Careers

Location of position: 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232

Please note: This is a full-time, on-site position; non-local candidates would be expected to relocate.

Salary and benefits:

Salary and benefits: Base salary range of $85,000 – $105,000. Final salary commensurate with experience. JFSM offers competitive health, wellness, and retirement benefits (4% for each employee regardless of whether they contribute to the 401k, plus an employer match up to 3%. Potential total employer contribution = 7%). A relocation bonus may be provided, as appropriate.

To apply, please submit:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV

Submit Applications to: JFSMJobs@outlook.com

Additional project or writing samples may be requested during the selection process.

Application Deadline: We are seeking to fill this position immediately. Candidates are asked to submit their material as soon as possible, but not later than August 10, 2026.

Job Summary

The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing the annual fundraising plan under the direction and guidance of the Chief Impact and Engagement Officer in support of JFSM’s mission and strategic plan. The individual in this role provides both strategic expertise and operational support in all areas of development, including annual, major, and planned giving, grants, and fundraising events. S/he develops dynamic fundraising and communications strategies to deepen donor relationships and partnerships and expand the base of support. S/he collaborates with all partnerships, stakeholders, and foundation constituencies, including staff, board members, donors, and community partners. S/he ensures best practices throughout fundraising operations. The successful candidate thrives on being part of a vibrant, multi-faceted team and enjoys wearing multiple hats on any given day.

Job Relationship 

Reports to:  Chief Impact and Engagement Officer

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of high-value relationships: Act as the primary point of contact for a select group of supporters, focusing on individuals with the capacity and interest in making a significant impact.
• Develop tailored engagement strategies: Design personalized approaches to build trust, understand supporter motivations, and align their interests with our mission—similar to crafting client solutions in a sales or account management role.
• Drive meaningful connections: Conduct regular outreach through meetings, calls, and customized communications to deepen relationships and explore opportunities for collaboration.
• Create compelling materials: Partner with internal teams to develop impactful presentations, proposals, and reports that highlight the value of supporting our work—akin to creating client pitches or sales collateral.
• Host engagement opportunities: Plan and support intimate gatherings, recognition events, and exclusive experiences to strengthen supporter connections.
• Monitor and report on progress: Track your portfolio’s engagement and contribute to team-wide strategies, annual plans, and special initiatives.
• Represent the organization: Act as an ambassador at events, embodying our mission with professionalism and enthusiasm.
• Foster collaborative individual and institutional partnerships to further community awareness and engagement in the foundation’s mission.
• Contribute to fundraising event planning and collaborate on event execution and follow-up.
• Develop and coordinate donor cultivation and appreciation events.
• Develop and implement fundraising policies and procedures as needed.
• Report on goal metrics and progress monthly on the annual fundraising goals (or more frequently, as requested).

Qualifications

• Passion for our mission: A genuine interest in our organization’s values and community impact.
• 3+ years of experience in relationship management, VIP sales, account management, or client services—especially in roles requiring high-touch engagement, consultative selling, or partnership development.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills: Ability to connect authentically with diverse individuals, understand their priorities, and tailor your approach accordingly.
• Proven success in securing high-value partnerships, closing deals, or managing VIP client relationships—translating complex needs into actionable opportunities.
• Strong communication skills: Excellent written, verbal, and presentation abilities, with a knack for storytelling and crafting persuasive messages.
• Organized and detail-oriented: Adept at managing multiple relationships, tracking interactions, and following through on commitments.
• Entrepreneurial mindset: Self-motivated, creative, and solution-focused—thriving in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• Collaborative team player: Comfortable working closely with colleagues across departments to align strategies and deliver results.
• Tech-savvy: Proficiency in CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proven record of raising major gifts along with experience in annual fund, events, and some knowledge of planned giving.
• Bachelor’s degree and a demonstrated history of progressively successful fundraising experience.
• Stays current with fundraising best practices and policies.

Preferred Experience

• Background in nonprofit, mission-driven, or community-focused organizations (a plus but not required).
• Experience with event planning, strategic partnerships, or high-net-worth client management.

