Event Strategist

If working for an organization that supports the land and people of Israel excites you, then join us and you needn't wait another minute to change the world!Position Overview:The Event Strategist at Jewish National Fund-USA serves as the lead for developing and executing the event strategy for a designated regional portfolio. This role ensures all events align with the organization's strategic vision and achieve their full potential as defined by senior leadership. The Event Strategist partners closely with Campaign Staff, Operations Staff, Regional Business Manager, Regional Associate Business Manager, and the Director of National Events to drive strategy, provide guidance, and oversee execution. This position will cover the following regions: New England and New York Tri-State area. Travel will be required.JNF Office Location: Rockville Centre, NYReports To: Director of National EventsResponsibilities:Develop and Lead Event StrategyPartner with the Regional Business Manager, Associate Business Manager and Campaign Staff to create event strategies that align with regional priorities and fundraising objectives.Identify opportunities and provide recommendations to enhance engagement, elevate brand presence, and maximize return on investment for each event.Oversee Event Portfolio ExecutionGuide and support planners in delivering high-quality events, ensuring consistency in standards, goals, and outcomes.Anticipate challenges and proactively implement solutions that reduce risk, manage costs, and protect organizational resources.Provide on-site support and leadership during major events, ensuring smooth execution, adherence to timelines, and delivery of an exceptional guest experience.Perform weekly status calls with core regional teams to track deliverables and provide updates throughout the planning stages.Communicate weekly progress and critical updates to the Director of National Events.Work on special projects and other duties as assigned to promote departmental success.Ensure Fiscal ResponsibilityOversee event budget development and management, including reviewing and approving all invoices to ensure accuracy.Negotiate contracts and rates with external vendors to maximize value and minimize exposure.Serve as Strategic Advisor & MentorOwn the decision-making process for all event logistics, ensuring strategy, standards, and key details are defined before transitioning execution to junior planning staff.Supervise junior regional event planning staff to assist in research, planning, and execution of events in various regions, providing guidance and training, as necessary.Lead onboarding and training for new regional event planning staff, ensuring they are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and best practices to succeed.Provide senior-level insight and recommendations to staff and leadership on event models, formats, and innovations.Maintain Organizational StandardsUphold brand guidelines, messaging, and donor experience standards across all events.Ensure compliance with organizational policies, contracts, and legal considerations.Event Operations & ExecutionOversee site sourcing and selection to ensure alignment with event objectives and budgetary guidelines, including conducting site visits when appropriate.Develop and manage comprehensive onsite logistics plans for events, covering staff assignments, contracted support, volunteers, and vendor coordination.Serve as lead planner for designated events managing all aspects of logistics in collaboration with the Regional Business Manager, Campaign Staff, Committee Members, and Event Chairs. Responsibilities include developing production timelines, contracting and managing vendors (catering, A/V, entertainment, etc.), scheduling support staff, and overseeing run-of-show.Qualifications:Education - BA/BS degree, Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or related industry designation preferred10 years of Event Management experience3 years in nonprofit event coordination preferredProven negotiation skills with hotels, catering and/or other vendorsAbility to act as a liaison with vendors and venuesExcellent organizational and superior project management skillsExcellent management skills with the ability to lead, facilitate, motivate, and organizeAbility to problem solve and multi-task with numerous deadlinesCan-do attitude and ability to continuously adapt and learn in changing environmentsAbility to work on multiple events at the same timeProven experience mentoring and supervising junior staffTolerance for time- sensitive and last-minute changesAbility to work as part of a team and manage relationships with key stakeholders, strategic partners, and vendors transactionsHigh energy, flexibility, and ability to meet deadline demandsSuperior attention to detailExcellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with a broad range of individualsStrong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)Knowledge of Salesforce or other database platform is a plusKnowledge of event management platformsAbility to work nights, weekends and to travel throughout the region will be required.Candidates must have a valid US driver's license, passport, access to a car, and personal credit card to use for travel (documented expenses are reimbursed per company policy.)Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.Perks:Days off for all work-prohibitive Jewish holidays, in addition to the secular US holidays3pm close-of-business on FridaysFlexible expense reimbursement for mileage and donor meetingsTop-notch healthcare (including dental and vision)Parental Leave policyEmployer-paid life insuranceEmployer-paid short and long-term disability403(b) with generous 10.5% employer contributionCompensation:$80,000-95,000Pay Type:SalariedSalaries will vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role. WHAT WE DOJewish National Fund strives to bring an enhanced quality of life to all of Israel's residents and translate these advancements to the world beyond. JNF is "greening" the desert with millions of trees, building thousands of parks across Israel, creating new communities and cities for generations of Israelis to call home, bolstering Israel's water supply, helping develop innovative arid agriculture techniques and educating both young and old about the founding and importance of Israel and Zionism. JNF is the single largest provider of Zionist programs in the U.S. Its work is divided into seven program areas: Forestry & Green Innovations, Water Solutions, Community Building, Zionist Education & Advocacy, Research & Development, Heritage Sites, and Disabilities & Special Needs.SINCE 1901, JNF HAS:• Planted more than 250 million trees• Built over 250 reservoirs and dams• Developed over 250,000 acres of land• Created more than 2,000 parks• Provided the infrastructure for over 1,000 communities• Connected thousands of children and young adults to Israel and their heritageJewish National Fund prides itself on honoring the pioneers of the past and celebrating their spirit by continuing the pioneering tradition in the areas of technology, environmental progress, community development, water renewal and building the land of Israel for many years to come.Jewish National Fund affirms the bonds of the Jewish family with their strength of unity, the understanding that each member can make a difference and the collective power to build prosperity, develop innovative solutions and promote the greater good.OUR CREDENTIALS & PARTNERSHIPSA registered 501(c)(3) organization, Jewish National Fund is recognized as a 4-star organization by Charity Navigator, America's leading independent charity evaluator, for its sound fiscal management, accountability, and transparency. JNF has also been rated a top charity by the American Institute of Philanthropy and meets the 20 rigorous standards of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance, and the transparency standards of Tzedakah, Inc. No other Jewish organization meets all these standards.OUR CULTUREWe are ViZion-driven relationship-based, fast-paced, and Positively Israel!OUR CORE VALUESBe Bold: Beyond. We are proud and passionate, vocal, and visionary about Israel and Zionism. We pride ourselves on our out-of-the-box thinking and the great things it accomplishes for the land and with the people of Israel. Belong: Stay long. We are an inclusive and diverse workplace welcoming and respecting all cultures, ages, religions, ethnicities, genders, orientations, and physical abilities. Understanding that a work-life balance is crucial to the success of our organization, we are empathetic, understanding, caring, appreciative, and respectful of one another as we strive to develop and retain our professionals and donors for the long-run.Be Inscribed: Be the Impact. To walk in the land of Israel and see the impact of our work instills the greatest sense of fulfillment. We strive for each employee to make their mark, leave their footprint, be heard, and feel relevant as together we help ensure the vibrancy of Israel for the next 100 years. We plant the future, not just trees. Be Kind: Act with Chesed. At JNF-USA we do not underestimate the power of kindness. We use recognition and praise to motivate teams, individuals, donors, and stakeholders. We are proud of our please and thank you's. We listen and lend a helping hand when a co-worker is challenged. Whether random or deliberate acts, kindness is a key ingredient to our positive workplace and mindset.B'Yachad: Together. Great collaboration between our employees, donors and affiliates in Israel is a priority: everyone matters no matter their role. We recognize that open and inspirational communication, teamwork, and collegiality is a force multiplier in reaching our goals, mission, and vision. Jewish National Fund-USA exemplifies the power of unity.