The Jewish Agency for Israel - North American Council (JAFINA) is seeking a mission-driven, experienced, and entrepreneurial Senior Development Officer (SDO) to significantly expand fundraising efforts across the West Coast of the United States. This position reports to the Deputy Head of North America.
Leveraging knowledge of and networks within this region’s Jewish communal and philanthropic landscape, the SDO will aim to double the donor portfolio within the first year and significantly expand the potential donor network. This position will focus on securing major gifts ($10K+) from both individuals and foundations.
At this critical time for Israel and the Jewish people, this new role is a unique opportunity to spearhead JAFINA’s growth on the West Coast and mobilize support for the Jewish Agency’s mission to ensure a connected, committed global Jewish community with a strong Israel at its center.
Development Strategy, Donor Cultivation, & Major Gifts Fundraising
- Work closely with JAFINA’s leadership to create and implement a comprehensive development plan for the West Coast, driving innovative strategies to generate new donors and revenue.
- Develop a robust pipeline of individual donors and foundations, leveraging research tools and knowledge of the region’s funding landscape for strategic networking and relationship building.
- Collaborate with the Deputy Head of North America to create and maintain Individual Donor Plans (IDPs), regularly evaluating and reporting on progress toward goals and timelines.
- Cultivate, steward, and solicit donors utilizing a range of engagement strategies including personal visits, events, and electronic communications.
Organizational Collaboration & Development Operations
- Collaborate with Regional Directors of the North American delegation, senior Israel emissaries, and Partnership Directors to identify and cultivate prospects and support current donors.
- Participate in online and in-person staff development opportunities, trainings, and retreats.
- Utilize internal systems and coordinate with development team to obtain and provide necessary information for solicitation and stewardship of gifts.
The ideal candidate will be:
- A highly mission-driven and knowledgeable development leader: You are deeply motivated and inspired to fundraise for the Jewish Agency for Israel and proficient in the regional and national Jewish and Israel communal and philanthropic landscape.
- An entrepreneurial and results-oriented fundraiser: You are a confident and savvy individual contributor with a track record of driving innovative and effective development strategies.
- A collaborative and flexible colleague: You are a team-player, capable of effective donor stewardship and seamless day-to-day workflow with a geographically dispersed team.
- A thoughtful and persuasive communicator: You bring excellent communication skills and are able to convey JAFINA’S case for giving in clear, creative, and compelling ways.