ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

As the largest funder of Jewish causes in California, the Jewish Federation Bay Area connects donors, changemakers, and community partners to build a thriving, resilient future. The Federation serves as a trusted partner and advisor for those seeking to make an impact today while shaping a better tomorrow. We invest in education, social services, and security while mobilizing crisis relief worldwide. With over a century of leadership, we empower individuals and families to give strategically, building a thriving and resilient future for generations to come. Whether strengthening Jewish life in the Bay Area, safeguarding Jewish communities worldwide, or ensuring a safe and democratic Israel, we empower people to take meaningful action that echoes for generations.

The Federation is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual with a variety of skill sets who wants to join a team working to build a new model of 21st century and next generation Federation engagement.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Director, Philanthropic Growth is a new position in the Federation’s Philanthropy team that will focus on developing relationships with high-potential individuals and families, leading to the establishment of donor-advised funds (DAFs), annual campaign support, and endowment gifts. In this business development and relationship management role, you will own the full sales cycle—from lead generation and segmentation to engagement strategy and conversion—while collaborating closely with multiple teams including Philanthropy Advisory, Marketing, Endowment, and Engagement/Events. This is a mission-driven sales role ideal for someone with a passion for philanthropy, an appreciation of Jewish values, and a strong track record of building and executing fundraising (or sales) strategies, cultivating prospects and closing gifts (or sales), and inspiring high-performing teams.

The Director, Philanthropic Growth will report to the Chief Philanthropy Officer and is expected to be on-site Wednesday and Thursday, spend a significant portion of their time on the Peninsula, and be available for in-person meetings, events, evenings and weekends as needed.

This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of growing philanthropy in the Bay Area Jewish community. If you are a dynamic relationship-builder who is eager to make an impact, we encourage you to apply!

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This role has managerial responsibilities for the Business Development team (at least 1 direct report, with the potential to manage additional positions).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Design and execute a lead generation strategy targeting high-net-worth individuals and families, with a primary focus on converting prospects into donors and securing commitments to establish new funds.
• Lead the development and implementation of prospect segmentation models and personalized cultivation pathways that drive measurable outcomes in gift closures and fund creation.
• Cultivate individuals who have already engaged with the Jewish Federation through prior giving, event participation, or other touchpoints, converting their interest into concrete action by closing gifts, opening donor-advised funds (DAFs), and establishing long-term giving relationships with the Federation.
• Own and manage a robust pipeline of qualified leads using Salesforce, with clear metrics for outreach, gift closure rates, and new fund establishment. Track progress against quarterly and annual goals for both immediate gifts and legacy commitments.
• Lead outreach and discovery calls/meetings with prospects, positioning Federation's philanthropic vehicles (DAFs, annual campaign, endowments, etc.) as compelling opportunities and guiding conversations toward commitment and closure. Develop and refine strategies to overcome objections and accelerate decision-making.
• Drive measurable results in gift closures and new fund creation by creating, documenting, and managing a suite of prospecting best practices that includes Salesforce tracking and reporting, time-sensitive tasks and follow-up, strategic collaboration with other donor relationship managers, and systems designed to move prospects efficiently through the pipeline to commitment.
• Work with the Chief Philanthropy Officer to coordinate the Business Strategy and Growth committee, focusing on strategies to increase gift closure rates and expand the portfolio of donor-advised funds and endowments.
• Ensure seamless handoff from prospecting to stewardship, maintaining accountability for closure metrics even as donors transition to ongoing relationship management.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Proven experience with major donor ($25,000+) solicitation and stewardship (or equivalent experience leading sales/business development in a for-profit environment), donor relations; and the successful management of complex, multi-project initiatives to achieve fundraising and engagement goals.
• Prior experience successfully leading fundraising teams is a huge plus. Passion for and understanding of the Bay Area Jewish community and philanthropy; familiarity with the Jewish communal landscape, especially on the Peninsula.
• Experience communicating with tact and sensitivity with high-net-worth individuals from a wide diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and cultures.
• Experience advancing multiple projects that involve complex issues, various stakeholders, and deadlines to successful completion. Demonstrated background in tracking action items and ensuring detailed follow-through on existing and new initiatives.
• Experience supporting multiple priorities and juggling a variety of tasks for one or more individuals in a team environment. Exhibiting flexibility and adaptability to a variety of systems and approaches that align with internal and external stakeholder needs. Knowledge of business development, donor relations, donor-advised funds and/or planned giving is a plus.
• A minimum intermediate skill level using PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Office 365, and Outlook.
• Experience using a relational database, preferably Salesforce.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 9+ years of front-line fundraising experience at the five- and six-figure levels.
• Bachelor's degree in related area preferred.

Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits — medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick pay, holidays (including Jewish), and retirement plan.

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

The Federation views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a company culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible talent pool to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. The Jewish Federation Bay Area is an equal opportunity employer.