Event and Stewardship Manager

Hesed House • Aurora, IL

7h • $63,000 - $78,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This is more than an events job. It is a chance to change lives by creating meaningful experiences that connect donors with the mission they love — and by ensuring every contributor feels genuinely seen, valued, and inspired to give again. The Event & Stewardship Manager is a critical member of our Development Team, responsible for planning and executing a portfolio of mission-driven donor events while building the stewardship systems that turn one-time gifts into lasting partnerships. This dual-focused role demands both an eye for detail and a heart for people — someone who can manage a seamless gala and write a thank-you letter that genuinely moves a donor. The ideal candidate is a skilled event professional and relationship-builder who is energized by the intersection of logistics and storytelling. You will be someone who takes pride in getting every detail right — and who understands that every detail exists in service of the people we serve.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of experience in event planning, fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit management
• Demonstrated ability to manage events end-to-end: budgets, vendors, logistics, and guest experience
• Experience working with committees and volunteers for deep, effective relationships and results
• Experience developing donor stewardship materials, recognition programs, or impact communications
• Experience working with donor CRM databases; Raiser’s Edge NXT experience strongly preferred
• Exceptional written communication skills — event copy, and impact reports with clarity and warmth
• Strong verbal communication skills; you are confident and gracious representing Hesed House with donors and partners
• Creative instincts for developing content and event experiences that resonate with a diverse donor community
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365; familiarity with Canva or similar design tools a plus
• A deep desire to serve — you are energized by connecting donors with a cause that truly changes lives
• Excellent interpersonal skills; you build trust naturally and enjoy engaging with diverse individuals and communities
• Comfort and enthusiasm working within a faith-based organization while engaging effectively with secular partners and donors
• A collaborative spirit combined with self-motivation and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently
• Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple overlapping events and stewardship touchpoints without dropping a detail
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment; brings strong problem-solving instincts and a positive, can-do attitude
• Curiosity and a continuous improvement mindset — always asking how we can make the donor experience better and fundraising more effective
• 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

Responsibilities

• Plan and Execute Mission Driven Events: Own Hesed House’s event portfolio, ensuring every gathering reflects our mission with excellence and warmth. This includes working with the Division Director of Development to design and execute a calendar of donor events — including galas, donor gatherings in person and virtually — that engage, inspire, and deepen commitment to Hesed House. Manage all logistics end-to-end: budget oversight, venue sourcing, vendor negotiation, catering, audiovisuals, and run-of-show. Work with the Derby Committee and Director of Development to create and execute an annual gala, managing all logistics end-to-end, including budget oversight, venue sourcing, vendor negotiation, catering, av, and run-of show. Leverage committee for creation and cost-effective procurement of auction items / packaging, as well as sponsorship solicitation and tracking. Lead audience segmentation, invitation design, RSVP tracking, and seating arrangements to ensure every guest has a purposeful, personal experience. Serve as the primary point of contact for event vendors and venue partners, negotiating contracts by working with vendors and Hesed House operational staff and maintaining relationships. Evaluate event outcomes and deliver post-event reports with data-driven recommendations for future programming.
• Steward Donors with Intention: Develop and distribute annual impact reports, financial updates, and personalized acknowledgment communications that illustrate how donor funds change lives. 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, timely stewardship records in Raiser’s Edge NXT. Partner with the Division Director of Development to identify and prioritize key donor segments for targeted outreach.
• Collaborate Across the Development Team: Play an active supporting role in major fundraising initiatives, including our signature Derby event. Collaborate with Marketing and Finance to align event and stewardship strategy with organizational priorities. Surface powerful stories from program staff and translate them into compelling donor communications and event content. Bring a collaborative, solutions-focused spirit to every project and every team interaction.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed