Event and Stewardship Manager

Hesed House•Aurora, IL

69d•$63,000 - $78,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Event and Stewardship Manager is a member of Hesed House’s Development Team, responsible for planning and executing mission-driven donor events and building stewardship systems that strengthen donor relationships. The role manages Hesed House’s event portfolio, including an annual gala and in-person and virtual donor gatherings, and oversees event logistics, budgets, vendors, guest experiences, and post-event evaluation. It also develops donor communications, recognition programs, and cultivation strategies, maintaining stewardship records in Raiser’s Edge NXT. The manager collaborates with development leadership, committees, volunteers, Marketing, Finance, program staff, vendors, and venue partners to connect donors with Hesed House’s mission and support fundraising priorities. The position is based at Hesed House’s Aurora, Illinois campus. A professional, business-casual appearance and welcoming demeanor are expected when representing the organization at events and donor meetings. Some evening and weekend work is a regular part of the role. Candidates must pass DCFS and criminal background checks and be able to navigate stairs and move event materials and supplies as needed.

Requirements

1–3 years of experience in event planning, fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit management.
Demonstrated ability to manage events end-to-end, including budgets, vendors, logistics, and guest experience.
Experience working with committees and volunteers to build effective relationships and achieve results.
Experience developing donor stewardship materials, recognition programs, or impact communications.
Exceptional written communication skills, including the ability to create event copy and impact reports with clarity and warmth.
Strong verbal communication skills and confidence representing Hesed House with donors and partners.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build trust and engage with diverse individuals and communities.
Comfort and enthusiasm working within a faith-based organization while engaging effectively with secular partners and donors.
Collaborative spirit, self-motivation, and ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
Outstanding organizational skills and ability to manage overlapping events and stewardship activities without overlooking details.
Problem-solving ability and a positive, can-do attitude in a fast-paced environment.
Must pass DCFS and criminal background checks.
Must be able to comfortably and consistently navigate stairs.
Must be able to move event materials and supplies as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT is strongly preferred.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365.
Familiarity with Canva or similar design tools.
Creative instincts for developing content and event experiences that resonate with a diverse donor community.
Curiosity and a continuous improvement mindset focused on improving donor experience and fundraising effectiveness.

Responsibilities

Work with the Division Director of Development to design and execute a calendar of donor events, including galas and in-person and virtual donor gatherings.
Manage event logistics from beginning to end, including budgets, venue sourcing, vendor negotiation, catering, audiovisuals, and run-of-show.
Work with the Derby Committee and Director of Development to plan and execute the annual gala, including budget oversight, venue sourcing, vendor negotiation, catering, audiovisuals, and run-of-show.
Leverage the committee for auction item creation and cost-effective procurement, and for sponsorship solicitation and tracking.
Lead audience segmentation, invitation design, RSVP tracking, and seating arrangements.
Serve as the primary point of contact for event vendors and venue partners; negotiate contracts with vendors and Hesed House operational staff and maintain relationships.
Evaluate event outcomes and deliver post-event reports with data-driven recommendations.
Develop and distribute annual impact reports, financial updates, and personalized donor acknowledgment communications.
Create and maintain donor recognition programs, giving societies, and named scholarship or endowment lifecycles.
Execute cultivation strategies to upgrade donors, renew lapsed gifts, and foster long-term loyalty.
Maintain accurate and timely stewardship records in Raiser’s Edge NXT.
Partner with the Division Director of Development to identify and prioritize donor segments for targeted outreach.
Support major fundraising initiatives, including the signature Derby event.
Collaborate with Marketing and Finance to align event and stewardship strategy with organizational priorities.
Gather stories from program staff and turn them into donor communications and event content.
Contribute a collaborative, solutions-focused approach to projects and team interactions.