Job Title: Development Director
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Yonkers, NY — Hybrid. On-site one day per week. On-site presence required for certain communal events.
Status: Full-Time
Salary Range: $125,000 - $135,000
About AJR
The Academy for Jewish Religion (AJR) is a pluralistic, accredited rabbinical, cantorial, and graduate seminary located in Yonkers, NY. With classes taught primarily online, our diverse student body spans North America and beyond.
AJR is addressing a critical shortage of qualified Jewish clergy by offering a flexible, academically rigorous program accessible to students from varied backgrounds, life situations, and Jewish approaches. Our commitment to pluralism is active and lived—we prepare clergy to engage deeply with Jewish tradition and the broader world, leading with curiosity, intention, and openness.
We are a Zionist institution that embraces a wide spectrum of support for the State of Israel, even as we engage thoughtfully with its contemporary challenges. Rooted in dignity and inclusion, AJR is building a Jewish future that is whole and holy.
As part of our rapid growth, we are excited to create this new Development Director position.
Position Overview
The Development Director will lead and manage all aspects of AJR’s fundraising and donor engagement strategy. This includes cultivating individual donors, overseeing campaigns and events, and identifying and pursuing grant opportunities. The Development Director works closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and administrative team to meet ambitious development goals aligned with AJR’s mission and growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Fundraising Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with institutional goals.
- Lead major gift solicitation, annual giving, planned giving, events, and donor database management.
- Identify and cultivate high-potential individual and institutional donors.
- Collaborate with the CEO and Board to set and achieve annual fundraising targets.
- Use data and analytics to evaluate progress and refine strategies.
- Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
- Build and sustain strong relationships with donors and key stakeholders.
- Oversee donor communications, acknowledgments, and stewardship efforts to ensure timely and meaningful engagement.
- Grant Writing & Management
- Collaborate with administration on identifying, writing, and submitting grant proposals.
- Track and manage reporting requirements for awarded grants.
- Campaigns & Special Events
- Plan and execute fundraising events including galas, auctions, and donor receptions.
- Hire and manage event coordinators as needed for large-scale initiatives.
Qualifications
- Deep commitment to AJR’s mission.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- 5–7 years of fundraising or related experience (e.g., sales), including 3+ years in a leadership role, preferably in a nonprofit.
- Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding fundraising targets.
- Familiarity with fundraising software (e.g., DonorPerfect or similar).
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills; able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to work both independently, and at the same time, clear on the importance of working collaboratively.
- Knowledge of and comfort in the Jewish community strongly preferred.
Additional Requirements
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends for events or donor meetings.
- Ability to travel as needed for donor engagement.
Benefits:
- paid holidays, vacation & sick days
- leave early for Shabbat
- medical insurance available for purchase through employer
- retirement plan available for participation through employer (non-contributory)
To Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter, including examples of your fundraising success, to Dr. Ora Horn Prouser at [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.