Special Events Manager

About the role

The Special Events Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring strong donor engagement and often will be the first point of introduction for a donor getting to know the Federation. This position will be a strategic leader who creates donor event experiences and opportunities to thank and celebrate donors at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and execute all annual development events (from 10-100+ guests) including donor appreciation events, annual luncheon, and specialized events for our giving societies.
• Develop and manage sponsorship giving structure and solicitation for programs and events in collaboration with the Director of Engagement.
• Manage the Federation’s portfolio of Lions of Judah and Pomegranate Societies’ events, including stewarding committees and chairs, updating pin process yearly, and liaising with our societies in advance of bi-annual conference.
• Collaborate with staff and, where applicable, with event volunteer leaders on coordinating events.
• Plan major events throughout the course of the year in conjunction with volunteer leaders or additional lead staff.
• Set event strategy and marketing, conduct research, make site visits, and find resources to help staff make decisions about event possibilities.
• Create and track event budget estimates and ensure adherence to these budgets.
• Review, negotiate, and approve vendor pricing proposals, contracts, and invoices.
• Coordinate and monitor event timelines and ensure deadlines are met.
• Serve as a liaison with vendors on event-related matters.
• Help to determine creative direction for each event, including design work as needed.
• Work closely with the Marketing Department and other staff to create and monitor the marketing timeline, serving as the primary liaison between marketing staff and event lead staff.
• Coordinate staff roles, event job descriptions, and training per event.
• Provide on-site, day-of event management.
• Complete follow-up on all events including final contract resolutions, payments, and so forth.
• Work to enhance onsite Federation branding across events.
• Measure event results and analytics.
• Learn and adapt to evolving systems as the organization grows and shifts — comfort with change is a must, not a nice-to-have.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant or related field.
• 2-5 years of event experience or work in related activities.
• Commitment to strong staff culture and team values.
• Excellent planning and organization skills.
• Exceptional research abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate with a wide variety of staff and personalities.
• Outstanding negotiation skills.

Benefits

JFSM provides excellent staff benefits and professional development opportunities.