeks a highly organized, proactive, and donor-centric Director of Advancement Events. Reporting to the Vice President for Advancement, and collaborating with colleagues, the person in this position is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive portfolio of fundraising, donor cultivation, and stewardship events that strengthen both affinity and philanthropic support for AJU. This individual will create exceptional donor experiences that deepen engagement, inspire philanthropy, and advance AJU's mission of building a vibrant Jewish future.

Responsibilities

Event Planning & Management

• Manage a portfolio of fundraising events, donor gatherings, leadership receptions, campaign events, and other institutional programs.
• Oversee all aspects of event planning and execution from concept through post-event follow-up, including venue selection, logistics, registration, guest communications, production, catering, A/V, décor, volunteer/staff coordination, security and onsite management.
• Ensure exceptional experiences for donors, prospects, alumni, community leaders, and other guests and stakeholders.
• Establish event timelines, project plans, and performance metrics to ensure successful execution and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate and manage vendors, consultants, and service providers, negotiating contracts and ensuring timely delivery of services and adherence to agreements.
• Oversee event registration systems, seating assignments, invitation lists, and guest management.
• In partnership with the Communications team, oversee event collateral including invitations, signage, printed materials, sponsorship recognition, and donor acknowledgments.
• Maintain accurate event records, contracts, timelines, donor participation, sponsorship information, and financial documentation.
• Serve as a collaborative partner with internal colleagues and external partners to ensure seamless event execution.
• Represent American Jewish University professionally while fostering strong relationships with donors, volunteers, vendors, and community stakeholders.

Financial & Administrative Management

• Develop, monitor, and reconcile event budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility while maximizing fundraising revenue and return on investment.
• Process and track contracts, invoices, purchase orders, and vendor payments in accordance with AJU policies.
• Prepare post-event reports analyzing fundraising results, expenses, and recommendations for future improvements.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to develop sponsorship opportunities, donor recognition strategies, and meaningful stewardship experiences surrounding events.
• Identify strategic opportunities to leverage events for donor acquisition, cultivation, and stewardship.
• Assist with sponsorship fulfillment and ensure all donor benefits and recognition commitments are delivered accurately and on time.
• Support post-event stewardship activities, including acknowledgments, impact reporting, donor follow-up, and evaluation of fundraising outcomes.

Other Key Duties

• Partner closely with the Vice President for Advancement on strategic initiatives and special projects as assigned.
• Responsibilities may change over time.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in a nonprofit environment, including significant experience and demonstrated success in managing fundraising events.
• Expertise in coordinating and overseeing fundraising and donor engagement events.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across diverse constituencies.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and donor database/CRM systems.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with donors, volunteers, community leaders, and colleagues.
• Flexibility to support evolving organizational priorities.
• Experience developing and managing event budgets.
• Collaborative, resourceful, proactive, and solutions-oriented, with a commitment to outstanding customer service.
• Availability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as required for fundraising events and donor activities.
• Knowledge of and experience working within the Jewish community, Jewish nonprofit sector, or Jewish philanthropic landscape strongly preferred.

Pay

$100,000 to $120,000 annually.

Schedule

• 35 hours/week.
• 4 days/week in person (Sherman Oaks), Friday remote.
• Exempt status.
• Evenings and weekends as required for fundraising events and donor activities.

Benefits

American Jewish University offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan participation.
• Paid time off.
• Other employee benefits.