Executive Director, Northern California

Position Overview:

Jewish National Fund-USA seeks an Executive Director to oversee a multi-million-dollar fundraising campaign across Northern California.

This leadership portfolio includes board and volunteer development and management of the Northern California campaign team. The Executive Director will work with the National Campaign Director to develop and implement fundraising strategies in alignment with the National Annual Campaign Plan.

The Executive Director’s main priorities will include expanding Jewish National Fund USA’s annual giving through major gifts, general campaign gifts, new donor identification and cultivation, day to day management of operations, and overseeing all aspects of the annual campaign. Building and maintaining strong relationships with existing donors and strategically expanding the fundraising portfolio to support Jewish National Fund USA’s growth in Northern California is a paramount priority.

The successful candidate must be an experienced manager and proactive fundraiser who possesses sophisticated leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. The ideal candidate will be collaborative, results-oriented, and passionate for the Jewish National Fund USA mission and Israel. Candidates may come from a variety of backgrounds such as having held a leadership role in the corporate sector, Senior Development Officer or equivalent in a major nonprofit organization, hospital, museum, historical society, major library, or in the academic arena such as a president and/or dean of a college or university. Experience working with or serving on a Board of Directors is essential.

The Executive Director will focus on the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of high-net worth individuals, foundations and business supporters. The candidate will also supervise a team of fundraising professionals and, with this team, help enhance Jewish National Fund USA’s profile and ensure that the organization is well positioned in a rapidly evolving and competitive environment.

Responsibilities:

Engage in direct and systematic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of high-net-worth individuals. Direct responsibility for maintaining and building relationships with a portfolio of major gift prospects. Develop strategic annual and long-term fundraising plans and evaluate progress to goals
Steward existing major gift donor relationships; identify and cultivate new major gift donors; renew financial commitments of existing major gift donors
Promote major donor-centric approaches, well-timed solicitation schedules and data-driven program strategy and analysis to increase revenue generation
Foster relationships with financial advisors, attorneys, donors, and other partners who can facilitate the promotion and acquisition of major and planned gifts, bequests, and annuities
Supervise, train, and develop Northern California fundraising staff. Foster a culture of enthusiasm, teamwork, and collaboration among the fundraising team as well as our passionate and committed lay leaders
Build and facilitate philanthropic capacity by maintaining collaborative relations with other organizations throughout Northern California while showcasing Jewish National Fund USA
Work with Northern California leadership to develop Jewish National Fund USA’s strategic vision, goal, and strategies and engage committees to assist in the identification, solicitation, and stewardship of current and new donors
Utilize the Jewish National Fund USA Salesforce database to manage donor and prospect relationships
Travel throughout Northern California as needed for donor solicitation and stewardship

Qualifications:

10 years+ of progressive responsibility and experience in fundraising, or proven sales experience in a client-driven business
Extensive experience working with senior-level executives
Strong supervision skills
Significant experience leading and growing successful fundraising/sales functions including building strategies to strengthen and increase funding from a diverse range of sources including individual donors, private corporations, and philanthropic foundations
Excellent decision-making skills and the ability to balance multiple data points, stakeholders, and overall funding landscape in designing and implementing fundraising strategies
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, as well as an interest in advancing the organization’s fundraising function to be even more strategic, innovative, and results-oriented
Strong communication skills including experience in presenting and public speaking
Strong technical skills and experience with Salesforce preferred or similar CRM/data management system
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required