DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

The Israel Guide Dog Center is seeking an accomplished, relationship-driven Director of Development to lead and expand our fundraising efforts across the United States. This senior leadership role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy, cultivating and soliciting major donors, and building a high-performing development team.

The ideal candidate has a demonstrated track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts, building meaningful donor relationships, and leading successful fundraising initiatives. This is a full-time position with a preference for candidates who can work from our Warrington, PA office; remote candidates will be considered.

The Director of Development reports directly to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with colleagues in the United States and Israel.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive strategies for donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and recognition.
• Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects through personal visits, events, phone calls, written correspondence, and digital communications.
• Solicit and close gifts with a focus on five- and six-figure commitments.
• Utilize analytics to inform strategies and measure performance.
• Lead, mentor, and oversee development staff, including the Southeast Area Director and future team members as the organization grows.
• Cultivate and steward planned giving prospects through legacy giving conversations, recognition programs, and strategic pipeline development.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to recruit, onboard, train, and engage Board members as active ambassadors and fundraising partners.
• Represent the Israel Guide Dog Center at synagogues, Jewish Federations, foundations, community organizations, and other stakeholder groups.
• Deliver compelling presentations that inspire support for the organization’s mission and impact.
• Plan and execute fundraising events and donor engagement opportunities, including visits featuring Israeli clients and professionals.
• Maintain accurate donor records and fundraising activity within the CRM.
• Ensure effective development processes, systems, and donor stewardship practices.
• Serve as a thought partner and strategist alongside the Executive Director

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, preferably within Jewish communal organizations or mission-driven nonprofits.
• Demonstrated success securing and stewarding major gifts, including five- and six-figure contributions.
• Experience in planned giving, including conducting legacy giving conversations and applying best practices to cultivate and sustain a robust planned giving pipeline.
• Proven experience building and maintaining strong donor relationships.
• Experience managing and developing staff and volunteers.
• Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, and change management skills.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong project management abilities with exceptional attention to detail and the capacity to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, donor management systems (CRM), and digital fundraising platforms.

Preferred Attributes

• Knowledge of Jewish communal philanthropy and the Jewish nonprofit landscape.
• Experience working with Boards of Directors and volunteer leadership.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.
• Confident public speaker with strong interpersonal skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, sound judgment, and the ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities and stakeholders.

Travel Requirements

• Ability to travel domestically; approximately 4–5 trips annually.
• Ability to travel internationally approximately once per year.

• Salary range of $110,000 – $125,000 commensurate with experience
• 3% contribution to a personal IRA
• Healthcare stipend
• Home office supplies including laptop computer and remote phone access provided
• Generous PTO including Jewish holidays, secular holidays, vacation, and sick leave

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