Job Description: Director, Women’s Philanthropy

POSITION TITLE: Director, Women’s Philanthropy

DEPARTMENT: Financial Resource Development

REPORTS TO: Chief Development Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Women’s Philanthropy (WP) will be a key member of a dynamic and strategic fundraising team dedicated to advancing philanthropy within the Columbus Jewish community. This experienced leader will be responsible for shaping and driving a vibrant, impactful WP program that inspires, engages, and stewards current donors while attracting new supporters. Working closely with colleagues across the Financial Resource Development (FRD) team, the Director will help design and execute a comprehensive strategy to deepen the involvement and generosity of women donors. The ideal candidate will bring a strong executive presence, strategic thinking, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to influence and collaborate across a range of stakeholders and priorities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serves as the key staff liaison to the WP board and co-chairs to foster leadership development, engagement, and philanthropic growth.
• Develop, launch, and implement a WP campaign plan to renew, upgrade, and acquire donors, including the cultivation and solicitation of a portfolio of donors.
• Lead efforts to grow women’s giving societies, including the Lion of Judah ($5,000+ annual gift), Pomegranate ($1,800+ annual gift), Lion of Judah Endowment ($125,000+ endowment), and other women’s giving societies as determined.
• In partnership with the Chief Development Officer, establish quantifiable goals and related strategies for programmatic, fundraising, volunteer, and operational activities for WP.
• Recruit participants, and where appropriate, serve as staff lead for delegations to regional, national, and international Women’s Campaign conferences and missions.
• Create and implement a stewardship program that recognizes current donors with a focus on continuing and elevating their support
• Oversee logistics (including event planning with support from the Events Planner, recruitment, agenda creation and dissemination, materials preparation, meeting minutes, and follow-up items) for all WP programs, ensuring timely delivery and accuracy.
• Write and monitor the Women’s Philanthropy budget.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

• Strong knowledge of the Jewish community, culture, and practices. Background knowledge of the Federation system is a plus.
• Proven track record in soliciting major donors ($5,000+).
• Experience working with volunteer leadership and volunteer management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple, concurrent projects, meet challenges, pivot, and adapt quickly.
• Brings an enthusiastic attitude, curiosity, and strong problem-solving skills to generate practical, effective solutions.
• Exhibits strong leadership and executive presence, with exceptional emotional intelligence in navigating complex relationships.
• Serves as a trusted and influential presence, inspiring confidence and earning the respect of peers and stakeholders.
• Demonstrates initiative and works independently, while also collaborating effectively with colleagues to support time-sensitive projects and events.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• College Degree required
• Master’s Degree or comparable graduate degree in social work, Jewish communal service, public administration, non-profit or related field preferred
• 7+ years of professional fundraising and or Federation work experience
• Familiarity with the use of databases and spreadsheets
• Proficient user of Microsoft Suite applications: Word, PowerPoint
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required