Events and Donor Engagement Manager

Reports To: Chief Growth and Organizational Strategy Officer initially, and transitioning to Director of Development Operations when hired

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: New York, NY (New York staff are currently working in person one to three days per week)

BACKGROUND

Israel Policy Forum is an educational and policy organization working to shape the discourse and mobilize support among American Jewish leaders and U.S. policymakers for the realization of a viable two-state solution consistent with Israel's security. We do this by educating political and communal leaders on pragmatic policy ideas to improve Israel’s security while maintaining conditions for an eventual two-state solution, and by building consensus in the policy and Jewish communities for these visions and goals. We envision a Jewish, democratic, and secure Israel, and support a strong and enduring U.S.-Israel relationship.

POSITION SUMMARY

Israel Policy Forum has an exciting opportunity for an Events and Donor Engagement Manager (EDEM), a new position created within a growing development department. This position will consolidate the production of Israel Policy Forum’s key donor-facing events across the country, ensuring exceptional experiences that strengthen relationships with donors, board members, and community partners. This role is both donor-facing and relationship-driven as well as highly logistical and detail-oriented.

The EDEM manages 15 to 20 parlor meetings annually, one to two large donor appreciation events, a major fundraising gala, and supports donor engagement around board and leadership travel programs. The EDEM works closely with the Director of Leadership Giving, development staff, board members, the operations team and the CEO to ensure events are strategic, well-executed, and aligned with fundraising goals.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Planning & Execution

• Plan and execute:
  • 15–20 parlor meetings annually
  • 1–2 donor appreciation events (100+ attendees)
  • Annual fundraising gala (150+ attendees)
• Manage event timelines, budgets, vendors, venues, and logistics.
• Coordinate guest lists, invitations, RSVPs, seating, and guest communications.
• Work with colleagues to recruit event hosts and serve as primary contact with hosts throughout event planning and execution.
• Oversee run-of-show and ensure a high-quality donor experience before, during, and after each event.
• Manage post-event follow-up in partnership with the individual giving team.

Travel & National Events Coordination

• Support recruitment, registration, and donor communications for leadership and donor trips.
• Coordinate with internal teams on logistics.
• Serve as a key point of contact for donor “hand-holding” and engagement.

Development Collaboration

• Partner with the individual giving team to align events with donor cultivation strategies.
• Support stewardship and follow-up efforts after events.
• Ensure accurate event data and attendance records are maintained in Salesforce.

Other

• This position requires limited domestic travel within the U.S. (approximately 5% of time; 3–4 trips per year) and periodic evening and weekend commitments, typically scheduled with advance notice, to support donor engagement and events.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• A minimum of 3 years, and ideally 5 years or more, of experience in nonprofit events, development, or donor engagement, preferably supporting major donors, boards, or high-net-worth constituents.
• Proven experience managing donor-facing or fundraising events.
• Excellent judgment and decision-making abilities, and ability to maintain a high level of calm and professionalism.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to edit, proofread, and ensure the accuracy of finished work products.
• Outstanding time management skills with an ability to be responsive to revisions and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to execute short-term, deadline-driven daily tasks, as well as to manage multiple long-term projects requiring input from and collaboration with others.
• Ability to take initiative, be resourceful, and exhibit a problem-solving mindset, and a desire to learn new skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with a variety of cross-functional departments and build and maintain relationships.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Todoist or other project management software, and event management software such as RSVPify.
• Experience with a CRM database, particularly Salesforce, is preferred.
• Knowledge of Israel and the Middle East and current events, and familiarity with the institutional Jewish community and U.S.-Israel relations is a plus.
• Prior travel to Israel is a plus.
• Commitment to Israel Policy Forum’s mission and the vision of a secure, Jewish, democratic Israel.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The annual salary range is $75,000 - $82,500 commensurate with experience. Israel Policy Forum offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off (vacation, sick leave, Jewish and secular holidays), medical, dental, vision, matching 401K, HRA, FSA, commuter benefits, 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, and an annual professional development stipend.

OTHER INFORMATION

Israel Policy Forum is based in New York, NY and has an office in Washington, DC. New York and Washington, DC staff work in person one to three days per week.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a resume and cover letter to careers@ipforum.org with “Events and Donor Engagement Manager” in the subject line. The position will be open until filled, and candidates invited for an interview will be contacted on a rolling basis. Only candidates invited to interview will be contacted.

Israel Policy Forum is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applications for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Israel Policy Forum encourages you to break that statistic and to apply.

The annual salary range is $75,000 - $82,500 commensurate with experience. Israel Policy Forum offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off (vacation, sick leave, Jewish and secular holidays), medical, dental, vision, matching 401K, HRA, FSA, commuter benefits, 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, and an annual professional development stipend.