Senior Director, Donor Engagement and Experiences

New York City

Salary: $103,238 - $115,193

Now Hiring: Senior Director, Donor Engagement and Experiences

About the Role

United Way of New York City (UWNYC) seeks a strategic and collaborative leader to oversee the organization's comprehensive portfolio of fundraising, stewardship, cultivation, and donor recognition events. Position Overview

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Development and Donor Engagement, the Senior Director, Donor Events will lead the planning and execution of high-impact donor experiences that strengthen relationships, increase philanthropic investment, and elevate UWNYC's mission and brand. This role partners closely with Development, Marketing and Communications, Community Impact, Finance, Operations, executive leadership, the Board of Directors, volunteers, and external partners to deliver exceptional events that engage donors, sponsors, and community stakeholders throughout the year.

Primary Responsibilities

• Fundraising Events Leadership

• Direct all planning and execution for the organization's special events portfolio, including two major fundraisers: the annual Power of Women to Make a Difference Awards Luncheon (March) and Gridiron Gala (May).
• Collaborate with Resource Development team and Committees, Board, to execute and achieve fundraising goals, sponsorship strategies, ticket sales, and donor participation.
• Oversee all event production, logistics, vendor management, auctions, presentations, and program development with various internal and external partners.
• Create event experiences that strengthen donor engagement and inspire philanthropic investment.

• Donor Stewardship and Engagement Events Leadership

• Implement a year-round event plan for various donor audiences, including at least: 4 – 6 community site visits; 4 – 10 receptions, fireside chats, and networking events; and emerging opportunities including press and community events.
• Partner with frontline fundraisers to create tailored donor experiences and to support workplace campaign engagements.

• Operations and Strategic Planning

• Lead and mentor events and donor engagement staff, including 1 FTE direct report and volunteer staff from across the organization.
• Own and manage event budgets, vendor relationships, contracts, and timelines.
• Oversee event technology, registration systems, and donor data integration pre-, during and post-event.
• Collaborate with Development, Marketing and Communications, Community Impact, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure seamless execution.
• Establish KPIs related to donor engagement, event revenue, sponsorship growth, and attendee experience.
• Analyze donor participation and event performance trends.
• Develop recommendations for improving donor journeys and event ROI.

• Strategic Donor Communications, Messaging, and Marketing

• Oversee the creation of all event-related marketing and communications assets, including sponsorship materials, sales sheets, invitations, digital campaigns, event websites, presentations, scripts, executive remarks, donor recognition content, and post-event stewardship communications.
• Collaborate with Program, Development, and Marketing teams to identify and elevate compelling stories of impact that inspire philanthropic support, deepen donor connections, and showcase organizational outcomes.
• Direct the production of event content and multimedia storytelling assets, including videos, presentations, beneficiary profiles, and mission-focused experiences, partnering with internal and external creative resources to ensure high-quality execution.
• Ensure a consistent, donor-centered experience across all event communications and touchpoints, delivering timely, meaningful engagement for sponsors, donors, volunteers, and attendees.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Nonprofit Management, Communications, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Minimum of seven+ years of experience in special events, including fundraising and cultivation events preferred.
• Demonstrated track record of managing direct reports and/or volunteer staff and vendors and marketing / donor messaging.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders, internal and external – staff, vendors, Board Members.
• An understanding of charitable giving legal guidelines, specifically as it relates to fundraising events, and nonprofit fundraising and stewardship events overall.
• Excellent relationship management and interpersonal skills; the ability to work effectively with donors, volunteers and staff; display superior judgment and diplomatic skills; excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Successful end to end event planning and execution, with experience working in nonprofit / with donor audiences.
• The flexibility to work early mornings, late evenings, and occasional weekends due to the nature of our events.
• Enthusiasm, commitment to excellence, self-motivation, a professional demeanor, highly organized and detail oriented.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project) and event technology platforms, and strong knowledge of social media.
• Experience in Raiser’s Edge NXT required.

Key Competencies

• Revenue Focused and Data Driven
• Strategic Relationship Building and Collaboration
• Planning and Project Management
• Effective and Engaging Communication
• Planning and Execution

Additional Requirements

• UWNYC is presently on a Hybrid/In-Person work schedule.