Israel Leadership & Fundraising Fellows Program

Jewish National Fund - USA; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Room and board provided

Round-trip airfare provided

Competitive US salary during program

Job summary

Jewish National Fund-USA seeks fellows to join the Israel Leadership & Fundraising Fellows Program, designed for young Jewish professionals aiming to build meaningful careers in fundraising and Jewish communal service. The program combines six months in Israel with a potential one-year professional placement in fundraising.

During the U.S. portion, Fellows may transition into a full-time fundraising role, with placements in New York, Los Angeles, Boca Raton, Northbrook, or Scottsdale.

Qualifications

• Program designed for young Jewish professionals who aspire to build meaningful careers in fundraising and Jewish communal service, while gaining the skills, experience, and perspective needed to make a lasting impact.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on training in fundraising, communications, and nonprofit management.
• Donor engagement and stewardship.
• Event strategy and campaign planning.
• Prospect research and donor stewardship.
• Team collaboration and management.

Skills

Fundraising

Relationship building

Public speaking

Leadership development

Job description

Turn Your Passion into a Profession. Build a Career that Changes the Jewish Future.

Are you looking for more than just a job? Do you want a career that combines two of your greatest passions, Zionism and advancing the Jewish world?

Jewish National Fund-USA's Israel Leadership & Fundraising Fellows Program is designed for young Jewish professionals who aspire to build meaningful careers in fundraising and Jewish communal service, while gaining the skills, experience, and perspective needed to make a lasting impact.

The reality is simple: great ideas, transformational programs, and thriving Jewish communities only become possible when there are talented leaders who know how to inspire others and secure the resources to bring visions to life. Fundraising is not simply about raising money; it is about building relationships, creating opportunities, and empowering communities to achieve extraordinary things.

This unique fellowship combines six months of immersive living and learning in Israel with the opportunity to continue into a one-year professional placement in Jewish communal fundraising, creating a powerful pathway toward a long-term career in fundraising and Jewish communal leadership.

Program Logistics

• Start Date: July
• Israel Experience: Six months based at Jewish National Fund-USA's Muss Campus in Be'er Sheva
• Israel Expenses: Room and board and round-trip airfare provided
• U.S. Placement: Fellows who successfully complete the Israel portion may continue into a one-year, full-time fundraising position
• U.S. Locations: New York City, Los Angeles, Boca Raton, Northbrook, or Scottsdale office
• Compensation: $60,000–$65,000 annual salary during the U.S. portion of the program

Why This Fellowship?

The Jewish world needs talented professionals who understand both the importance of Israel and the skills required to strengthen Jewish communities for generations to come.

As a Fellow, you will develop expertise in:

• Fundraising and philanthropy
• Leadership in the 21st century
• Relationship building and donor stewardship
• Public speaking and storytelling
• Strategic planning and organizational growth
• Israel engagement and Jewish peoplehood

You'll learn firsthand that fundraising is often the key to making great things happen. Whether it's building schools, supporting communities, advancing education, caring for vulnerable populations, or strengthening Israel's North and South, every major initiative begins with people who can inspire others to invest in a vision.

The Israel Experience

The Fellowship begins with six months at Jewish National Fund-USA's state-of-the-art Muss Campus in Be'er Sheva.

During this immersive experience, Fellows will:

• Explore Israel through travel, study, and experiential learning
• Meet visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and changemakers
• Gain a deeper understanding of Zionism and contemporary Israel
• Volunteer in communities throughout the country
• Celebrate Shabbat with local families and experience Israeli daily life
• Participate in leadership seminars and professional development workshops
• Receive hands‑on training in fundraising, communications, and nonprofit management

This experience is designed to create not only stronger professionals, but more informed and passionate Jewish leaders.

Professional Development

After successfully completing the Israel portion of the program, selected Fellows may continue into a one‑year, full‑time fundraising position with Jewish National Fund-USA.

Working alongside seasoned professionals, Fellows will gain practical experience in:

• Donor engagement and stewardship
• Event strategy and execution
• Campaign planning
• Prospect research
• Team collaboration and management

By the end of the program, Fellows will have developed the skills, confidence, and professional network to pursue long‑term careers in fundraising and philanthropy, with opportunities for continued growth in nonprofit leadership and Jewish communal service.

Who Should Apply?

