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Full Time

Director of Major Gifts

Jewish Federation of San Diego 4950 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego CA

POSITION TITLE: Director of Major Gifts
FLSA STATUS: Exempt 
REPORTS TO: Chief Development Officer
DEPARTMENT: Development

BACKGROUND 
Jewish Federation of San Diego County (JFSD) is seeking a strategic, dynamic, and experienced Director of Major Gifts.

For over 85 years, the Federation has been a pillar of support for the Jewish community, fostering connection, compassion, and resilience. Our mission is to strengthen Jewish identity, care for Jews in need, and build deep, lasting connections with Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.  San Diego County is home to more than 100,000 Jews, in about 50,000 households. We are a thriving, vibrant, multi-faceted Jewish community of more than 100 Jewish communal organizations. More information about Jewish San Diego is available on our website, www.jewishinsandiego.org. Federation staff are passionate about community building, highly collaborative and always learning. We bring a wide range of experiences and backgrounds to our work and welcome all applicants for this dynamic position.  
 
JOB SUMMARY 
The Director of Major Gifts is a key leadership role within JFSD’s Development Team, responsible for cultivating and stewarding relationships with major donors who are passionate about making a transformative impact in the Jewish community. You will lead the strategic efforts to grow significant philanthropic support, working closely with the CDO, CEO, and Board members to identify and engage individuals with the capacity to make meaningful gifts.
 
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
  • Steward and cultivate a portfolio of approximately 160 major donors and prospects, deepening their engagement and inspiring them to invest in Federation’s mission.
  • Work in concert with the CDO, development team, and lay leadership to identify major gift and legacy prospects. 
  • Create a strategic plan for Major Donor cultivation and stewardship for JFSD in partnership with the CDO. 
  • Build strong, authentic relationships with Federation leadership and major donors, gaining insight into their values and passions, and inspiring them to invest in Federation’s vital initiatives and campaigns, thereby making a lasting impact on the Jewish community.
  • Oversee the planning, execution, and follow-up of Major Donor events. 
  • Other duties as assigned by the CDO. 
EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS 
  • A minimum of 5-7 years of proven success in development, particularly in non-profits with a focus on major gifts. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
  • A proactive self-starter, motivated to seek innovative solutions and opportunities to address challenges, with a strategic and creative mindset for achieving ambitious goals.
  • Proven ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with staff, donors, volunteers, senior executives, and other key stakeholders.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and interact professionally with colleagues.
  • Deep understanding of the non-profit field, the Jewish community, and the social engagement impact of fundraising on Jewish organizations. 
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and maintain a high level of accuracy with attention to detail. 
  • Strong relationship-building skills, including the ability to meet, greet, and educate donors, volunteers, and constituents with confidence and poise.
EDUCATION 
Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts or business is required.  
 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EQUIPMENT 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear.  Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  The employee must occasionally crouch, stoop, or reach.   The employee must have the ability to travel when needed, with the flexibility to adjust work hours to meet the organization’s needs, including some evenings, weekends, for donor meetings and events This position is required to work onsite (with the ability to work from home on most Fridays).  
 
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 
This is a full-time position, working onsite in San Diego, CA, with the ability to work from home on most Fridays. 
 
We offer a competitive salary range of $115,000 – $140,000 annually, along with a generous benefits package, retirement plan, and comprehensive paid leave, including vacation, sick leave, and 22 paid holidays per year.
 
Jewish Federation of San Diego County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veterans’ status or any other protected category. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position. All qualified candidates must be able to provide proof of their ability to work in the United States without support. All candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check prior to beginning work at JFSD. 
 
Interested candidates should provide a cover letter and a detailed resume to resumes@jewishinsandiego.org.