Director of Advancement

Help Shape the Future of a Pioneering Community

CBST is seeking a strategic, creative, and relationship-driven Director of Advancement to help lead the next chapter of our vibrant, progressive Jewish community.

CBST is an LGBTQ+ synagogue rooted in inclusivity, equity, and radical welcome. We welcome people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, family structures, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and Jewish journeys. Grounded in Jewish tradition and committed to justice, learning, and spiritual exploration, CBST is a place where people come to build community, find meaning, and work toward a more just world.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Advancement will be a senior member of CBST's leadership team, working closely with our Co-Clergy leads, staff, the Board of Directors, and lay leaders.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced advancement professional who is energized by building relationships, telling compelling stories, growing communities, and helping an extraordinary institution thrive.

The Opportunity

The Director of Advancement will provide strategic leadership across fundraising, membership, communications, marketing, stewardship, and community engagement.

You will lead CBST's efforts to grow philanthropic support, strengthen and retain membership, deepen relationships with donors and congregants, and increase CBST's visibility and impact.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Spearheading CBST's annual fundraising, major gifts, planned giving, grants, and special campaigns, including but not limited to: fundraising events, donor cultivation opportunities, Pride initiatives, and other special programs.
• Managing and growing relationships with major donors and building a strong pipeline of future supporters.
• Expanding membership recruitment, engagement, stewardship, and retention.
• Developing an integrated advancement strategy, including annual goals, plans, calendars, and budgets.
• Driving marketing, communications, and institutional storytelling that bring CBST's mission and impact to life.
• Partnering with the Executive Director and Senior Co-Clergy on public messaging and communications related to issues central to CBST and its community.
• Strengthening CBST's brand and presence throughout New York City's Jewish, LGBTQ+, philanthropic, and broader civic communities.
• Fostering relationships with donors and members by bringing together clergy, staff, Board members, and lay leaders in coordinated stewardship and engagement efforts.
• Providing strategic oversight of advancement systems and data to support strong decision-making, effective relationship management, and long-term growth.
• Guiding and supporting the Manager of Development Operations, Membership & Engagement Manager, and Communications Coordinator.

Who You Are

You are a strategic and entrepreneurial relationship-builder who enjoys connecting people to a mission they care about. You can see the big picture while also moving important work forward. You are comfortable working with donors, clergy, Board members, volunteers, and staff—and you understand that successful advancement is ultimately about building authentic, lasting relationships.

We are looking for someone with:

• At least five years of progressively responsible nonprofit fundraising or advancement experience.
• Demonstrated success in annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, grants, and donor stewardship.
• Experience with membership-based organizations, community engagement, marketing, and/or communications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a gift for compelling storytelling.
• Strong strategic thinking, organizational, project-management, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with CRM or fundraising databases; Salesforce experience is strongly preferred.
• A commitment to creating inclusive, affirming spaces that honor LGBTQ+ people and diverse identities.
• Familiarity with Jewish traditions and communal life—or a genuine openness and enthusiasm for learning.

Why CBST?

CBST offers the opportunity to do meaningful work at the intersection of Jewish life, LGBTQ+ community, justice, spirituality, and social change. You will join a collaborative, mission-driven team and help shape the future of one of New York City's most distinctive Jewish communities.

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, generous paid time off, opportunities for professional development and Jewish learning, and a hybrid work environment.

Salary range is $120k-$140K annually and is commensurate with experience.

To Apply

Please email a resume and cover letter to Carrie Connor, Executive Director, at careers@cbst.org with “Director of Advancement” in the subject line. Tell us why this opportunity interests you and how your experience and perspective would contribute to CBST.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

CBST is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. People of all backgrounds—especially LGBTQ+ individuals, Jews of Color, people with disabilities, and individuals from historically underrepresented communities—are strongly encouraged to apply.

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, generous paid time off, opportunities for professional development and Jewish learning, and a hybrid work environment.