Director of Development

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership

Develop and implement, with WIZO management and Leadership, a comprehensive multi-year development strategy aligned with WIZO NY and WIZO USA goals

Lead major gifts strategy, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of high-net-worth donors

Identify and secure new funding opportunities from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners

Build a sustainable pipeline of major donors and long-term philanthropic partners

Partner with management and leadership to establish annual revenue goals and track performance

Donor Engagement & Relationship Management

Manage and grow a portfolio of key donors, prospects, and community leaders with focus on major giving

Build meaningful, long-term relationships through personalized engagement and stewardship

Organize donor meetings, cultivation events, and stewardship initiatives

Support and guide board members and lay leaders in fundraising efforts

Strengthen planned giving and legacy giving initiatives

Events & Campaigns

Support fundraising at events including galas, luncheons, and special programs

Develop compelling campaigns tied to WIZO’s work in Israel and current needs

Leverage events to deepen engagement and expand the donor base

Team Leadership & Operations

Ensure best practices in donor stewardship and compliance with nonprofit standards

Key Competencies:

Major donor cultivation and stewardship

Strategic fundraising leadership

Executive presence and communication

Relationship-driven and collaborative

Passion for Israel and WIZO’s mission

Ability to work in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

Qualifications:

5-7+ years of nonprofit development experience, with significant major gifts experience

Proven track record of securing five and six-figure gifts

Ideally, you have served in several different fundraising capacities, working on annual campaigns, major gifts development, foundation relationships/grants and legacy giving.

Experience working with boards, high-net-worth donors, and philanthropic networks

Strong knowledge of Jewish philanthropy and Israel-focused organizations in New York preferred

Excellent communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills

Experience fundraising through events and campaigns

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE a plus