DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Israel Guide Dog Center for Blind
Israel Guide Dog Center for Blind

Full-time

Warrington, PA, USA

USD 110k-125k / year

Posted on Jun 24, 2026

The Israel Guide Dog Center is seeking an accomplished, relationship-driven Director of Development to lead and expand our fundraising efforts across the United States. This senior leadership role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy, cultivating and soliciting major donors, and building a high-performing development team.

The ideal candidate has a demonstrated track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts, building meaningful donor relationships, and leading successful fundraising initiatives. This is a full-time position with a preference for candidates who can work from our Warrington, PA office; remote candidates will be considered.

The Director of Development reports directly to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with colleagues in the United States and Israel.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive strategies for donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and recognition.

  • Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects through personal visits, events, phone calls, written correspondence, and digital communications.

  • Solicit and close gifts with a focus on five- and six-figure commitments.

  • Utilize analytics to inform strategies and measure performance.

  • Lead, mentor, and oversee development staff, including the Southeast Area Director and future team members as the organization grows.

  • Cultivate and steward planned giving prospects through legacy giving conversations, recognition programs, and strategic pipeline development.

  • Collaborate with the Executive Director to recruit, onboard, train, and engage Board members as active ambassadors and fundraising partners.

  • Represent the Israel Guide Dog Center at synagogues, Jewish Federations, foundations, community organizations, and other stakeholder groups.

  • Deliver compelling presentations that inspire support for the organization’s mission and impact.

  • Plan and execute fundraising events and donor engagement opportunities, including visits featuring Israeli clients and professionals.

  • Maintain accurate donor records and fundraising activity within the CRM.

  • Ensure effective development processes, systems, and donor stewardship practices.

  • Serve as a thought partner and strategist alongside the Executive Director

Required Experience & Skills

  • Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, preferably within Jewish communal organizations or mission-driven nonprofits.

  • Demonstrated success securing and stewarding major gifts, including five- and six-figure contributions.

  • Experience in planned giving, including conducting legacy giving conversations and applying best practices to cultivate and sustain a robust planned giving pipeline.

  • Proven experience building and maintaining strong donor relationships.

  • Experience managing and developing staff and volunteers.

  • Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, and change management skills.

  • Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

  • Strong project management abilities with exceptional attention to detail and the capacity to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, donor management systems (CRM), and digital fundraising platforms.

Preferred Attributes

  • Knowledge of Jewish communal philanthropy and the Jewish nonprofit landscape.

  • Experience working with Boards of Directors and volunteer leadership.

  • Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.

  • Confident public speaker with strong interpersonal skills.

  • Entrepreneurial mindset, sound judgment, and the ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

  • Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities and stakeholders.

Travel Requirements

  • Ability to travel domestically; approximately 4–5 trips annually.

  • Ability to travel internationally approximately once per year.

Compensation

  • Salary range of $110,000 – $125,000 commensurate with experience

  • 3% contribution to a personal IRA

  • Healthcare stipend

  • Home office supplies including laptop computer and remote phone access provided

  • Generous PTO including Jewish holidays, secular holidays, vacation, and sick leave

How to Apply

Send an email to info@israelguidedog.org with the subject “Director of Development Application” and include a:

  • Resume

  • Cover letter with examples of how you have led fundraising efforts in the past

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls please.

Israel Guide Dog Center for Blind is an equal opportunity employer.