Major Gifts Director

Jewish National Fund

About Jewish National Fund-USA:

Unparalleled in the Jewish philanthropic world, Jewish National Fund-USA’s strategic vision has been and always will be, to ensure a strong, secure, and prosperous future for the land and people of Israel. Everything we do -- every project, initiative, and campaign we take on – is integral to our vision of building and connecting to our land. We plant trees, build houses and parks, source water solutions, buy fire trucks, and improve the lives of people with special needs. We boost tourism, support Aliyah, promote Zionist education and engagement, build medical centers and trauma centers, fund agricultural and culinary research, and run an American semester abroad high school in Israel. We do all these things because each project, each program, each partnership, is consistent with our strategic vision – population growth in the north and south, connecting the next generation to Israel, infrastructure development, ecology, forestation, heritage preservation, and more -- all for the land and people of Israel.

https://www.jnf.org/

Position Details

Major Gifts Director
Job
Full-time
3/18/2021
Chicago Illinois
Chicago, IL

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Executive Director, Illinois, the Major Gifts Director is responsible for bringing in and sustaining high level gifts from donors, sponsors, and foundations, with an emphasis of $25,000+. The Major Gifts Director may also participate on our National Major Gifts team to plan and implement major gift fundraising strategies and donor appreciation programs.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle 
  • In partnership with the Executive Director, develop a strategy and plan for building prospect research, preparing proposals, and securing major gifts through high-net-worth individuals and families, corporate sponsors, and foundations. 
  • Through face-to-face meetings, solicitate, cultivate and recognize new and prospective major donors 
  • Build a pipeline of major gift prospects 
  • Create and staff an Illinois Major Gifts Committee to leverage and engage lay leaders 
  • Actively recruit for Missions, National Task Forces, Affinity groups, recognition and other events 
  • Keep an emphasis on closing gifts of $25,000+ 
  • Participate in all National Major Gift activities and conference calls 
  • Plan and executive Major Gifts events by working with our Center for Excellence administrative center and National Major Gifts team 
  • Develop, monitor, achieve, and document annual fundraising goals and moves management in SalesForce

If you have:

  • A passion for Israel 
  • At least 7 years of relative experience in sales/fundraising 
  • Exceptional interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills 
  • Proven success in asking for and closing gifts to reach ambitious campaign goals 
  • The ability to build and maintain long-term relationships with donors 
  • Strong understanding of donor research, identification, cultivation and solicitation, and stewardship 
  • Excellent speaking, writing and presentation skills 
  • Knowledge of and familiarity with the Jewish community in Illinois 
  • Experience with CRMs, Donor Management, or SalesForce systems a plus 
  • A positive attitude and professional presence 
  • Dependable and self-disciplined individual who is capable of minimal on-site supervision

At Jewish National Fund, we have:

  • An incredible mission backed by hundreds of thousands of partners, our donors, who support the land and people of Israel and Jewish people everywhere
  • An enthralling 120-year history as one of the world’s oldest environmentally focused philanthropic organizations
  • An inclusive, supportive, and collaborative work culture where we play as a team, support each other and nurture creative minds 
  • A bold One Billion Dollar Road Map for the Next Decade that’s creating infrastructure, environmental, and economic opportunities to attract 500,000 people to Israel’s Negev Desert and 300,000 people to the Galilee
  • An active and engaged lay leadership that supports and guides our professional team and our organization’s direction 
  • Days off for certain Jewish holidays (in addition to the secular US holiday calendar) along with “3pm Fridays” 
  • Opportunities to visit Israel and provide professional support on missions and tours 
  • Top-notch Healthcare plus Dental and Vision, employer-paid Life Insurance, and Short and Long-term Disability 
  • 403(b) and Generous Employer Contributions.

« Back