The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee (JFSM) is seeking a Director of Engagement reporting to our Chief Development Officer to engage with individuals who are passionate about our mission. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in development operations, event management, and systems & technologies that will create opportunities for supporters to connect deeply with our work. You will collaborate with leadership, program, and marketing teams to align donor engagement with our organizational priorities and impact, ensuring every interaction is personalized, compelling, and mutually rewarding. 

Why This Role is Perfect for You! 

If you have built a career in event management, fundraising operations, and the data and technology to support development activities, and are looking to apply your skills in a mission-driven setting, this role offers a unique opportunity to:

•                     Leverage your events and operational expertise to create lasting impact.

•                     Oversee a cross-functional team, aligning the synergies across the functions.

•                     Join a collaborative team where your ability to connect, persuade, and deliver results will drive our success.

 Our Mission

“To strengthen Jewish life and identity in our community, provide for Jewish people in need, and promote support for Israel.” 

At JFSM, we strive to strengthen Jewish life and identity in our community, provide for Jewish people in need, and promote support for Israel. We seek to build a safe and secure Jewish community and counter antisemitism through education. We honor our traditions yet are unrelenting in our pursuit of progress. 

We are at a transformative moment in the life of our growing Federation, full of opportunity and significance for us and for generations to come. Our vision is a safe, innovative, and inclusive campus that engages community members of all ages and backgrounds in meaningful educational and recreational opportunities.  Our campus is a vibrant location which serves as a safe and secure hub of community building, an oasis of learning and respectful exchange, and an incubator space for arts and ideas.  

The hub of our campus is The Ora at the Morganroth Event Center, our region’s newest and most versatile event venue. 

Our state-of-the-art facility features the 10,000 square foot Kaplan Ballroom, as well as the gorgeous Mitchell Welcome Lobby, light-filled Moravitz Terrace Room, spacious Event Plaza, Stuhlburg Gallery and more. The Ora offers the best in technology, acoustics, and lighting, with enough flexibility to make it the ideal location for life celebrations, corporate events, and live entertainment whether you are hosting 10, 100, or 1000 guests. The multi-use complex will have over 400 parking spaces, providing ease of use for guests. Our exclusive catering partner, Michael’s On East, will provide both stellar cuisine and impeccable service in our 28,000-square-foot Center.

 Position Summary

The Director of Engagement provides strategic and operational leadership for development operations, program management, data systems, and event logistics for the organization. This role directly manages a cross-functional team of managers overseeing development operations, programs, events, and information technology (IT). The Director partners closely with senior leadership to strengthen community engagement from the first-time ticket buyer through to our long-standing donors. Additionally, this position improves organizational systems that support development and programs, the customer experience, and internal logistics, and ensures high-quality results that meet organizational goals.

 Qualifications

·       Passion for our mission: A genuine interest in our organization’s values and community impact.

·       Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or related field required.

·       5–7 years of experience in nonprofit development operations, fundraising, or prospect research.

·       Minimum of 3 years of experience supervising teams responsible for events, programs, and data operations.

·       Strong proficiency in data operations, donor databases/CRMs, reporting, and data analysis.

·       3–5 years of experience managing events with 200–800 attendees (required).

·       Demonstrated organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

·       Proven ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams with varied responsibilities.

·       Research skills and knowledge of the fundamentals of fundraising, including prospect research, donor qualification, moves management, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

·       Experience using evaluation methodologies to measure the success of events and programs in terms of meeting goals and objectives.

·       Tech-savvy: Proficiency in CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Blackbaud) and Microsoft Office Suite.

·       Stays current with technology and fundraising operations best practices and policies.

Learn more about us and view the full job description and qualifications on our website at Careers - The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

 Location of position:  580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232

Please note: This is a full-time, on-site position; non-local candidates would be expected to relocate.

 Salary and benefits: 

Salary and benefits: Base salary range of $85,000 - $95,000. Final salary commensurate with experience. JFSM offers competitive health, wellness, and retirement benefits (4% for each employee regardless of whether they contribute to the 401k, plus an employer match up to 3%. Potential total employer contribution = 7%). A relocation bonus may be provided, as appropriate. 

To apply, please submit: 

·       Cover Letter

·       Resume/CV 

Submit Applications to: JFSMJobs@outlook.com 

Additional project or writing samples may be requested during the selection process.

 Application Deadline: We are seeking to fill this position immediately. Candidates are asked to submit their material as soon as possible.