Event Manager – Northeast Region

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is a humanitarian nonprofit that provides life‑changing support for the courageous young men and women of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). We transform their lives through empowering educational, financial, well‑being, and cultural initiatives as they protect the State of Israel and her people. Inspired by them, we strive to champion a culture of courage worldwide, ensuring a secure and thriving Israel today and forever.

Our community of supporters and staff are passionate, courageous, and impactful. Our work is driven by core values that transcend gender, age, political leanings, nationality, and religion. Our vital mission and breadth of programs resonate with a diverse array of supporters – all are welcome!

FIDF spans 25 chapters across the United States, proudly offering a variety of innovative programs and opportunities. Our workplace is vibrant and dynamic, encouraging bold creativity, ingenuity, and vision. We’re searching for new talent to contribute to our mission and team.

The Event Manager – Northeast Region is responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of fundraising galas and major events across the Northeast Region for Friends of the IDF (FIDF). This role ensures consistent, high‑quality event delivery while managing budgets, vendors, logistics, and timelines. The Event Manager collaborates closely with regional staff, volunteers, and boards, and travels extensively to support up to 30 events annually.

When in‑person events are not taking place, the role supports virtual events and other engagement initiatives to advance fundraising efforts.

• Exceptional organizational and time‑management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Proven negotiation skills and budget management expertise.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create clear and engaging materials for diverse audiences.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, with the flexibility to adapt to changing organizational needs.
• Demonstrated decision‑making, problem‑solving, project management, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work effectively with regional boards, committees, staff, and volunteers with sensitivity and professionalism.
• Plan, manage, and execute up to 30 regional galas and major events annually.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive event timelines, budgets, non‑deductible tracking, kickoff materials, and post‑event debrief documentation.
• Research, solicit, and prepare vendor proposals and cost comparisons for venues, catering, audiovisual services, security, photography, décor, and other event needs.
• Communicate with event‑related vendors and review, negotiate, and revise contracts in accordance with FIDF’s standard terms and conditions.
• Coordinate the purchase and management of event‑related merchandise and materials.
• Create detailed day‑of‑event run‑of‑show timelines and manage onsite logistics, including setup, execution, and breakdown.
• Coordinate travel and lodging for national staff and, when applicable, soldiers or guest speakers.
• Provide onsite training and support for the organization’s event management system (Air Reg), as needed.
• Identify and implement cost‑saving strategies related to regional events.
• Research and introduce innovative approaches to galas and special events, and share best practices and lessons learned across the organization.
• Maintain organized event records, systems, and files (electronic and manual).
• Coordinate internal and external meetings related to event planning and execution.
• Track departmental expenses, maintain budgets, process disbursements, and ensure timely vendor payments.
• Measure event outcomes and maintain records of lessons learned to support continuous improvement.
• Assist with the logistics of internal FIDF programs and initiatives, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree required, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

• Minimum of 5 years of professional event planning experience across a variety of venues.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience negotiating vendor contracts and managing event budgets.