Special Event Manager

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is seeking a Special Events Manager to lead donor engagement through memorable events, from annual luncheons to community celebrations.

You will plan, budget, and market events, collaborate with volunteers and staff, and ensure flawless on-site delivery with post-event follow-up.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree and 2-5 years of event experience, with a commitment to teamwork and a passion for building a vibrant community.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Oversee and execute all annual development events (10 to 100+ guests).
• Develop and manage sponsorship structure and solicitation for programs and events.
• Manage Lions of Judah and Pomegranate Societies’ events and liaise with committees.
• Collaborate with staff and event volunteer leaders to coordinate events.
• Plan major events throughout the year with volunteer leaders and staff.
• Set event strategy and marketing, conduct research, site visits, and resource sourcing.
• Create and track event budgets and ensure adherence to them.
• Review, negotiate, and approve vendor pricing, contracts, and invoices.
• Coordinate and monitor event timelines to meet deadlines.
• Serve as the primary liaison with vendors on event-related matters.
• Help determine creative direction for each event, including design work.
• Work with Marketing to align timelines and act as primary link between marketing and events.
• Coordinate staff roles and training for events.
• Provide on-site day-of event management.
• Complete post-event follow-up including contracts and payments.
• Enhance on-site Federation branding across events.
• Measure event results and analytics.

Skills

Planning

Organization

Research

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Company Description

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is a financially responsible, debt-free organization dedicated to sustaining and growing a vibrant Jewish community in Sarasota-Manatee and beyond. Guided by our mission to save Jewish lives and enhance Jewish life locally, in Israel, and around the world, we fund a wide range of services, programs, and activities focused on meeting community needs, promoting positive Jewish identity, Israel education, and building community. Backed by generous donors and a strong balance sheet, we continue to address the challenges of modern Jewish life with long-term stability and impact.

Role Description

The Special Events Manager plays a pivotal role in donor engagement and is often the first point of introduction for donors getting to know the Federation. This is a strategic leadership position for someone who creates memorable donor experiences and meaningful opportunities to thank and celebrate donors at every level.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee and execute all annual development events (10 to 100+ guests), including donor appreciation events, the annual luncheon, and specialized events for our giving societies
• Develop and manage sponsorship 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 — stewarding committees and chairs, running the yearly pin process, and liaising with our societies ahead of the bi-annual conference
• Collaborate with staff and, where applicable, event volunteer leaders to coordinate events
• Plan major events throughout the year alongside volunteer leaders and lead staff
• Set event strategy and marketing, conduct research, make site visits, and source resources to inform event decisions
• Create and track event budgets, and ensure adherence to them
• Review, negotiate, and approve vendor pricing proposals, contracts, and invoices
• Coordinate and monitor event timelines to ensure deadlines are met
• Serve as the primary liaison with vendors on event-related matters
• Help determine creative direction for each event, including design work as needed
• Work closely with the Marketing Department to build and monitor marketing timelines, serving as the primary link between marketing and event lead staff
• Coordinate staff roles, event job descriptions, and per-event training
• Provide on-site, day-of event management
• Complete post-event follow-up, including final contract resolutions and payments
• Enhance on-site Federation branding across events
• Measure event results and analytics
• Learn and adapt to evolving systems as the organization grows — comfort with change is a must, not a nice-to-have

What You’ll Bring

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