Given its sweeping mission, UJA-Federation, the world's largest local philanthropy, often finds itself at the nexus of world events. With antisemitism surging, Israel at war, and an unprecedented outpouring of Jewish pride among New Yorkers, this is a defining moment for the organization. Through our network of hundreds of nonprofits, large and small, we respond quickly and effectively to the most pressing issues of the day – in New York, in Israel, and around the world.

The Regional Director will serve as the voice of UJA in the Long Island Jewish community, inspiring engagement and strengthening UJA’s presence across the region. This position is charged with designing and implementing a dynamic community engagement strategy, while developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising plan to strengthen UJA’s presence and impact in the region.

The Regional Director will be a visionary leader, adept at building relationships with senior leadership, donors, community leaders, synagogues, rabbis, government officials, and agency executives. In partnership with the Campaign Director, the Regional Director will guide campaign strategy, advance leadership development, cultivate donors, and strengthen community relations as an integral part of overall regional operations.

As a member of UJA’s Senior Management Team and FRD Senior Group, the Regional Director will actively participate in setting fundraising policies and long-term goals. This role includes managing and mentoring a professional team (30) dedicated to strengthening UJA’s presence and impact across Long Island.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Planning

Identify the Long Island Offices long-term strategy, priorities, and objectives to advance UJA’s mission while leveraging organizational strengths to maximize growth opportunities. Collaborate with the Long Island Executive Committee and staff to review, refine, and implement the regional strategy. Partner with senior staff to ensure that Long Island strategies align seamlessly with UJA’s overall mission and organizational goals.

2. Donor Cultivation & Campaign Management

Build, solicit, and steward relationships with high-level donors and prospects, including business and community leaders within the assigned portfolio. Drive support for UJA’s Annual Campaign, Planned Giving & Endowment, Capital projects, and Special Initiatives. Collaborate across the Federation to strengthen donor engagement and maximize philanthropic impact through strategic and integrated giving opportunities.

3. Leadership Engagement & Community Relations

Work in close partnership with lay leadership to define and achieve regional goals, strengthen the leadership pipeline, and support succession planning. Represent UJA at Long Island fundraising, community, and educational events, deepening relationships with synagogues, rabbis, agency executives, grassroots leaders, and elected officials. Serve as a visible and trusted ambassador for UJA, advancing its mission and amplifying its impact across the Long Island community.

4. Team Management & Staff Development

Provide leadership, coaching, and support to a team of professional and non-fundraising staff. Oversee strategic planning, goal setting, and performance management, while ensuring the effective execution of campaign strategies and adjusting as needed to achieve desired outcomes.

5. Operational & Financial Oversight

Strategically allocate resources to optimize productivity and impact. Oversee and manage the Long Island campaign budget, ensuring fiscal discipline through careful monitoring of expenditures and alignment with organizational priorities.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Experience: Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible management experience in fundraising, community development, or a related field, with a proven track record of working effectively with senior lay leaders and a wide range of external partners.
• Leadership: Proven ability to inspire and influence others while building trust and credibility with senior-level donors, lay leadership, and staff. Skilled at motivating teams, guiding stakeholders, and fostering alignment around shared goals.
• Relationship Building: Diplomatic and engaging leader with a strong presence and exceptional interpersonal, communication, and stewardship skills. Adept at cultivating trust, fostering collaboration, and strengthening relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Anticipates Challenges & Opportunities: Uses data, research, and donor insights to forecast shifts in the philanthropic landscape and proactively adjusts strategies.
• Mentorship: Demonstrated ability to mentor and inspire staff by imparting knowledge, developing skills, and fostering professional growth to drive both individual and organizational success.
• Community Knowledge: Deep understanding of the Jewish community, including awareness of the shifting realities facing Jewish life today—post–October 7th, amid the ongoing crisis in Israel, and in the face of rising antisemitism. Demonstrates the vision and creativity needed to strengthen communal engagement and sustain UJA’s mission in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Partner Agencies: Comprehensive knowledge of UJA’s partner agencies and UJA’s allocation process.
• Education: Master’s degree preferred.

Salary range: $225,000–$275,000, commensurate with experience.