Director of Development

Background:

The 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 support Israel and combat surging antisemitism, leveraging strategic advocacy to educate, counter misinformation, and shape public opinion. AJC creates trusted partnerships with leaders in the United States and around the world to boldly advocate for Jews and Israel. In the wake of Hamas’ October 7 attack, AJC has mobilized its global network to tackle the unprecedented threats facing world Jewry.

AJC Westchester/Fairfield engages more than 4,000 people in AJC’s critical work through over 140 educational programs and advocacy initiatives each year. The region’s proximity to New York City allows for unparalleled access to top-notch experts, government officials, diplomats, political leaders, and public intellectuals. Multiple volunteer committees—on topics such as diplomatic outreach, interfaith relations, and governmental —produce high-level, engaging programs, including the Thanksgiving Diversity Breakfast, the annual AJC Westchester/Fairfield Gala, and well over 100 programs and events each year.

The Position:

AJC Westchester/Fairfield is seeking an exceptional and seasoned fundraising professional to become its next Director of Development. The new Director of Development will be capable of identifying, cultivating, engaging, and stewarding existing donors and new prospects, managing fundraising events, and serving as a development advisor and subject-matter expert. The ideal candidate will bring a track record of success in cultivating major gift campaigns, a strong understanding of the Westchester/Fairfield philanthropic landscape, and an ability to craft compelling donor-centered narratives. They will be a highly motivated self-starter with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, capable of balancing strategic planning with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

The DOD will lead a comprehensive development strategy and program with a strong emphasis on community relationship-building and philanthropic growth. They will be successful at building and maintaining relationships and partnerships with stakeholders and serve as a passionate advocate for the work of AJC. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, be approachable and open to new ideas, and be an active and engaged problem-solver. They must lead their team with a minimum of ego and set and achieve clear goals and priorities in partnership with the staff and the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Regional Director and regional leadership to develop and implement a comprehensive, sophisticated fundraising plan that will advance AJC’s fundraising goals, strengthen the pipeline, and increase donors’ affinity with the mission
• Develop, oversee, and facilitate fundraising campaigns, programs, events, and initiatives
• Identify, research, cultivate, engage, solicit, and steward existing donors and new prospects, including major donors/prospects, foundations, and private sector support
• Collaborate with and manage the work of committees, task forces, and working groups
• Manage and mentor development team with a focus on professional development in alignment with the values and goals of the organization
• Leverage resources to help build awareness of and support for AJC and development initiatives
• Oversee and maintain accurate financial records and budgets for development-related programs and events
• Create reports and analyze department activities, metrics, and impact
• Advise and support assigned Departments with development strategies, activities, initiatives, and processes
• Develop relationships with and engage strategic contacts, groups, and organizations
• Design and disseminate reports and marketing resources to cultivate donor interest and secure funding

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree (master’s degree preferred); minimum 10 years professional fundraising experience
• Track record of success in developing and implementing fundraising plans, as well as cultivating and stewarding donors
• Systems-oriented and data-driven leader with well-honed fundraising operations skills, including the ability to critically evaluate fundraising efforts
• Demonstrated experience fundraising for policy and advocacy
• Strong management skills and experience cultivating and building a team of committed and achievement-focused professionals
• Analytical, organized, proactive, detail-oriented with strong ability to prioritize
• Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to interact professionally with internal and external stakeholders who have diverse backgrounds, professional skills, and perspectives
• Creative, strategic thinker with excellent project management and cross-functional fundraising skills
• Strong follow-through with the proven ability to set and meet deadlines and benchmarks
• Able to work effectively as part of a collegial and collaborative team
• Deep, personal commitment to the mission, goals, and objectives of AJC; committed to AJC’s core values: respect, teamwork, integrity, excellence, and accountability
• Willing and able to work outside of standard working hours, including early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends when needed
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook), Google Suite applications, and Zoom

For more information about AJC Westchester/Fairfield please visit their website at https://www.ajc.org/westchester

All positions at AJC are filled without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All are encouraged to apply.

AJC offers a competitive salary in the range of $170k to $180k; three weeks’ paid vacation per year plus additional sick and personal leave time as well as paid holidays; health, dental, and vision plans; and 403b participation after one year of employment. As part of building a culture where employees can do their best work, AJC employs a hybrid work model.