Senior Director, Donor Engagement & Major Events

Reports to: CAO Owner of: Annual Benefit event, cultivation/stewardship events, mid-level donor portfolio Co-leads: Corporate engagement Supports: Campaign execution, alumni engagement Summary High Jump is seeking a dynamic and relationship-driven Associate Director of Constituent Engagement to lead the planning and execution of our most important donor events—including our signature Benefit, stewardship and cultivation gatherings, and volunteer-driven experiences. This is a highly external-facing role for someone who thrives on building relationships, managing complex projects, and creating exceptional, mission-aligned experiences. You’ll oversee event logistics from concept to day-of execution, manage event committees, as well as a small portfolio of mid-level donors, and collaborate closely with staff, board members, vendors, and volunteers. We’re looking for a go-getter who’s ready to step into a visible, leadership-track role, bring fresh energy to what we do, and grow as a fundraising professional. Someone who is a proactive, relationship-oriented professional who is eager to take ownership of big moments will thrive in this role which offers both immediate impact and long-term growth. The Ideal Candidate You’re a creative and organized fundraiser with experience planning events, engaging volunteers, and managing donor relationships. You thrive on seeing an idea through from strategy to seamless execution. You’re comfortable working with high-net-worth board members, sponsors, and volunteers alike. You bring warmth and clarity to communications, and you take pride in delivering experiences that reflect a high standard of care. A background in development, communications, or nonprofit event planning will translate well in this role. This is a full-time position in a hybrid work environment. Annual salary is $80K+ based on experience and credentials. Our anticipated start date is: July 2026 Core Responsibilities Strategic Event Leadership (45%) Co-lead Benefit strategy with the CAO Own the planning and execution of High Jump's annual Benefit (which raises over $1.8 million with over 700 attendees) and supporting events—including run-of-show, internal team roles, and donor experience Lead smaller cultivation or stewardship events (e.g., Sustaining Leaders reception for our giving society as well as cultivation events at donors homes) Coordinate vendor logistics, internal planning timelines, guest communications, and on-site event management Manage a group of Benefit Co-Chairs and Committee members - From recruitment to engaging through meetings and a pre-benefit social. Volunteer Engagement (10%) Collaborate with program staff and Director of Advancement to ensure meaningful, well-coordinated experiences Support the recruitment and stewardship of event volunteers and community partners Donor Portfolio & Corporate Engagement (25%) Manage a small portfolio of mid-level donors and prospects ( Collaborate with the CAO to support corporate partnership strategy - around events and volunteers Steward corporate sponsors through post-event fulfillment and ongoing touch points Campaign Support (10%) Support campaign strategy and execution (e.g., Giving Tuesday, Year-End Giving, Alumni Giving) Assist with personalized outreach, donor list coordination, and stewardship moments Coordinate closely with Marketing & Communications to align messaging and timeline Team Coordination & Systems (10%) Use advancement platforms (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, GoFundMe, Google Suite) to track engagement, generate reports, and document follow-up Collaborate with Advancement Ops staff to ensure alignment of guest lists, acknowledgments, and campaign tracking Participate in team-wide planning to improve processes and increase impact Qualifications 5+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, events, donor engagement, or volunteer management Strong project management skills and ability to juggle timelines, logistics, and stakeholders Excellent interpersonal and communication skills—especially with donors, sponsors, and volunteers Demonstrated experience with event planning and execution Proficiency with digital tools and fundraising platforms (e.g., Google Workspace, CRM systems, GoFundMe) Detail-oriented, collaborative, and energized by mission-driven work Availability to work select evenings and weekends for events Must have reliable transportation, such as a car, to travel to donor meetings, transport event materials, and conduct site visits.

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High Jump is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The generous, comprehensive benefits package includes employer paid health contributions at 75% of monthly enrollment costs, high quality dental and vision plans, 401k with a 6% employer contribution, short and long term disability, life insurance, and many ancillary enrollment options. In addition to contractual time off and 14 holidays, the organization provides two additional and flexible weeks of paid vacation for all staff. Interested candidates should contact Molly Gilbride at View email address on click.appcast.io. Please include your resume and a cover letter. #J-18808-Ljbffr High-Jump