Senior Director of Donor Services

Description

Position Summary:

The Senior Director, Donor Experiences provides vision, leadership, and strategic oversight for the Events Services department, managed by its own Director. This senior role ensures the Federation’s live experiences—ranging from intimate gatherings to high-profile community-wide events—are aligned with campaign goals and donor engagement strategies.

This position champions a donor-centered approach to event planning, ensuring each event is shaped by the strategic vision of the lead fundraiser (who understands the intended audience) in collaboration with the Federation’s Marketing team and Information Technology Services (ITS). All events must advance fundraising priorities, deepen relationships, and reflect the values and mission of Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Event Strategy & Oversight

• Provide vision and      strategic direction to the Events Services department, led by its own      Director, ensuring consistency, continuity, and alignment with fundraising      priorities.
• Guide the development of      a diverse portfolio of events—virtual, hybrid, and in-person—across the      campaign calendar, including marquee events, briefings, recognition      gatherings, and cultivation opportunities.
• Oversee development and      use of a planning framework and calendar for all major Federation events      and all events within the Philanthropy & External Affairs division.
• Ensure all events are      designed through a donor-centered lens—where every detail is shaped by      audience insight, development strategy, and impact storytelling.
• Coordinate proactively      with Marketing and ITS to ensure all audiovisual, branding, messaging, and      technology elements are aligned and executed with excellence.

Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with      Development Officers, volunteer leaders, program partners, and senior      staff to ensure events reflect philanthropic strategy and mission      alignment.
• Serve as the primary      liaison between the Events Services department and other Federation      teams—supporting strong planning conversations, clear goal-setting, and      transparent execution.
• Partner with Marketing      and ITS on all major events to ensure consistency across messaging, AV      experience, and impact reporting.

Operations, Budgeting & Execution

• Oversee budgeting,      vendor selection, contract negotiation, and financial reporting for events      in partnership with Finance and Operations.
• Maintain a high standard      of quality control and risk management for all events and public-facing      programs.
• Support documentation      and reporting systems to evaluate outcomes, track attendance, and inform      future planning.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead and mentor the      Director of Events Services and serve as a strategic thought partner in      managing and growing a high-performing team.
• Foster a culture of      professionalism, partnership, creativity, and accountability.
• Create systems for      continual learning and evaluation—using post-event debriefs, participant      feedback, and team reflection to inform future strategy.

Qualifications and Success Factors:

• Minimum of 8 years of      experience leading events, donor relations, or external affairs efforts in      a complex organization, with at least 3 years managing staff.
• Proven success designing      events that drive philanthropic results, strengthen donor relationships,      and reflect brand identity.
• Strong project      management and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Experience working with      high-level stakeholders and volunteers.
• High emotional      intelligence, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to work      collaboratively across departments.
• Proficiency with CRM      systems (Microsoft Dynamics is a plus), event platforms, and digital      tools.
• Experience in a      nonprofit, university, hospital, or mission-driven institution preferred.

You’ll Thrive in This Role If You...

• Bring a donor-first      mindset and understand how to translate philanthropic priorities into      compelling event experiences.
• Are energized by      cross-departmental collaboration and navigating complex stakeholder needs.
• Have an eye for both      vision and execution—balancing strategy with meticulous planning.
• Are skilled in      diplomacy, creative problem-solving, and navigating fast-paced      environments.