Director of Special Events

Descripción completa del empleo

Overview

JFS is looking for a creative, organized, and relationship-driven Director of Special Events to lead memorable events that inspire generosity, strengthen community connections, and advance our mission.

In this dynamic role, you’ll oversee everything from large-scale signature fundraising events to community engagement and agency programs. You’ll collaborate with donors, volunteer leaders, sponsors, vendors, and internal teams to transform ideas into impactful experiences.

If you’re equally comfortable developing the big-picture event strategy and managing every last detail, we’d love to meet you!

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of JFS’s signature fundraising events.
• Develop creative event strategies that support fundraising, donor engagement, and community awareness.
• Manage event budgets, timelines, venues, vendors, logistics, sponsorships, and on-site execution.
• Work closely with the Fundraising & Development and Marketing teams to create cohesive and engaging event experiences.
• Build strong relationships with event chairs, host committee members, sponsors, donors, and other volunteer leaders.
• Incorporate philanthropic giving opportunities and donor stewardship into events.
• Plan community engagement and volunteer events that highlight the JFS mission and foster meaningful connections.
• Collaborate with program leaders on agency and client events, including Café Europa, Holocaust Survivor Day, and annual Community Thanksgiving events.
• Lead vendors, volunteers, and staff through event preparation and execution.
• Support silent auctions, item procurement, sponsorship fulfillment, and other event-related initiatives.
• Use Trellis and Raiser’s Edge CRM to create event platforms, manage information, and prepare reports.
• Evaluate event performance and use data and feedback to make each event even better than the last.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in event management, communications, marketing, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience planning and executing events within the nonprofit sector preferred.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising, sponsorships, donor engagement, and stewardship.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a natural ability to build meaningful relationships.
• Exceptional organization and attention to detail.
• The ability to confidently manage budgets, timelines, vendors, and multiple events simultaneously.
• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach and the ability to remain composed in a fast-paced event environment.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge is preferred.

Schedule and Location

This is a hybrid position with an expectation of working in the office at least three days per week or more frequently based on event and organizational needs.

Because special events don’t always happen during traditional business hours, availability to attend and support evening and weekend events is required.

If you’re ready to combine your passion for events with purpose-driven work, apply today to join JFS as our next Director of Special Events!

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person