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Camp JRF, recognized as one of the “Top 10 Jewish Camps,” is seeking a Major Gifts Officer for our Completing the Dream Capital Campaign. The summer camp of the Reconstructionist movement, Camp JRF on the Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Campus provides innovative, creative, and engaging programs for youth entering third through twelfth grades. Nestled in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, Camp JRF provides strong connections to Judaism, Reconstructionism, and positive human values in the context of a beautiful, fun, and safe environment.

Completing the Dream is an ambitious campaign, intended to raise $18 million for camper and staff housing, construction of a new wellness center and dining hall, completion of mortgage payments, and endowment creation. The Major Gifts Officer will lead identification, cultivation, and solicitation activities associated with donors capable of making gifts of $25,000 and up.

Building on a base of individual donors at all levels, the Major Gifts Officer will:

• work closely with the Director of Camp JRF to create and execute a strategy for attracting major individual, corporate and foundation donors capable of making leadership gifts to further the Camp’s mission;

• provide guidance and support to Camp JRF’s Capital Campaign Committee Chair, Development Committee and Board of Directors in the implementation of fundraising efforts;

• identify, research and cultivate new individual donor prospects to the major gifts program;

• develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan that includes major gifts, direct marketing and special events components to achieve campaign goals as outlined in the 2009-2010 capital campaign plan;

• work with the Communications Department to develop strategies and on- and offline marketing initiatives/materials to support fundraising efforts;

• collaborate with other staff and members of the Board of Directors to strengthen development strategies, particularly with individual donor base and major gift contributors;

• oversee recordkeeping and reporting to both internal and external concerns, ensuring the flow of all information (e.g., reports, proposals, letters, follow-up packets, materials for prospects, etc.) is handled efficiently and smoothly among the members of the team; and,
• manage the preparation, submission, tracking, and reporting requirements for grants and sponsorships.

The Major Gifts Officer will be responsible for achieving ambitious individual donor fundraising goals set annually. The JRF staff is relatively small;
therefore, while the Major Gifts Officer’s primary role will focus on major gifts, s/he will also have the opportunity to contribute strategically and operationally to developing Camp JRF’s annual giving and scholarship fund as a long-term pipeline for future major gifts.

This position reports to the Director of Camp JRF and also works closely with the JRF Director of Individual Giving and the JRF Director of Events. The JRF office is located in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, but relocation may not be required.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates must have a proven track record of successfully implementing a development program with significant major gift and direct marketing components.

Candidates should have experience soliciting major gifts ($25,000 and over), writing grants and working with volunteer leaders on fundraising activities. Knowledge of fundraising software is required; preferably Raiser’s Edge.
Candidates should have knowledge of Jewish camps, youth initiatives and the Reconstructionist Movement.

Candidates with extensive knowledge and contacts within the Movement interested in pursuing a career in development are encouraged to apply.

The Major Gifts Officer is a member of JRF’s development team. S/he must be able to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment with a diverse and talented team of professionals while fostering growth and professional development.

Please send cover letter, resume, and salary history to Beverly Vitek, at bvitek@jrf.org or via fax to 215-885-5603.