Director, Events & Engagement

Position Overview  

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington brings people, resources, and ideas together to strengthen Jewish life across our region. Events are one of the primary ways we build relationships, inspire philanthropy, engage leaders, and connect our community to our mission. 

The Director, Events and Engagement leads Federation’s Events function, overseeing strategy, planning, and execution of Federation's event portfolio with a primary focus on signature community gatherings, donor experiences, leadership events, and major organizational initiatives. Working closely with Executive Leadership and colleagues across the organization, this role creates meaningful experiences that strengthen relationships, advance fundraising and engagement goals, and reflect Federation’s mission, values, and brand. 

This is an opportunity for an experienced event leader who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with hands-on execution. You'll personally lead our most complex events while building the systems, standards, and team that elevate event planning across the organization. 

Key Responsibilities  

Lead Federation's Events 

• Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of Federation's signature events, donor experiences, leadership gatherings, and other priority events 

• Personally lead the organization's highest-profile and most complex events from concept through execution 

• Develop event concepts, program content, speaker preparation, and participant experiences that advance fundraising, engagement, and organizational priorities 

• Partner with Executive Leadership, speakers, lay leaders, and subject matter experts to develop compelling programs and meaningful participant experiences 
• Continuously improve Federation's events by evaluating outcomes, incorporating feedback, and strengthening participant experiences, planning practices, and organizational effectiveness 
• Coordinate annual event planning to maximize collaboration, organizational capacity, and consistency 

Advance Event Excellence Across Federation 

• Advise Executive Leadership on event strategy, program design, audience engagement, and experience decisions for priority events 

• Serve as Federation's lead advisor on event planning and experience design, establishing standards, tools, and best practices that strengthen event planning across the organization 

• Partner with Executive Leadership, Financial Resource Development, Communications, and program teams to align events with fundraising, stewardship, leadership, and community engagement goals 

• Partner with and advise departments across Federation to develop successful events aligned with strategic priorities 

• Facilitate cross-functional planning and ensure clarity around priorities, timelines, roles, and responsibilities 
• Build trusted relationships with lay leaders, volunteers, vendors, and community partners 

Lead & Develop the Team 

• Supervise, coach, and develop the Events team 

• Foster a collaborative culture focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement 
• Build systems, processes, and team capability that strengthen the Events function and create opportunities for others to grow 

Success Looks Like 

• Federation's events consistently strengthen relationships, advance organizational goals, and reflect Federation's mission, values, and brand 

• Executive Leadership, lay leaders, and partners have confidence in the planning process and event execution 

• Departments across Federation have access to clear guidance, strong partnership, and a consistent approach to planning successful events 

• The Events team operates collaboratively, proactively, and with clear roles, enabling exceptional execution across the organization 
• Federation's event planning continues to evolve through stronger systems, higher standards, and a culture of continuous improvement 

Qualifications 

• 7+ years of experience leading complex events, organizational experiences, or engagement initiatives 

• Demonstrated success planning and executing large-scale, high-profile events 

• Exceptional leadership, project management, organizational, and operational planning skills 

• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities 

• Experience leading teams and collaborating across multiple stakeholders 

• Demonstrated sound judgment, adaptability, and the ability to lead effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments 

• Experience developing operational processes, planning systems, or organizational workflows that improve execution and collaboration 

• Experience in nonprofit, fundraising, higher education, healthcare, or another mission-driven organization preferred 

• Familiarity with Jewish customs, traditions, and community life, or a willingness to learn, is preferred 
• Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Greater Washington (DC, MD, and Northern VA) region. This is a hybrid position, with 3 days a week required in our headquarters 

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington brings people together, mobilizes resources, and drives impact to strengthen Jewish life across Greater Washington and beyond. 

We serve as a strategic leader, convener, and catalyst, working across organizations, leaders, and communities to identify priorities, align efforts, and respond to evolving needs. By connecting people, resources, and ideas, we help drive coordinated action and build a vibrant Jewish future. Learn more at shalomdc.org. 

How We Work 

Across roles, our work is grounded in: 

• Clear priorities and shared goals  

• Accountability for outcomes, not just activity  

• Collaboration across teams and stakeholders  

• Consistent, aligned execution  

• A focus on impact and community need 
  

How We Support You 

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage  

• Retirement plan with employer contribution  

• Generous paid time off, including Jewish holidays  

• Up to 6 weeks of paid parental leave (after one year)  

• Commuter bonus  

• Hybrid work environment