About Us
The Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford (JFGH) is a trusted nonprofit dedicated to building and sustaining a vibrant Jewish community in greater Hartford, Israel, and across the globe. For over 70 years, JFGH has united diverse volunteers and professionals to strengthen Jewish life through thoughtful planning, critical fundraising, and impactful community initiatives. Together, we address social service needs, support Jewish education, secure communal institutions, combat antisemitism, foster connections to Israel, and build bridges of understanding with individuals and groups beyond the Jewish community.
Greater Hartford’s Jewish community of over 30,000 continues to thrive, welcoming new members to a region celebrated for its rich cultural institutions, outstanding schools and universities, and affordable, scenic neighborhoods—just a short drive from New York and Boston. Our community is home to vibrant synagogues, two day schools, Jewish camps, a kosher grocery, senior Jewish living, and an exceptional Jewish community center. Federation’s total financial resource development last year exceeded $12 million, reflecting the growing generosity and engagement of our community.
Role Overview:
As a key leader on the Development team, the Associate Vice President of Development is a strategic relationship builder, working closely with donors and volunteer leaders to advance the mission of the Federation and achieve Annual Campaign goals. This individual is a dynamic team player and experienced fundraiser, with a proven track record of cultivating meaningful relationships, building a robust donor pipeline, and securing gifts of $5,000 and above. The Director also oversees the Women’s Philanthropy program—responsible for meeting specific fundraising metrics, deepening engagement, and ensuring thoughtful donor stewardship.
Major Gifts 70%
- Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a significant portfolio of donors and prospects, securing gifts of $10,000+ through face-to-face solicitations as part of a $5.3M+ Annual Campaign.
- Conduct a minimum of 8 pre-planned, face-to-face meetings with donors and prospects each month.
- Identify, cultivate, and manage a portfolio of approximately 150 prospects with capacity ratings between $5,000- $250,000.
- Collaborate across departments, including Marketing and Impact—to enhance donor engagement and maximize philanthropic outcomes.
- Assist in the planning and execution of special events, including parlor meetings and cultivation gatherings.
- Participate in all aspects of the giving cycle using a “moves management” philosophy.
- Work closely with lay leaders in donor cultivation and engagement activities
Women’s Philanthropy 30%
- Provide strategic oversight of the Women’s Philanthropy Division, including implementation and continuous evaluation of engagement and fundraising metrics to ensure goals are met.
- Partner with lay leadership to design and implement solicitation strategies and meaningful engagement opportunities.
- Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of LION-level donors and prospects through face-to-face solicitations.
- Oversee the Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) and Women's Philanthropy Legacy initiatives, ensuring ongoing cultivation and stewardship.
- Create and execute on cultivation plans for women donors to move them to higher giving levels.
- Women’s Volunteer Engagement
- Oversee Women’s Philanthropy initiatives, serving as the primary contact for committees and volunteers
- Develop agendas, prepare briefings, and support affinity groups in outreach and fundraising efforts
- Recruit, onboard, and engage new members and volunteers
Other:
Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the Development department and the broader mission of the organization, including participating in cross-departmental initiatives and special projects as needed.
BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in annual fundraising and donor engagement, with a demonstrated track record of successfully soliciting and closing six figure gifts
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build and sustain relationships with key lay leaders, donors, and professional staff at all levels
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate the organization’s mission and impact persuasively
- Proven supervisory and leadership abilities, with experience managing staff and/or volunteers
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; comfortable learning and using donor management databases and emerging technologies
- Deep understanding of the Jewish community, including its values, customs, and traditions
- Collaborative, solutions-oriented team player who thrives in a mission-driven environment and values cross-functional partnership
- B.A. or B.S. degree required. Advanced degree or professional certification are preferred (E.g., CAP®, CFP®, CFRE®, etc.).
Other benefits: Parental Leave through Connecticut PFML, Jewish Hholidays in addition to secular holidays and member ship to the JCC.