Gala Chair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

 While Alpert JFS is grounded in compassion and guided by Jewish values, our employees come from diverse faith backgrounds and are invested in the agency's mission to strengthen our entire community by empowering individuals and families through the delivery of comprehensive human services. Since 1974, Alpert JFS, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, has strengthened and enriched the lives of men, women, and children of all ages. We do this through a continuum of focused programs addressing the well-being of children and families of all ages, the independence and well-being of older adults, and the optimal quality of life for individuals with special needs.   

 Job Summary: 

The Manager, Special Events & Development Projects is responsible for the planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of fundraising, stewardship, cultivation, community engagement, and agency-wide events that advance the organization's philanthropic goals, visibility, and community impact.

The position serves as a key member of the Development team and supports the execution of the organization's signature events, including the Annual Gala, Annual Luncheon, Annual Meeting, donor cultivation events, stewardship activities, and other agency-wide events and community outreach initiatives. This role provides project management, operational coordination, analytical support, and administrative assistance to advance fundraising priorities, strengthen donor relationships, and enhance community engagement.

Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Development, this position supports agency-wide fundraising, community engagement, and outreach initiatives. Working collaboratively with Development, Marketing, Programs, Finance, Executive Leadership, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and community partners, this position manages event logistics, project timelines, and operational deliverables while ensuring exceptional donor and stakeholder experiences, adherence to budgets and organizational standards, and alignment with agency objectives.

Essential Responsibilities

• Collaborate with and support the Senior Director of Development in the ideation, planning, coordination, implementation, and execution of the organization's Annual Gala, Annual Luncheon, Annual Meeting, donor cultivation events, stewardship receptions, affinity group gatherings, parlor meetings, and other agency-wide events.
• Develop detailed event timelines, production schedules, project plans, and tracking tools to ensure successful execution.
• Coordinate venue logistics, catering, food tastings, decor, audiovisual needs, entertainment, transportation, rentals, signage, and event-related vendors.
• Manage event registration, guest communications, seating assignments, name badges, check-in procedures, event materials, and overall guest experience.
• Coordinate photographers, videographers, production teams, and other event professionals.
• Support raffle planning, silent auction activities, and event-day logistics, as applicable.
• Lead outreach efforts to identify, cultivate, and secure community donations, including raffle prizes, auction items, and in-kind contributions, while maintaining positive relationships with co-chairs, donors, businesses, and community partners.
• Prepare event budgets, monitor expenses, and assist with financial tracking to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Conduct post-event evaluations, review outcomes and metrics, and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Maintain event planning documents, contracts, vendor records, production schedules, and event archives.
• Support the execution of the organization's annual campaign and donor engagement initiatives.
• Coordinate donor cultivation, stewardship, and recognition activities that strengthen relationships with individual, corporate, foundation, and community supporters.
• Assist with sponsorship fulfillment, benefit tracking, donor recognition, and stewardship activities.
• Support business development and community engagement initiatives designed to expand philanthropic partnerships and organizational visibility.
• Coordinate donor appreciation activities and events that recognize philanthropic impact.
• Support agency-wide community outreach initiatives, awareness campaigns, networking opportunities, partnership activities, and public engagement events.
• Assist with the organization's participation in community fairs, conferences, expos, educational programs, and external events that increase awareness of the agency's mission and services.
• Provide donor database administration support, including entering, updating, and maintaining constituent, donor, sponsor, volunteer, and event records.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and integrity of donor and event information within the donor management system.
• Track event registrations, RSVPs, sponsorship commitments, attendance, revenue, and event performance metrics.
• Generate reports, donor lists, event summaries, sponsorship tracking reports, and other development-related reporting materials.
• Collaborate with Development Operations, Finance, and Marketing teams to support accurate reporting and record management.
• Assist with preparation of fundraising reports, dashboards, and project tracking documents.
• Support the Development Operations & Donor Engagement Manager, as needed, with donor and gift data entry, gift processing, donor acknowledgments, tribute and memorial card preparation, donor correspondence, record maintenance, report generation, and other donor services and administrative functions to ensure continuity of Development operations.
• Coordinate the production of invitations, programs, signage, presentations, ad journals, promotional materials, and other event collateral.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to support event promotions, sponsor visibility, and attendee communications.
• Monitor project timelines, deliverables, and deadlines to ensure successful completion.
• Support cross-functional initiatives and special projects related to development, community engagement, and organizational priorities.
• Represent the Development Department, as needed, in collaboration with the Volunteer Engagement Manager to identify, coordinate, and support volunteer needs for specific fundraising, stewardship, community engagement, and agency-wide events.
• Assist with volunteer assignments, scheduling, event-day responsibilities, and communication related to Development-sponsored events.
• Support volunteer engagement and recognition efforts to ensure a positive volunteer experience.
• Partner with Development, Marketing, Finance, Programs, and Executive Leadership to ensure successful execution of events, outreach initiatives, and development projects.
• Serve as a liaison with vendors, sponsors, volunteers, committees, community partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Support agency-wide initiatives, special projects, and strategic priorities as assigned.
• Maintain a professional and service-oriented approach when representing the organization with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Event Management, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Public Relations, or a related field required.

Experience

•  Minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit event management, fundraising, donor relations, project management, hospitality, development operations, or database administration.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating fundraising events, donor stewardship activities, and community engagement initiatives.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.
• Experience working with volunteers, committees, sponsors, vendors, and community partners preferred.
• Experience with donor databases, CRM systems, event management software, and reporting tools preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and event planning skills.
•  Strong analytical skills with the ability to track metrics, maintain records, and prepare reports.
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with donors, volunteers, vendors, and community partners.
•  Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
•  Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, donor database systems, CRM platforms, and event management software.
•  Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for events and organizational activities.
•  Ability to lift and transport event materials up to 25 pounds.

Preferred Attributes

• Passion for nonprofit fundraising, donor engagement, and community impact.
• Creative, proactive, and solutions-oriented.
• Highly collaborative with strong organizational and follow-through skills.
• Professional demeanor with excellent customer service orientation.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in donor stewardship, event execution, community engagement, project management, and data integrity.