POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a key member of the Federation’s executive leadership team, responsible for advancing all philanthropic initiatives that sustain and expand the organization’s mission. The incumbent oversees the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive development program encompassing the annual campaign, major gifts, endowment and planned giving, corporate partnerships, special events, donor stewardship, and targeted fundraising projects. The CDO fosters meaningful donor engagement and cultivates lasting philanthropic partnerships. In collaboration with the CEO, lay leaders, and community partners, the CDO plays a vital role in strengthening Jewish life locally, in Israel, and around the world.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Manage staff including, but not limited to:
- Recruit, interview, hire, and train staff within the department.
- Oversee the day-to-day workflow of the department.
- Provide constructive and timely performance evaluations.
- Provide coaching and mentorship to staff.
- Handle discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with JFO policy.
- Develop and execute a multi-faceted fundraising strategy, including annual campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, capital projects, and endowment development to meet short- and long-term fundraising goals.
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors and prospects; personally solicit high-level gifts and steward long-term relationships ensuring personalized engagement aligned with Jewish values and community priorities.
- Build and maintain meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners, with a focus on Jewish philanthropy and values-based engagement.
- Ensure fundraising practices are aligned with ethical standards, donor intent, and compliance requirements.
- Partner with the CEO, senior staff, and lay leadership to enhance philanthropic culture and inspire giving at all levels.
- Oversee and grow legacy giving and endowment development in partnership with the Federation’s foundation or planned giving program; develop compelling cases for support that reflect the organization's Jewish identity, mission, and community impact.
- Oversee donor database systems and utilize donor data and metrics to inform strategy, track performance, gift processing, acknowledgment, and reporting to ensure accuracy and donor satisfaction.
- Ensure fundraising practices are aligned with ethical standards, donor intent, and compliance requirements.
- Ensure fundraising materials, cases for support, and communications align with the Federation’s vision, impact priorities, and Jewish identity.
- Lead and mentor the development team to ensure effective collaboration, goal alignment, accountability, and professional growth.
- Ensure that the department functions in full compliance with JFO policies, and all federal, state, and/or local laws, regulations, and ethical standards related to fundraising.
- Ensure effective and economic operation of the department through established goals and objectives set by the CEO, COO, and JFO Board of Directors.
- Responsible for adherence to fiscal budget parameters and annual operating budget.
- Represent the JFO in both the professional and lay communities; play a vital public relations role particularly in response to promoting the JFO campus.
- Partner with the CEO to develop and continuously refine long-term strategic planning.
- Develop and maintain written business processes and procedures that support the operation of the department.
- Prepare ad-hoc or routine reports and analysis for internal or external reporting as needed.
- Continuously seek additional revenue opportunities and sources such as grant writing.
- Participate in local, state, and national, professional organizations relating to area of responsibility.
- Reliable and predictable attendance.
- Execute additional duties as requested by the CEO.
Other Requirements
This position requires some time out of the office, limited travel, and active participation in community gatherings, events, and programs, that occur outside of a traditional work schedule including some evenings and weekends.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Possess a passionate commitment to the Jewish community.
- Communicative individual that encourages a positive and inclusive environment.
- Superior interpersonal and networking skills with a proven ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with various individuals at all levels; both inside and outside the organization.
- Must act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
- Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
- Demonstrated experience in CRM software platforms such as Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar relational database platforms.
- Superior verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Superior analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Able to handle competing priorities and deadlines by demonstrating excellent time management skills.
- Work effectively and collaboratively in a team environment or independently as required.
- Must maintain valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.
- Able to travel via commercial airlines nationally and/or internationally.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience. Master’s degree preferred.
- CFRE certification preferred.
- At least 5 years of progressive fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector, preferably within a Jewish communal setting or faith-based organization.
- Proven track record of securing major gifts and leading successful fundraising campaigns.
- Demonstrated success in designing and leading comprehensive development strategies.
- Strong leadership and management capabilities with the ability to mentor and motivate a team.
- Experience working with senior executives and/or board members in a fundraising capacity.
Physical Requirements
Occasionally = 0% - 33% of the work day
Frequently = 34% - 66% of the work day
Constantly = 67% - 100% of the work day
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position constantly working on a computer in an office environment.
- Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
- The person in this position needs to frequently move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
- The person in this position constantly communicates with others. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
- Able to occasionally operate a motorized vehicle for off-campus business; drive company vehicle and/or personal vehicle as requested.
- Able to occasionally travel via commercial airlines nationally and/or internationally.
- The person in this position will occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
- Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents.
To Apply
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