Director of Development & Communications

Yeshiva University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Yeshiva University in New York seeks a Director of Development & Communications to lead fundraising, alumni engagement, and communications, combining donor relations with day-to-day marketing, events, and project coordination.

You will design alumni outreach, manage grant applications, building projects, and oversee newsletters, social media, and promotional materials, ensuring consistent messaging across channels for a busy university segment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in communications, development, marketing, or related field.
• Experience in a school or nonprofit setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for alumni engagement.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with alumni and donors.
• Produce and distribute alumni newsletters three to four times annually.
• Support outreach initiatives, communication campaigns, and class reunions.
• Maintain accurate alumni data and track engagement efforts.
• Research and pursue funding opportunities aligned with school priorities.
• Support and implement broader fundraising strategies and campaigns.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with current and prospective donors.
• Manage donor data systems, ensuring tracking, reporting, and analysis.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written & verbal communication

Strategic thinking

Creativity in storytelling

Project management

Event planning

Digital media proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Position Summary

The Director of Development & Communications manages Central's fundraising, alumni engagement, and communications efforts. This is a hands‑on role that combines donor and alumni relationship work with day‑to‑day marketing tasks, event support, and project coordination.

The Director plans and carries out alumni outreach, builds and maintains relationships with current and prospective donors, and manages grant applications and summer building projects from start to finish. The role also runs the school's regular communications, including newsletters, social media, email campaigns, and promotional materials, keeping the school's messaging consistent across platforms. The Director helps coordinate the school's community events throughout the year.

This role is a good fit for someone organized and personable who can juggle multiple ongoing projects, build relationships with parents, alumni, and donors, and bring some creativity to the school's communications and outreach.

Position Responsibilities

Alumni Engagement

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for alumni engagement across all graduating classes
• Maintain and strengthen ongoing relationships with alumni
• Produce and distribute alumni newsletters three to four times annually
• Support outreach initiatives, communication campaigns, and class reunions
• Maintain accurate alumni data and track engagement efforts

Development

• Research and pursue funding opportunities aligned with school priorities
• Support and implement broader fundraising strategies and campaigns
• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with current and prospective donors
• Manage and maintain donor data systems, ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and analysis of donor engagement

Grants & Projects

• Write, submit, and manage grant applications from prospecting through reporting
• Lead summer building projects and strategic initiatives, including vendor management and execution of project vision
• Communicate with donors regarding building projects and related initiatives, ensuring clear and consistent updates

Marketing, Communications & Media

• Oversee and execute all school communications across platforms, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with school values
• Manage the school's social media presence
• Produce recruitment and promotional videos
• Coordinate emails through Constant Contact & ParentLocker
• Work with the designer on Graphics

Yearbook Advisor

• Act as the Senior Yearbook Advisor to start building connections with the senior grade

Donor Relations & Fundraising

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors through consistent, meaningful engagement
• Ensure a minimum of five touchpoints annually with key donors
• Coordinate logistics and execution of major donor meet-and-greet events
• Oversee timely and thoughtful follow-up on all gifts
• Plan and execute pre-Rosh Hashanah outreach, including calls and/or gifts
• Prepare and distribute development-related publications to the Board
• Establish and execute an annual fundraising goal and strategic plan

Event Support & Coordination

• Back to School Night
• Open House
• Challah Bake
• Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Grandparents Day
• Giving Day
• YUHSG Dinner
• Career Day
• Admissions Events
• Banquet
• Graduation
• Alumni Reunions

Experience & Educational Background

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Experience in communications, development, marketing, or related field
• Experience in a school or nonprofit setting preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Strategic thinking with attention to detail and follow-through
• Creativity in storytelling, branding, and content development
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Comfort with event planning and execution
• Proficiency with digital communication tools and media platforms

Salary Range

$70,000 - $85,000

About Us

Yeshiva University is dedicated to academic excellence, intellectual exploration, and the advancement of timeless values that shape and impact lives. With a rich tradition rooted in Jewish thought and heritage, YU fosters a dynamic learning environment across its undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will contribute meaningfully to society, guided by a commitment to ethics, innovation, and service. Our community extends far beyond the classroom, encompassing thousands of students, faculty, staff, and more than 70,000 alumni and supporters worldwide, all working together to build a brighter future.

As a Yeshiva University employee, you will be part of a welcoming, diverse, and intellectually engaging community that values collaboration, excellence, and professional growth. We offer a supportive and stimulating workplace with tangible employee benefits, opportunities for advancement, and a strong sense of purpose. Beyond professional development, YU is committed to ensuring a high quality of life for its employees, offering a work environment that prioritizes well‑being, work‑life balance, and a culture of mutual respect. Every role at YU contributes to our broader mission of education, research, and societal impact, ensuring that all members of our community-students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends-are inspired to make a difference. We invite you to bring your talent and passion to YU and join us in shaping the future.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Yeshiva University is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunities to all employees and candidates without regard to race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.