This Fellowship is ideal for individuals who:

• Are passionate about Israel and the Jewish people
• Want their career to have purpose and meaning
• Are genuinely interested in building a long‑term career in fundraising and Jewish communal service
• Enjoy building relationships and working with people
• Aspire to become future leaders in the Jewish communal world
• Are eager to live, learn, and grow in Israel
• Are seeking a profession that aligns with their values

A Career with Purpose

The Israel Leadership & Fundraising Fellows Program is more than a fellowship; it is an investment in the next generation of Jewish communal leadership.

If you believe your life's work should reflect your values, your passion for Israel, and your commitment to the Jewish future, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity to turn that vision into a profession.

Join us. Learn, lead, inspire, and help build the Jewish future, one relationship, one community, and one gift at a time.

WHAT WE DO

For 125 years, Jewish National Fund-USA has helped strengthen the land and people of Israel by investing in the communities, infrastructure, and leadership that shape the country's future. Our work is focused on making Israel's North and South places where families can build full, vibrant lives with access to medical care, emergency response, water solutions, parks, playgrounds, jobs, and economic opportunity. Working with our donors and partners, we support underpopulated communities, help attract new residents, improve quality of life, and create the conditions for long‑term growth. Our work reaches beyond projects on the ground. Through education, travel, and leadership opportunities, we connect Americans of all ages to Israel in meaningful and lasting ways. That vision continues with the World Zionist Village in Be'er Sheva, a global center that will bring people together to live, learn, lead, and strengthen the next generation of Zionist leadership. From urgent relief to long‑term transformation, Jewish National Fund-USA is helping build a stronger future for Israel and creating lasting legacies for generations to come. Learn more at jnf.org.

SINCE 1901, JNF HAS:

Planted more than 250 million trees

Built over 250 reservoirs and dams

Developed over 250,000 acres of land

Created more than 2,000 parks

Provided the infrastructure for over 1,000 communities

Connected thousands of children and young adults to Israel and their heritage

Jewish National Fund prides itself on honoring the pioneers of the past and celebrating their spirit by continuing the pioneering tradition in the areas of technology, environmental progress, community development, water renewal and building the land of Israel for many years to come.

Jewish National Fund affirms the bonds of the Jewish family with their strength of unity, the understanding that each member can make a difference and the collective power to build prosperity, develop innovative solutions and promote the greater good.

OUR CREDENTIALS & PARTNERSHIPS

A registered 501(c)(3) organization, Jewish National Fund is recognized as a 4‑star organization by Charity Navigator, America's leading independent charity evaluator, for its sound fiscal management, accountability, and transparency. JNF has also been rated a top charity by the American Institute of Philanthropy and meets the 20 rigorous standards of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance, and the transparency standards of Tzedakah, Inc. No other Jewish organization meets all these standards.

OUR CULTURE

We are ViZion‑driven relationship‑based, fast‑paced, and Positively Israel!

OUR CORE VALUES

Be Bold: Beyond. We are proud and passionate, vocal, and visionary about Israel and Zionism. We pride ourselves on our out‑of‑the‑box thinking and the great things it accomplishes for the land and with the people of Israel.

Belong: Stay long. We are an inclusive and diverse workplace welcoming and respecting all cultures, ages, religions, ethnicities, genders, orientations, and physical abilities. Understanding that a work‑life balance is crucial to the success of our organization, we are empathetic, understanding, caring, appreciative, and respectful of one another as we strive to develop and retain our professionals and donors for the long‑run.

Be Inscribed: Be the Impact. To walk in the land of Israel and see the impact of our work instills the greatest sense of fulfillment. We strive for each employee to make their mark, leave their footprint, be heard, and feel relevant as together we help ensure the vibrancy of Israel for the next 100 years. We plant the future, not just trees.

Be Kind: Act with Chesed. At JNF-USA we do not underestimate the power of kindness. We use recognition and praise to motivate teams, individuals, donors, and stakeholders. We are proud of our please and thank you's. We listen and lend a helping hand when a co‑worker is challenged. Whether random or deliberate acts, kindness is a key ingredient to our positive workplace and mindset.

B'Yachad: Together. Great collaboration between our employees, donors and affiliates in Israel is a priority: everyone matters no matter their role. We recognize that open and inspirational communication, teamwork, and collegiality is a force multiplier in reaching our goals, mission, and vision. Jewish National Fund-USA exemplifies the power of unity.