SENIOR MANAGER, STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS
Elayne and James Schoke Jewish Family Service of Fairfield County
Customer Service
Fairfield County, CT, USA · Connecticut, USA · Washington, DC, USA · Stamford, CT, USA
USD 75k-95k / year
Posted on Oct 22, 2025
The Senior Manager, Strategic Relationships is responsible for cultivating and stewarding relationships that advance Schoke JFS’s mission through philanthropy, partnerships, and community engagement. Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, this role emphasizes relationship management over transactions, ensuring that every donor, partner, and volunteer feels meaningfully connected to the work of Schoke JFS.This is a senior-level position that will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, the Board of Directors, and other staff to drive fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic relationship-building.POSITION DETAILSReports to: Chief Strategy OfficerLocation: Stamford, CT and Greater Fairfield CountySalary Range: $75,000–$95,000, commensurate with experienceKey ResponsibilitiesPhilanthropy & Donor Engagement- Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, with a focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts at the annual and major gift levels.- Oversee the annual fund appeal and targeted fundraising campaigns, including solicitation materials, mailings, and follow-up.- Lead donor acknowledgment and stewardship processes in collaboration with staff, vendors, and board members.- Promote planned giving opportunities, including the Grinspoon Life & Legacy program, to grow the agency’s endowment.Strategic Partnerships & Community Relationships- Serve as a relationship-builder across the community, engaging synagogues, businesses, foundations, and civic leaders as partners in Schoke JFS’s work.- Collaborate with the Community Partnerships Manager to ensure smooth handoff of high-potential volunteers and community partners into the donor pipeline.- Build and steward partnerships that yield not only donations, but also professional expertise, volunteer leadership, and advocacy.Events & Campaigns- Serve as primary staff lead for major fundraising events, including the annual gala, donor appreciation events, and cultivation gatherings.- Manage fundraising committees, campaign chairs, and volunteer leaders in the successful execution of events and campaigns.- Collaborate with the Director of Marketing to design and execute donor communications, newsletters, and publicity materials.Board & Leadership Engagement- Support and guide the Board of Directors, board chair, and fundraising committees in their fundraising and stewardship roles including to identify, engage, and cultivate new donor prospects.- Train and coach board and staff in effective donor engagement strategies.- Provide reports and data analysis on fundraising outcomes, donor trends, and partnership growth.Qualifications- Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience in fundraising, nonprofit management, or related field.- 5+ years of successful experience in fundraising, donor relations, or partnership building.- Proven track record of cultivating and soliciting individual and institutional gifts.- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and board members.- Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to balance multiple priorities.- Proficiency with donor databases and Microsoft Office; experience with Salsa, GiveSmart or similar CRM preferred.- Familiarity with Jewish communal life and Fairfield County community preferred but not required.Benefits- Comprehensive benefits package, including agency-matched 403(b), paid holidays, and insurance options- Professional growth opportunitiesWhy Join Schoke JFS?This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of philanthropy and partnerships at a dynamic community organization. The Senior Manager, Strategic Relationships will play a key role in building authentic relationships, broadening community engagement, and ensuring Schoke JFS remains a trusted resource for families across Fairfield County.To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter to Eli Schaffer, Chief Strategy Officer, at eschaffer@ctjfs.org.