Senior Director, Philanthropy

Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City; Leawood (KS); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The J in Kansas City is seeking a Senior Director of Philanthropy to lead all fundraising, advancement, and donor engagement efforts. You will design and execute a comprehensive development strategy to support the mission, programs, and long-term sustainability, and you will manage a high-performing philanthropy team.

You will cultivate major gifts, engage the board, supervise grant development, manage budgets, and use data to measure impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or related field.
• Proven success in developing and executing fundraising strategies and securing philanthropic support.
• Strong experience with major gifts, board engagement, and donor relationship management.
• Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising best practices, ethics, and regulations.
• Proven ability to lead staff and collaborate across departments.

Responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy including annual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation support, planned giving, events and campaigns.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the philanthropy team to foster collaboration and accountability.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects, managing a portfolio of key relationships.
• Partner with the CEO and Board to strengthen board engagement in fundraising, including training and support.
• Oversee donor stewardship, recognition and communications to ensure a positive donor experience.
• Provide strategic oversight of grant development, including prospect research, proposals, and reporting.
• Develop and manage the philanthropy budget and track fundraising performance against goals.
• Use data and metrics to evaluate fundraising effectiveness and inform strategy.
• Ensure accurate donor records, gift processing, and compliance with ethical fundraising standards.
• Collaborate with marketing, programs, and membership teams to align messaging and priorities.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Major gifts

Board engagement

Donor stewardship

Team leadership

Budget management

Grant development

Data-driven

CRM / donor databases

Education

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management/related field

Tools

CRMs / donor databases

Job description

Description

The Senior Director, Philanthropy provides leadership for all fundraising, advancement, and donor engagement efforts of The J. As a member of the management team, the Senior Director assists in the design and development of a comprehensive development strategy to support the organization’s mission, programs, and long-term sustainability and is primarily responsible for the execution of that strategy. This role builds strong relationships with donors, volunteers, community partners, and board members while leading a high-performing development team.

Essential Functions

• Assist in the development of a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes annual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation support, planned giving, special events, and campaigns.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the philanthropy team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and results.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects, including personally managing a portfolio of key relationships.
• Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to strengthen board engagement in fundraising, including training, coaching, and support.
• Oversee donor stewardship, recognition, and communications to ensure a positive and meaningful donor experience.
• Provide strategic oversight of grant development, including prospect research, proposal submission, and reporting.
• Develop and manage the philanthropy budget and track fundraising performance against goals.
• Use data and metrics to evaluate fundraising effectiveness and inform strategy.
• Ensure accurate donor records, gift processing, and compliance with ethical and legal fundraising standards.
• Collaborate with marketing, programs, and membership teams to align messaging and advance organizational priorities.
• Able to work in-office standard business hours and evenings/weekends as needed for events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, with senior leadership experience in a nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies and securing significant philanthropic support.
• Strong experience with major gifts, board engagement, and donor relationship management.
• Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising best practices, ethics, and regulations.
• Proven ability to lead and develop staff and work collaboratively across departments.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with donor databases/CRMs and fundraising technology.
• Alignment with the mission, values, and impact of a nonprofit community center.
• Able to work in-office during typical business hours and evenings/weekends as needed for events.

About The J

The J is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. The J is Shabbat-Observant Friendly. The Mission Of The J Is To Build a Strong, Vibrant And Inclusive Community That Enhances Wellness, Meaning And Joy Based On Jewish Values, Heritage And Culture. The J Operates On These Values

• Welcoming + Inclusive - We are welcoming, inclusive and nurturing. We invite all to join us in making connections and lifelong friendships.
• Building Community - We believe in the strength of community and we seek to cultivate a sense of belonging in all we do.
• Enriching Mind + Body + Soul - We help individuals live a physically, intellectually, and emotionally healthy lifestyle.
• Passing on Jewish Culture + History - We celebrate and pass on the values, culture, history, and traditions of the Jewish people.
• Treat Others As You Wish To Be Treated - We treat everyone with respect, dignity and loving kindness.