Assistant Director, Community Engagement (New York)

About the Organization:

The New Israel Fund (NIF) is the leading organization defending democracy and equality in Israel. NIF supports initiatives that strengthen the country’s democratic institutions, defend basic freedoms and human rights, promote equality, and build a truly shared society in Israel. Read more about NIF here.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Assistant Director of Community Engagement is a position focused on a combination of community organizing and fundraising. Along with the New York regional fundraising team, this person will devise and implement initiatives to foster relationships with community members, organizations, and stakeholders in order to broaden NIF’s reach, donor base, and name recognition in the region, but especially focused on New York City.

This position requires strategic thinking, creative program development and execution, in-depth relationship building and targeted outreach to enhance community connections and collaboration with NIF. Strong candidates will possess excellent communication skills (written and oral), exceptional organizational skills and follow-through, a background in community organizing or engagement, a strong ability to make connections and develop relationships and to work well with a team, and a deep passion for the work of NIF.

This role combines fundraising, event design and planning, and community engagement. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, relational, collaborative, and deeply committed to NIF’s mission of advancing democracy and equality in Israel.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Work closely with the New York team to reach new audiences in the region, ultimately growing NIF’s annual campaign by stewarding, cultivating, and soliciting a robust file of supporters.

Community Engagement

• Develop and implement community engagement strategies that align with organizational goals.
• Monitor and evaluate community engagement efforts, using data to inform decision-making and improve programs.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with community organizations, leaders, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the regional team and the National Programs Director to design and implement community programs and initiatives, engaging new audiences and deepening existing relationships, all while ensuring the programs meet the needs of diverse populations.
• Represent the organization at community meetings, events, and public forums.
• Coordinate visiting grantees and speakers to the region in collaboration with NIF’s Public Engagement department.

Fundraising

• Cultivate and steward a diverse portfolio of donors and prospects.
• Schedule donor meetings, calls, and follow-up communications.
• Draft and personalize donor correspondence, event invitations, and stewardship materials.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor information in CRM software (Raiser’s Edge), including tracking communications and fundraising activity.
• Assist in preparing proposals and reports for donors and prospects in collaboration with the Senior Regional Director and the Grants Editor & Coordinator.
• Draft and/or edit regional communications and event invitations.
• Maintain familiarity with NIF’s programs and the broader context of NIF’s work.
• Communicate persuasively about the New Israel Fund, its mission, values, history, key stakeholders, programs, and finances in the context of parlor meetings, donor and prospect meetings, and written communication.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of professional experience in community organizing, community engagement, or fundraising in the New York area.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including warmth, clarity, and strong relationship building skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Desire and strong ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Experience planning and running events and other donor engagement activities.
• Comfort speaking publicly to small and mid-sized groups.
• Ability to quickly learn new software systems, including CRM and other essential professional tools (Outlook, Google Workspace, EveryAction, etc.).
• Familiarity with historical, social and political realities at play in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories; preference for candidates who have experience studying, living, working, or volunteering in the region.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events.

NIF offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; short-term and long-term disability coverage; paid parental leave for birth or adoptive parent and partner; flex spending; retirement contribution; vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays (Jewish and Federal).

Fluency in English; knowledge of Hebrew a plus