VP and Major Gifts Officer, Development, NY 2025

Job Title

Vice President & Major Gift Officer

Department

Development

Location

New York City Office

About AJC

American Jewish Committee (AJC) is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. From world capitals to college campuses, AJC works with leaders across society to stand up for Israel; confront antisemitism, no matter the source; and uphold the democratic values that unite us. In the wake of Hamas’ October 7 attack—the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust—AJC has mobilized its global network to tackle the unprecedented threats facing world Jewry. Join us. Together, we can shape a new future for Israel and the Jewish people.

Your Department

The Development team strategically plans, organizes, and executes fundraising initiatives to secure financial support for the organization's mission and activities. This includes cultivating strong relationships with donors, executing events, implementing campaigns, and ensuring effective stewardship of contributions. We collaborate with regional offices to support and improve fundraising operations at the local level, expanding the organization's reach and impact.

Your Impact

This role will have a long-lasting impact by creating and implementing a strategy for growth and continued development of the major gift function across the organization, focused on growing support for AJC priority outcome areas.

The position will be accountable to have impact at AJC and to our broader mission by generating increased revenue through major gifts fundraising. The position will also help to organize and improve our systems for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of high-net-worth individuals, foundation donors and other major gifts prospects, with a focus on annual recurring contributions at the

$100,000 level and above, as well as special gifts targeted to high priority areas.

Working with wide latitude and autonomy, this position is responsible for identifying, researching, cultivating, engaging, soliciting, and stewarding existing major donors and new prospects, coordinating targeted cultivation events, and serving as a fundraising/development advisor and subject-matter expert to others on the development team.

Your Role

• Develop an overarching strategy in conjunction with Development senior leaders to Identify, cultivate and solicit major gift prospects. This will include working with existing donors as well as building new relationships with prospects with high capacity. Building these relationships will be an important part of the position’s impact.
• Leverage innovative methods of prospecting, particular new technologies (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies.
• Strengthen the commitment of new and existing donors through individual meetings, site visits, phone calls, office visits, special mailings and other relationship-building correspondence and activities.
• Strategically partner with Marketing and Communications, and other Development colleagues, on branding efforts to enhance major gifts fundraising.
• Conceive, plan, and implement cultivation and fundraising events targeting donors capable of major gifts, including receptions, donor or prospect parlor meetings.
• Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with senior lay leaders of the organization.
• Accountable for new avenues of major gifts fundraising, including but not limited to prospects outside of the United States.
• Partner with the Vice President of Individual Giving on securing major gifts in support of our International Institutes.
• Partner with relevant lay leaders to develop strategic vision for the mandate of the Board of Trustees, the fundraising arm of the lay leadership.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of tracking systems; maintain accurate, concise and timely records including gifts, pledges, bio data and donor actions within established development systems.
• Work with broader development, communications and program staff to develop compelling materials to maximize fundraising results.
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of AJC core programs, advocacy and policy positions.
• Contribute to development team planning meetings and training, fundraising and organizational strategic planning meetings, as well as regular development, messaging and program meetings.
• Actively participate as a contributing member of the full staff and its overall mission.

Supervisory Role

Small office/team of 1-3

Education, Training, and Experience

• Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred)
• Minimum of 15 years of Development experience with a proven track record of successfully securing six and seven figure major gifts from individual donors, foundations, corporations, etc;
• Understanding and deep facility with all facets of the Development process.
• Advanced leadership in a major not-for-profit.
• Experience in managing and growing a portfolio of donors.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Jewish philanthropic community strongly preferred. Experience with a major Jewish organization is a plus.
• Formal education in the areas of philanthropy, nonprofit management and/or Jewish philanthropy preferred.
• An understanding of deferred giving vehicles.
• Deep expertise working with nonprofit boards and/or foundation boards

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Passion for the mission, goals, and objectives of AJC
• Committed to AJC’s core values: respect, teamwork, integrity, excellence, and accountability
• Strong process skills and the ability to direct, motivate, and develop individuals and/or teams through influence rather than direct reporting line
• Strong strategic planning skills with a history of setting and achieving ambitious goals.
• Proven experience in budget management and fiscal responsibility
• Demonstrates professionalism and highest ethical standards of conduct
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent facilitation and negotiation skills
• Strong organization, execution and project management skills, including the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
• Capacity to multitask and work in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Willing and able to work outside of standard working hours, including early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends

Physical Demands

Office employees:

• Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another

Disclaimers

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute a contract between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

Ready to apply?

AJC is an equal opportunity employer.

Please submit your application to: https://ajchr.wufoo.com/forms/pyv5u8f1pt3zig/