Major Gifts Officer

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

403b with employer matching

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Jewish and Federal paid holidays

Sick days

Vacation

Job summary

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is seeking a full-time Major Gifts Officer for New England. This role involves inspiring and motivating individuals to achieve fundraising results while building strong relationships with donors.

Essential responsibilities include developing donor strategies, executing fundraising events, and collaborating with various teams to meet organizational goals. The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of fundraising experience and a commitment to FIDF's mission.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision coverage, and a 403b with employer matching.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of sales or fundraising experience.
• History of successfully generating new revenue streams.
• Understanding of the local Jewish community preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement donor research strategy.
• Plan and execute fundraising events.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve Chapter goals.
• Lead, motivate, coach, and supervise assigned staff.

Skills

Sales or fundraising experience

Excellent communication skills

Ability to manage multiple initiatives

Strong commitment to results

Education

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college/university

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

CRM tools

Raisers Edge

Job description

OVERVIEW

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is a fundraising organization transforming the lives of the men and women of the IDF – Israel’s future leaders and society builders. We are fast‑paced, big‑thinking, and performance‑driven, and attract the brightest and most passionate who are professionally driven, personally motivated, and eager to make an impact. Whether energized by making a difference in the lives of Israel’s soldiers, wounded veterans, and bereaved families, or by providing hope and life‑changing support to a population of diverse ethnicities, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds, FIDF is for you!

POSITION SUMMARY

FIDF is currently seeking a full‑time Major Gifts Officer for New England, reporting to the VP, Northeast Region to support and expand the Chapter for a dynamically expanding non‑profit agency.

The focus of this job is making connections with people, motivating and inspiring them to achieve fundraising results. Poise and an engaging, empathetic communication style based on natural warmth and enthusiasm is the key to achieving the goals of this job.

The work involves driving toward results by enrolling the commitment and buy‑in of others, both colleagues and local Board members. While the job requires strong initiative and self‑direction, results are only achieved with and through people; and built by fundraising through individuals, Foundations and Planned Giving.

This role has a variety of tasks and is dynamic and changing; it requires regularly meeting and proactively establishing relationships with existing and new groups. The ability to understand, quickly react and motivate others to adapt to the changing organization environment is a critical key to success.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Chapter Operations

• Develop and implement a donor research strategy and stewardship program to enhance engagement and retention.
• Plan, organize, and execute fundraising events including coordinating logistics, volunteers, and promotional efforts to meet or exceed fundraising goals.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with teams including Planned Giving, Foundations, Finance, Marketing & Events, Human Resources, CRM, and Business Information Technology to achieve Chapter goals.
• Lead, motivate, coach, and supervise assigned staff to ensure high performance and alignment with organizational objectives.

Lay Leadership

• Maintain clear, consistent communication with lay leaders, ensuring they have the information and support needed for success.
• Create/partner with a local Board which will serve as a key resource in donor/prospect cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Provide timely, accurate reporting to the Regional Vice President and lay leaders to support strategic decision‑making.
• Have a sincere and genuine commitment to FIDF’s mission – supporting the soldiers, families, and veterans of the Israel Defense Forces – is essential to success in the Chapter Director role.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Fundraising goal determined upon hire
• Develop and maintain approximately 120 portfolio donor relationships
• Develop and maintain approximately 200 additional donor relationships
• Cultivate new and steward existing donors >$5,000
• Collaborate with the Planned Giving and Foundations Department to refer a minimum amount of planned giving and foundation prospects to support the Chapter’s goals. The amount is determined when setting annual goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university
• Minimum 5‑7 years sales or fundraising experience
• History of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving fundraising results
• Understanding of local Jewish community not required, but preferred
• Excellent written, oral, and communication skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 applications required and experience using CRM tools, with Raisers Edge experience preferred
• Ability to travel locally required. Occasional international travel to Israel as well as evening and working on Sunday required

JOB QUALITIES

• Manage multiple initiatives occurring simultaneously
• Sense of urgency for goal achievement within a fast‑paced environment
• High focus on people and relationships
• Enthusiastic communicator, persuasive “selling” style through a collaborative approach
• Leadership based on ability to motivate others
• Strong commitment to results
• Delegate authority readily

BENEFITS

Medical, Dental, Vision, Early dismissal for Shabbat, 403b with employer matching, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, FSA, Jewish and Federal paid holidays, sick days and vacation. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

FIDF is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.