DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Full-time
Warrington, PA, USA
USD 110k-125k / year
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.