Communication Skills

Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills using the English language. Demonstrates the ability to: read, analyze, and interpret documents; respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints; communicate effectively at multiple levels within the organization; manage communications professionally and with respect; know when to escalate issues to upper management; communicate to various contractors and suppliers in a simple and timely manner.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Usual office environment with frequent sitting, walking, and standing, and occasional climbing, stooping, kneeling, and balancing. Frequent use of eye, hand, and finger coordination enables the use of office machinery. Oral and auditory capacity enabling interpersonal communication as well as communication through automated devices such as the telephone.

DISCLAIMER: Job descriptions are not meant to be all-inclusive, and the job itself is subject to change. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Job description created & approved by Chief Impact and Engagement Officer, Hermoine Gilpin, July 2026.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 

Position Summary 

The Director of Community Affairs leads the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s (JFSM) efforts to strengthen its voice, influence, and partnerships across the broader community and the donor base. This position focuses on advocacy, coalition building, and public positioning, ensuring the Federation is a respected and effective leader on issues impacting the Jewish community and the broader region. This position is simultaneously a strategist, a communicator, a crisis manager, a relationship broker, and a steward of donors. Their fundamental job is to ensure that JFSM’s work is understood — by the public, by the press, by elected officials, and by the communities it serves, while being fully supported by donors. 

With the guidance of the CEO, they often act as a spokesperson, ensuring that the public, press, elected officials, and community stakeholders understand the organization’s work. As a small organization, leaders hold accountability for stewarding donors. As a result, this position will hold accountability for a portfolio of top donors and, with the guidance and mentoring of the CEO and the Chief Impact and Engagement Officer, will leverage their relationship-building skills to strengthen donors’ investment in JFSM’s work.   They must collaborate effectively with the other functions and leaders in JFSM, specifically the Chief Impact and Engagement Officer, in terms of partnering around donor stewardship. 

Key Responsibilities 

Public Affairs & Advocacy 

• This professional will collaborate with the CEO on JFSM’s public affairs strategy and then lead the implementation, focused on combating antisemitism, supporting Israel, and advancing key community priorities. 

• In coordination with the CEO, acts as the lead on government relations and with outside government relations counsel. Government relationships include local, state, and national elected officials, civic leaders, and policy influencers.

• Monitor emerging issues and recommend proactive and responsive advocacy actions 

• Build and sustain coalitions and relationships with interfaith partners, nonprofit organizations, and civic institutions. 

• Lead coalition efforts around shared priorities (security, education, civil discourse, etc.). 

• Strengthen engagement with non-Jewish audiences, including business, education, and government sectors. 

• Manage crisis communications, ensuring timely, credible, and legally defensible responses to incidents such as data breaches, public safety issues, or program failures. 

• Collaborate and coordinate with internal teams across operations, communications, and development to align messaging and policy objectives. 

• Maintain strict confidentiality and professional boundaries for all matters of JFSM. 

Community Engagement & Outreach 

• Partner with C-Suite colleagues on the design of high-impact outreach initiatives. Accountable for implementing those that expand the Federation’s reach and relevance. 

• Prioritize engagement activities with existing and potential stakeholders. 

• Partner internally to align outreach with programming, communications, and donor engagement efforts. 

• Support community-facing initiatives tied to education, public events, and thought leadership. 

Communications & Messaging Alignment 

• Collaborate with marketing and leadership to ensure consistent messaging and positioning across all public-facing efforts 

• Contribute to speechwriting, briefing materials, and key messaging for external audiences 

• Serve as a visible ambassador for the Federation in select public settings

Donor Stewardship (30% of time) 

• Accountable for the relationship management of a portfolio of top donors to increase their commitment and investment in JFSM’s projects and work.  

• Leverage every opportunity to interact with all donors, including those in the assigned portfolio, and solidify their connection to the mission, resulting in ongoing financial support and sustainability.  

• Over time, identify potential funders and partners to fund advocacy initiatives through grants and other financial commitments.  

Qualifications 

• Passion for our mission: A genuine interest in and connection with our organization’s values and community impact. 

• Personal experience with Jewish values, culture and traditions, either directly or indirectly through family associations  

• Strong relationship management skills  

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, journalism, political science or a related field required. Advanced degrees a plus. 

