Director of Institutional Advancement

Position Overview Hillel Community Day School, a warm and mission-driven Jewish day school in Rochester, NY, is looking for a results-oriented, self-starting Director of Institutional Advancement to lead fundraising, admissions, and marketing efforts. This is a key leadership position for someone who can think strategically, execute efficiently, and build meaningful relationships across generations. We’re seeking a highly motivated and organized professional who knows how to drive results, tell compelling stories, and build community. Strong knowledge of fundraising platforms is helpful. Development experience is highly preferred. **This is a 12-month full-time position with a salary range of $72,000–$77,000 per year.** Join Our Leadership Team At Hillel Community Day School, we believe that relationships, generosity, learning, and purpose shape the future. We are seeking a leader who shares that belief and is ready to help write the next chapter of our school’s story. Qualified candidates should submit a résumé, cover letter, and three professional references through the designated application channel. Hillel Community Day School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. About Hillel Community Day School Hillel Community Day School is an independent Jewish day school serving students from Preschool through Grade 8 in Rochester, New York. We provide a joyful, inquiry-driven education grounded in Jewish learning, academic excellence, strong relationships, and whole-child development. Our students learn to think deeply, act with purpose, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Overview Hillel seeks a strategic, highly organized, and relationship-centered Director of Institutional Advancement to lead the school’s philanthropic growth, enrollment partnership, donor stewardship, communications alignment, alumni engagement, and community visibility. This is not solely a fundraising, admissions, marketing, or event-planning role. It is an ownership-based leadership position that brings together strategy, strong writing, disciplined execution, relationship development, and sustainable systems. The Ideal Candidate Strategic and creative thinker Strong writer and storyteller Relationship builder and community connector Collaborative team leader Disciplined project manager Data-informed decision-maker Technologically confident Mission-driven and accountable What You’ll Bring Bachelor’s degree required and at least three years of relevant advancement, fundraising, admissions, marketing, communications, or nonprofit leadership experience. Independent-school, Jewish communal, or mission-driven nonprofit experience preferred. Demonstrated success in donor cultivation, campaign execution, sponsorships, event-based fundraising, relationship management, or enrollment growth. Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, including the ability to produce strong first drafts. Strong organizational, project-management, analytical, CRM/database, and technological skills. Excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgment, integrity, confidentiality, and commitment to Jewish education. First-Year Priorities Build strong relationships with donors, families, Board members, alumni, and community partners. Lead Hillel’s annual fundraising and matching campaigns, including strong post-campaign stewardship. Expand the enrollment pipeline through preschool relationships, outreach, and family ambassadors. Strengthen advancement systems, communications, CRM documentation, dashboards, and reporting. Leadership Priorities Philanthropic Growth - Develop and execute annual giving, matching campaigns, major gifts, grants, sponsorships, planned giving, donor stewardship, and special fundraising initiatives. Campaigns & Events - Lead campaign architecture and the Annual Scholarship Gala, including timelines, messaging, sponsorships, donor cultivation, committee coordination, tracking, and follow-up. Enrollment & Retention - Strengthen the inquiry-to-enrollment pathway, recruitment events, family ambassador efforts, preschool partnerships, community outreach, and retention strategy. Marketing & Visibility - Lead advancement, donor, enrollment, and institutional messaging while coordinating with school leaders and external partners to share authentic stories of learning and impact. Systems & Accountability- Maintain accurate CRM records, donor histories, campaign calendars, dashboards, partner briefs, reporting systems, and clear next steps. Support and Collaboration The Director serves as a member of Hillel’s Senior Leadership Team and works in close partnership with the Head of School, Board of Directors, Development Committee, Finance Committee, Chief Operating Officer, administrative team, faculty leaders, parent volunteers, and external communications and marketing partners. This is a collaborative leadership role supported by an engaged Board, dedicated administrative staff, and established operational systems. Administrative team members assist with admissions logistics, communications distribution, scheduling, financial reconciliation, event support, and other assigned responsibilities, allowing the Director to focus on strategic leadership, relationship building, campaign execution, and institutional growth. Why Join Hillel? Join a collaborative Senior Leadership Team during an important period of institutional growth and renewal. Help shape philanthropy, enrollment, community engagement, and long-term sustainability at a mission-driven Jewish school. Work alongside an engaged Board of Directors, supportive administrative team, committed educators, families, and community partners. Bring strategy and creativity to a school strengthening inquiry-based learning, Jewish identity, student agency, literacy, the arts, and community partnerships. Make a visible, measurable difference in the future of Jewish education in Rochester. Qualified candidates should submit a résumé, cover letter, and three professional references through the designated application channel. Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year Benefits: Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location: In person To Apply Please send a resume and cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to Chana Freedman – post-685eaca483d76a2d95c97365-1751035156@apply.jewishstaffing.com