Director of Development

The Director of Development will specifically be responsible for:

1. Strategic Leadership & Planning

Own the creation and execution of a comprehensive, clear annual fundraising strategy designed to meet or exceed the annual fundraising goals established together with Sr. Leadership.
Identify, build out, and implement multiple distinct initiatives and campaigns to successfully reach the annual target.
Continuously monitor progress against the annual fundraising target, demonstrating the agility to pivot strategies, change course, and initiate fresh, realistic concepts whenever necessary to keep the goal within reach.
Serve as an active member of the Leadership Team, contributing to organizational strategy, cross-functional decision-making, and the successful execution of priorities through the EOS framework.

2. Major Donors, Foundations, and Prospects

Develop and manage portfolios of major gift prospects, providing strategic guidance for cultivation efforts by Sr. Leadership and the Board of Directors.
Collaborate with Sr. Leadership to conceptualize and develop funding opportunities for major gifts that align with the organization’s mission and strategic goals.
Work closely with donors and stakeholders to understand their interests and craft personalized giving opportunities that inspire significant investments in Melton’s work.
Manage the process of developing relationships with foundations and pursuing grant funding opportunities.

3. Annual Campaign

Work with Director of Communications to develop campaign theme, communication strategy and implementation plan for annual campaign.
Work across departments, especially Travel and Online Learning, to ensure cohesive strategies around relationship building and fundraising.
Build relationships with current small and mid-level donors to increase the size and/or frequency of their giving.
Develop and implement annual process for soliciting lapsed donors.
Identify donors with larger annual gift capacity to transition relationship to Sr. Leadership or Board of Directors

4. Marketing & Communications

Regularly communicate with donors to provide updates on the impact of their contributions, including through built-in communications methods, social media, etc.
Collaborate with the Communications team to develop and execute effective donor communications and marketing materials, including annual campaign collateral, annual reports, thank- you letters, brochures, case for support documents, etc.
Create targeted messaging for different donor segments, including personalized appeals, stewardship reports, and updates on program impact.
Work with the communications team to ensure consistent brand messaging across all channels, all aimed at attracting and retaining donors to achieve fundraising goals.

5. Development Committee/Board of Directors

Support the Sr. Leadership in activating the Board of Directors as ambassadors for fundraising through strategy sessions, committee work, and training, as needed, to develop a culture of philanthropy
Serve as the lead staff liaison to the Development Committee, overseeing board and volunteer efforts around fundraising.
In partnership with the VP of Development, set calendar of Development Committee meetings, determine the committee’s goals, and recruit new committee members.

6. Stewardship & Gift Processing

Serve as an influential philanthropic leader for the organization, implementing exceptional donor stewardship strategies.
“Manage up” Sr. Leadership to cultivate important donor relationships to meet specific development goals
Plan annual donor appreciation events and oversee other donor stewardship efforts such as birthday cards and personalized communication
Work with Development Associate to oversee gift processing, database management and all formal stewardship letters. Also, help to ensure that accurate and confidential donor records are properly maintained.
Respond to donor requests, comments, and inquiries.

7. Melton’s Legacy Society

Work on developing and implementing strategies and a marketing plan for promoting Legacy giving.
Coordinate 1-on-1 conversations with prospects.
Develop and implement Legacy donor stewardship.

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

Strong written and verbal communication skills to craft compelling and persuasive donor communications that resonate with potential donors.
Excellent interpersonal and listening skills to work effectively and collaboratively with staff and lay leaders, as well as the ability to build relationships with diverse donors.
Strategic thinking ability to identify challenges and opportunities and develop creative solutions to meet fundraising goals.
Proven skills in managing several competing priorities and complex issues creatively and effectively. This may include long-range strategic planning, donor development, and volunteer engagement alongside day-to-day operations.
Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and as a team leader in training and directing staff and volunteers.
Deep commitment to the vision and mission of the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, with the ability to serve as a passionate, compelling professional spokesperson and ambassador for the organization.
A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of professional experience in fundraising are required. Ideally, the candidate has served in several different fundraising capacities, working on annual campaigns, major gifts development, foundation relationships/grants, and legacy giving.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and donor database software.