Foundations & Family Philanthropy Lead

The-Jewish-Federation; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland is seeking a Foundations and Family Philanthropy Officer in Cleveland, OH to lead foundation grantmaking and family-driven giving initiatives. The role blends program management with donor engagement, requiring strong relationship building and a deep understanding of Jewish philanthropy.

You will manage the grant cycle, support trustees and families in evaluating opportunities, prepare materials, and coordinate board and committee activities.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Jewish community and culture.
• Demonstrated experience working with high-capacity individuals, families, foundations, or volunteer leaders.
• Ability to listen deeply, demonstrate curiosity, intuit meaning and reflect back.
• Navigate complex family dynamics with discretion and sound judgment.
• Sensitivity to different generational viewpoints.
• Team player.
• Creative problem-solving skills, solution oriented.
• Strong facilitation skills and the ability to create trust and openness among people with differing perspectives.
• Organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Grant proposal analysis.
• Ability to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the foundation grantmaking cycle from opportunity identification through grant consideration, approval, notification, and stewardship.
• Help trustees and families evaluate grant opportunities in the context of the foundation's mission, values, history, and priorities.
• Prepare grant materials, research, recommendations, and background information for foundation trustees.
• Facilitate thoughtful discussions that enable trustees to make informed and strategic grantmaking decisions.
• Track grant commitments and ensure effective communication and follow-through with grantees.
• Identify opportunities to deepen the foundation's impact through strategic partnerships and collaborative grantmaking.
• Coordinate and prepare for foundation board and committee meetings, including agendas and materials.
• Partner with foundation leadership to establish meeting calendars, work plans, and priorities.
• Maintain accurate foundation records, governing documents, and policies.
• Ensure activities are conducted in accordance with governing documents and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Support trustees in understanding their roles and responsibilities and provide information for thoughtful decision-making.
• Connect families and trustees with broader Federation activities such as annual campaigns and events.
• Collaborate with the finance department to manage grant payments and reporting.
• Learn about donor-advised funds, IRA funds and endowment funds and how they relate to foundations.
• Develop comfort with multigenerational tools and dynamics for families and other uses.
• Attend Federation and community events.
• Provide the highest level of customer service to community members.

Skills

Foundation grantmaking

Donor relations

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Knowledge of Jewish philanthropy

Trustee engagement

Multigenerational tools

Job description

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland is seeking a Foundations and Family Philanthropy Officer in Cleveland, OH to lead foundation grantmaking and family-driven giving initiatives. The role blends program management with donor engagement, requiring strong relationship building and a deep understanding of Jewish philanthropy.

You will manage the grant cycle, support trustees and families in evaluating opportunities, prepare materials, and coordinate board and committee activities.