Director of Development, Southwest

American Technion Society; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Technion Society seeks a Director of Development, Southwest to lead major gifts fundraising in the greater Los Angeles region, San Diego, and Phoenix. As a senior fundraising leader, you will engage high-net-worth donors, drive regional strategy, and partner with lay leadership to maximize giving.

The role prioritizes strategic donor cultivation, event execution, and collaborative leadership within ATS’s mission-driven framework.

Qualifications

• Strategic thinker with extensive major gifts fundraising experience.
• Deep passion for Israel and ATS’s mission.
• Strong presence in the Los Angeles nonprofit/philanthropy community.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel across the Southwest region.

Responsibilities

• Build and grow a portfolio of ~100 prospects, including high-priority donors and foundations capable of $25,000 to $5 million.
• Lead end-to-end major gifts activity: prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Partner with volunteer and lay leaders to expand networks and philanthropic impact.
• Represent ATS and the Technion through high-impact events and donor-facing initiatives.
• Collaborate on annual and long-term fundraising strategies, tracking progress toward goals.
• Maintain accurate donor records and insights using the ATS database.

Skills

Major gifts

Relationship building

Travel

LA philanthropy

Job description

American Technion Society

Director of Development, Southwest

Los Angeles, CA

Salary:$150,000-$200,000

BACKGROUND

The Organization

The American Technion Society (ATS) supports the growth and success of the Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, a global innovation powerhouse. ATS helps fund groundbreaking research, infrastructure projects, support for students, and strategic initiatives at the Technion. These contributions enable the Technion to remain at the forefront of global scientific and technological advancements, strengthening Israel’s economic and defense sectors while fostering global progress in areas such as health, defense/security, energy, and sustainability.

The financial support of ATS donors has played a pivotal role in transforming the Technion into a global powerhouse of innovation and discovery. Based in New York City, ATS represents thousands of U.S. donors, alumni, and stakeholders who invest in the Technion’s growth. Since its founding in 1940, ATS has raised nearly $3 billion for the Technion, more than any other U.S.-based fundraising organization for higher education in Israel.

ATS’ Organizational Values

• Act as one team, with accountability to each other.
• Share our strengths for the betterment of the organization.
• Be curious, ask questions, assume best intent.
• Adapt readily to change in our internal and external environments.

To learn more, visit: https://ats.org/

The Position

As a senior fundraising leader and advocate for Israel, the Director of Development plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the American Technion Society.

• Lead major gifts fundraising as a senior representative and advocate for Israel on behalf of the American Technion Society.
• Serve as ATS’s primary presence in the Southwest region (greater Los Angeles region, San Diego, Phoenix), engaging high-net-worth donors and key influencers.
• Drive regional major gifts strategy, pipeline development, and donor stewardship.
• Plan and execute high-impact cultivation and fundraising events.
• Partner with lay leadership and report to the Executive Director of Principal Gifts, Western Region, to maximize engagement and giving.

Priorities for the Director of Development, Southwest

• Stabilize and strengthen the Southwest ATS community; re-engage existing donors with immediate outreach and follow-up.
• Capitalize on upcoming events and ensure strong follow‑up.
• Focus on strategic individual donor cultivation.
• Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented team culture; align Southwest efforts with broader West Coast strategies.
• Emphasize mission-driven fundraising rooted in Jewish values and Israel, non-political, inclusive messaging, and transparency, authenticity, and active listening.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Core Responsibilities

• Build and grow a portfolio of ~100 prospects, including high-priority donors and foundations capable of $25,000 to $5 million.
• Lead end-to-end major gifts activity: prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Partner with volunteer and lay leaders to expand networks and philanthropic impact.
• Represent ATS and the Technion through high-impact events and donor-facing initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues on annual and long-term fundraising strategies, tracking progress toward goals.
• Maintain accurate donor records and insights using the ATS database.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Skills and Qualifications

• A strategic thinker with numerous years in major gifts fundraising, ideally in education, or advocacy.
• Deep passion for Israel and alignment with ATS’s mission.
• Strong presence in the Los Angeles nonprofit and philanthropic community.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
• Travel throughout Southwest region, with periodic domestic and Israel-based travel.

WHO WE ARE

Work Environment

ATS works hybrid, 2 days week in person at Beverly Hills office.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary: $150,000-$200,000, commensurate with experience

Professional Growth at ATS

At ATS, we’re committed to fostering your professional journey through targeted development programs, ensuring your career growth is at the forefront of our priorities.

Culture & Benefits

Join a collaborative, mission-driven team that values innovation and creativity. ATS offers competitive benefits, flexible work options, and generous time off.

ATS is an equal opportunity employer. We support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experience of our employees and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff. It is further the policy of ATS to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process.

TIMELINE AND NEXT STEPS

All applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their application.