• 5–7+ years of experience in public affairs, government relations, community relations, or advocacy, preferably in a non-profit organization.  A background in political communications or legislative staff work can be advantageous but is not mandatory. 

• Some knowledge of donor stewardship and how it applies to this role. Willing to train and mentor the successful candidate. 

• Strong writing, editing, and strategic messaging skills, with the ability to craft messages for diverse audiences under pressure. 

• Deep understanding and professional experience maintaining strict confidentiality 

• Demonstrated success in building coalitions and partnerships 

• Strong understanding of issues related to antisemitism, Israel, and Jewish communal priorities 

• Excellent communication and strategic thinking skills 

• Ability to reprioritize among fast-breaking issues and allocate time precisely according to the relative risks and opportunities for the Federation and our community. 

• Professional discipline in messaging and advocacy, prioritizing the needs of JFSM, as demonstrated by experience 

• Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams with varied responsibilities. 

• Tech-savvy: Proficiency in CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Blackbaud) and Microsoft Office Suite.  

• Knowledge of legislative processes, regulatory environments, and public policy trends. 

• Experience in crisis management, stakeholder engagement, and media relations. 

Application Instructions:

Location of position:  580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232 

Please note: This is a full-time, on-site position; non-local candidates would be expected to relocate. 

Salary and benefits:

Salary and benefits: Base salary range of $90,000 – $110,000. Final salary commensurate with experience. JFSM offers competitive health, wellness, and retirement benefits (4% for each employee regardless of whether they contribute to the 401k, plus an employer match up to 3%. Potential total employer contribution = 7%). A relocation bonus may be provided, as appropriate. 

To apply, please submit:

• Cover Letter 

• Resume/CV 

• Three references 

Submit Applications to: JFSMJobs@outlook.com 

Additional project or writing samples will be requested during the selection process.  

Application Deadline: We are seeking to fill this position immediately. Candidates are asked to submit their material as soon as possible and before August 31, 2026. 

Reports to: Director of Engagement

The Special Events Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring strong donor engagement and often will be the first point of introduction for a donor getting to know the Federation. This position will be a strategic leader who creates donor event experiences and opportunities to thank and celebrate donors at all levels.

Essential Responsibilities include:

• Oversee and execute all annual development events (from10-100+ guests) including donor appreciation events, annual luncheon, and specialized events for our giving societies
• Develop and manage sponsorship giving structure and solicitation for programs and events in collaboration with the Director of Engagement
• Manage the Federation’s portfolio of Lions of Judah and Pomegranate Societies’ events, including stewarding committees and chairs, updating pin process yearly, and liaising with our societies in advance of bi-annual conference.
• Collaborate with staff and, where applicable, with event volunteer leaders on coordinating events.
• Plan major events throughout the course of the year in conjunction with volunteer leaders or additional lead staff.
• Set event strategy and marketing, conduct research, make site visits, and find resources to help staff make decisions about event possibilities.
• Create and track event budget estimates and ensure adherence to these budgets.
• Review, negotiate, and approve vendor pricing proposals, contracts, and invoices.
• Coordinate and monitor event timelines and ensure deadlines are met.
• Serve as a liaison with vendors on event-related matters.
• Help to determine creative direction for each event, including design work as needed.
• Work closely with the Marketing Department and other staff to create and monitor the marketing timeline, serving as the primary liaison between marketing staff and event lead staff.
• Coordinate staff roles, event job descriptions, and training per event.
• Provide on-site, day-of event management.
• Complete follow-up on all events including final contract resolutions, payments, and so forth.
• Work to enhance onsite Federation branding across events.
• Measure event results and analytics.
• Learn and adapt to evolving systems as the organization grows and shifts — comfort with change is a must, not a nice-to-have

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated skills, knowledge, and experience in the following areas:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant or related field
• 2-5 years of event experience or work in related activities
• Commitment to strong staff culture and team values
• Excellent planning and organization skills
• Exceptional research abilities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate with a wide variety of staff and personalities.
• Outstanding negotiation skills

JFSM is committed to building an inclusive culture that celebrates the diverse voices of our employees, donors, volunteers, and community members. We pride ourselves on our positive and growth-oriented work culture and provide excellent staff benefits and professional development opportunities.