Special Events Manager in Sarasota, Florida at THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF SARASOTA-MANATEE INC

Special Events Manager
Reports to: Director of Engagement

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.
Essential Responsibilities include:
• Oversee and execute all annual development events (from10-100+ 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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated skills, knowledge, and experience in the following areas:
• 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

JFSM is committed to building an inclusive culture that celebrates the diverse voices of our employees, donors, volunteers, and community members. We pride ourselves on our positive and growth-oriented work culture and provide excellent staff benefits and professional development opportunities.