Director of Development

Director of Development

Temple Rodef Shalom | Northern Virginia (Greater Washington, DC Area)

Full-Time | Exempt

Reports to: Executive Director

About Temple Rodef Shalom

Temple Rodef Shalom (TRS) is a vibrant Reform Jewish congregation located just outside Washington, DC. Founded in 1962, TRS has grown into the largest Jewish congregation in Virginia, serving more than 1,800 households.

Our dynamic community includes

• Nearly 200 families in our Early Childhood Center
• Approximately 800 students in our Religious School
• Close to 400 campers and counselors in summer camp
• Hundreds of congregants engaged weekly in worship, study, and celebration

TRS is entering a pivotal chapter. As we celebrate the 36th anniversary of our Senior Rabbi’s partnership with our congregation, evaluate our membership model, and embark on a transformative endowment campaign, we are preparing for the next era of philanthropic growth and sustainability. The incoming Director of Development will benefit from a substantial transition period with our retiring Director of Philanthropy, ensuring continuity of key donor relationships and campaign momentum.

With a dynamic professional staff and deeply engaged lay leadership, TRS is poised to strengthen its culture of philanthropy and build sustainable resources for generations to come.

Position Summary

The Director of Development serves as TRS’s senior fundraising executive and a key member of the senior leadership team. This leader will design and execute a comprehensive, data-informed fundraising strategy that advances TRS’s mission and ensures long-term financial sustainability.

This role is both strategic and hands on. The Director will oversee all philanthropic initiatives—including annual giving, major gifts, membership contributions, planned giving, and endowment growth—while personally cultivating and soliciting significant gifts.

The Director will partner closely with clergy, professional staff, and lay leaders to foster a culture of generosity and gratitude across the congregation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement an integrated fundraising strategy aligned with congregational priorities that encompasses the TRS endowment, planned giving, major gifts, membership contributions, and annual giving
• Establish annual revenue goals, participation benchmarks, and retention targets
• Identify and implement new initiatives to expand philanthropic engagement across demographics and generations
• Monitor performance metrics and provide regular progress reports to senior leadership and the Board

Major Gifts, Planned Giving, and the Endowment

• Lead major donor strategy in partnership with clergy and volunteer leadership
• Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and planned gifts, including six-figure commitments
• Play a central role in advancing the congregation’s endowment and legacy giving efforts
• Strengthen long-term donor engagement and stewardship

Annual Giving & Engagement

• Oversee annual campaigns and membership contribution initiatives
• Design and manage meaningful donor journeys from first gift through major giving
• Implement a comprehensive stewardship program to enhance donor recognition and retention
• Guide development-related events that deepen relationships and foster a culture of philanthropy

Operations & Team Leadership

• Serve as staff liaison to the Endowment Committee and collaborate closely with lay leadership
• Supervise the Membership Manager and collaborate closely with the Director of Philanthropy during the transition year
• Ensure CRM accuracy, data integrity, and donor confidentiality
• Use fundraising analytics to drive prospect strategy and track results
• Partner with the Communications team to produce compelling development materials, impact reports, and donor communications

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a strategic, relationship-driven development professional energized by both vision and execution.

Required experience and competencies include:

• 8+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including 3–5 years in a leadership role
• Demonstrated success in annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and donor development
• Proven track record securing six-figure gifts
• Experience participating in a capital or endowment campaign strongly preferred
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire through storytelling
• High emotional intelligence, ability to interact effectively with diverse personalities and at all levels of the organization
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Experience using CRM systems and data analytics to inform fundraising strategy
• Comfort working in a mission-driven, faith-based environment

Jewish communal experience is welcomed but not required. A deep appreciation for congregational life and the role of philanthropy in sustaining Jewish community is essential.

Why This Role Matters

Temple Rodef Shalom stands at a moment of opportunity and transition. The Director of Development will help shape the next chapter of philanthropic leadership at one of the largest Reform congregations in the country.

This role is an opportunity to build enduring donor relationships, steward transformational gifts, strengthen a culture of generosity, and ensure the long-term vitality of a thriving Jewish community.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including dental and vision
• Paid time off, including holidays, vacation and sick/personal leave
• Generous parental leave
• Long-term disability and life insurance
• Retirement plan, including employer contributions and a matching program
• Close early on Friday