Major Gifts Director, Northeast

Position Overview:

Jewish National Fund-USA is seeking a high-impact, strategically driven Director of Major Gifts to lead and materially scale major and principal gift fundraising across the Northeast (Washington, DC to Boston).

This is a senior-level fundraising role where you will manage a high-value portfolio, drive major gift revenue, and serve as the lead relationship architect between JNF-USA and some of the most committed donors in American Jewish life.

Working in close partnership with the National Campaign Director, Northeast, you will operate with substantial autonomy, setting strategy, opening doors, and closing significant gifts.

JNF-USA is one of the most storied organizations in the American Jewish philanthropic landscape, a century-old institution continually reimagining itself for the challenges and opportunities of today. In this role, you will sit at the center of that evolution.

Why This Role Is Compelling

High-level portfolio: Access to established major donors and untapped high-capacity prospects
National platform: One of the most recognized, mission-driven organizations in Jewish philanthropy
Leadership exposure: Direct partnership with senior professionals and high-level lay leaders
Mission at scale: Drive impact through work shaping the future of Israel and Jewish life globally
Growth runway: Real opportunity to build, refine, and expand the Northeast major gifts strategy

This role is designed for a top-tier major gifts professional seeking platform, scale, and impact—someone motivated not just by closing gifts, but by shaping a region, strengthening relationships that matter, and advancing a mission of enduring significance.

Reports to: National Campaign Director, Northeast

Location: New York, NY (On-site)

Responsibilities:

Major Gifts Leadership & Revenue Growth

Manage and grow a high-capacity portfolio ($50K–$1M+)
Personally lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of six- and seven-figure gifts
Develop and execute multi-year donor strategies aligned with regional and national priorities
Drive measurable growth in both revenue and donor depth Strategic Portfolio Development
Partner with the National Campaign Director to design and execute a best-in-class major gifts strategy for the Northeast
Identify, qualify, and advance new high-potential prospects across individual, family, and corporate audiences
Build and manage a disciplined pipeline with clear movement metrics

Donor Engagement & Leadership Activation

Engage donors through high-touch experiences, including missions to Israel and national convenings
Leverage leadership relationships to unlock new networks and giving opportunities

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner across regional and national teams to ensure integrated donor strategy and execution
Work with marketing, events, and Israel-based teams to develop compelling donor experiences and proposals
Maintain rigorous tracking and reporting using Salesforce or comparable CRM systems

Qualifications:

10+ years of progressive development experience, with a strong record at the major or principal gifts level ($100K+)
Demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and close complex gifts
Strategic thinker who can set direction while operating effectively with independence
Exceptional communicator, in writing, in person, and with senior stakeholders
Proven success managing complex donor relationships over time
Deep and authentic connection to Israel and the mission of JNF-USA
Familiarity with the Northeast Jewish philanthropic landscape is a strong advantage

Travel:

Regular travel across the Northeast for donor engagement, with periodic domestic travel and international travel, particularly missions to Israel, as a core component of the role.