Manager, Event & Stewardship

Position Summary

The Event and Stewardship Manager leads the planning, execution and evaluation of philanthropic events and a comprehensive engagement and stewardship program that advances our mission, strengthens donor engagement and drives fundraising success. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong organizational skills, creativity and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. The Manager ensures that stewardship efforts are aligned with organizational goals and donor expectations, and is responsible for developing and maintaining a donor engagement and stewardship program that incorporates the Institute’s giving circles and the respective benefits.

• Strategize and lead the planning, execution, evaluation and growth of signature and community events.
• Serve as the lead event manager for donor-related events including the 50th anniversary Gala, Fishman Awards, as well as salon and appreciation events, annual giving circle or general stewardship events.
• Design and oversee the implementation of a stewardship program that delivers personalized, meaningful engagement across the giving circles/levels with measurable impacts on donor acquisition and retention.
• Manage and oversee stewardship experiences/activities for top-tier donors, as well as donors in the giving circles, ensuring consistent standards, customized communications and clear communication of research impact.
• Manage the donor stewardship report process, including drafting content, partnering with researchers; and coordinating the design and print, and ensuring that reporting deadlines are met.
• Collaborate and partner with finance, research accounting and philanthropy colleagues to align stewardship activities with funding designations and institutional priorities.
• Oversee the Institute’s annual Impact Report publication partnering with the Communications department.
• Perform other related tasks, duties and responsibilities as required, assigned or directed.

Education:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

• A minimum of 5‑7 years in a fundraising, donor relations role, preferably in a non‑profit organization.
• Experience in an academic, scientific, or healthcare organization preferred.

None

• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines and goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong skills in relationship‑building, donor engagement and storytelling through events.
• Confidence and professionalism in working with colleagues and donors as well as the President and CEO and senior leaders across the Institute.
• A passion for creating memorable, mission‑driven experiences.
• Technological proficiency and the ability to create spreadsheets, enter data, and generate reports from a fundraising database.

Direct:
None

Indirect:
None

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. When working on‑site, the work environment is in a standard office setting. May occasionally be exposed to low to excessive noise, various odors, temperature changes, and equipment with moving parts, including but not limited to computers, phones, printers, and other standard office equipment.

If working from home, you are responsible for ensuring a quiet, organized, and comfortable setting, free from significant noise or distractions. This requires the use of standard home office equipment, including but not limited to computers and phones. As you may be exposed to minimal noise and temperature variations depending on your home setup, it’s important to maintain a workspace that supports productivity and well‑being.

Reliable internet connectivity and a suitable workstation are essential to fulfill job responsibilities effectively.

• Standing and Walking:
  Ability to occasionally (up to 3 hours) stand or walk and move between different work areas.
• Other physical…