FUNCTION: The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) will lead strategy for and oversee identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding annual fundraising, major and planned gifts from donors, lay leaders, corporations and foundations.
The CAO will need a deep passion for philanthropy that is matched by strong knowledge of and experience in development. Strategic thinking and creativity are essential skills to shape and implement a long-term plan for JFGD’s growth in reach, revenue, and impact. As a partner to the CEO and Senior Management Team, a positive, solution-oriented mindset and management experience will be key to building Federation’s visibility and centrality in Jewish philanthropy in Dallas.
The CAO will report to the CEO and will work in close partnership with all members of the Executive and Leadership Teams in shaping organizational strategy with the goal of growing engagement, leadership and philanthropy among all major donors to Federation. The CAO will be a crucial voice, communicating JFGD’s Strategic Priorities and impact to donors and potential donors to drive both increased philanthropy and long-term involvement in the work of Federation.
REPORTS TO: CEO
SUPERVISES: Six direct reports
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
General Skills
- Direct experience soliciting and cultivating donors and creating and executing annual campaigns, and long-term affinity and alliance programs.
- Proven ability to lead, manage, and hold oneself and others accountable
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven understanding of data analytics, including applicable software and other measurement tools
- Ability to thrive in a constantly evolving environment
Communications & Marketing
- Works closely with Communications and Marketing teams to develop a focused, multi-year marketing strategy designed to increase knowledge and awareness, including measurable short-, mid-, and long-term goals.
Ambassador Engagement
- Recruit, retain, and train Ambassadors to serve as passionate advocates and peer fundraisers.
- Develop leadership pipelines and engagement strategies to deepen Ambassador involvement in donor cultivation and stewardship.
Endowment Strategy
- Define and communicate the organization’s endowment philosophy, emphasizing long-term sustainability and mission alignment.
- Lead the planning and execution of endowment campaigns, including donor education, legacy giving, and investment oversight in collaboration with finance and board leadership.
Corporate Giving
- Build and manage relationships with corporate partners to secure sponsorships, matching gifts, and strategic philanthropic investments.
- Develop tailored engagement plans for corporate donors, aligning their interests with organizational impact areas.
Campaign Leadership
- Design and implement integrated resource development plans, including annual campaigns, planned giving, and supplemental giving programs
- Cultivate and steward a portfolio of major donors in partnership with the CEO and lay leadership
- Oversee donor data systems, reporting, and customer service protocols to ensure high-quality donor experiences
- Team & Board Collaboration
- Supervise and coach development staff, ensuring performance management and professional growth
- Collaborate with board and committee leadership to align fundraising strategies with governance priorities
- Partner with marketing to produce compelling campaign materials and donor communications
Additional Characteristics
- Proven track record in leading large-scale campaigns ($20M+).
- Experience overseeing foundation and legacy work.
- Strong managerial and leadership skills to build a high-performing team, including the ability to provide constructive feedback.
- Ability to navigate lay-led organizations and work closely with volunteer leaders.
- Entrepreneurial mindset to drive growth and change.
- Deep knowledge of major gifts fundraising (experience with 6 and 7-figure gifts).
- Strong community engagement skills.
- Scrappy and adaptable—able to operate effectively in a fast-changing environment and rapid growth.
- Passion for the Jewish community, Israel, and familiarity with the Jewish calendar and religious practice. Candidates should have experience in Jewish communal organizations or related fields.
- Experience with data management systems. Proficient in Excel and Microsoft suite.
- An awareness of current trends in the Jewish community, rapid growth organizations, and philanthropy.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts or business is required.
Experience: 10 + years development experience in a non-profit is required. Federation experience is preferred.
Other Requirements:
- Proven ability to supervise, manage, lead, coach and develop a diverse group of professionals.
- Direct experience with management and/or organizational change initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and guide others in the strategic planning process.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality of work.
- Creative, innovative, entrepreneurial and strategic inclinations.
- Strong attention to detail. Ability to organize, prioritize and execute responsibilities in the face of conflicting priorities with a high level of discretion.
- Proven ability to develop and maintain strong, productive relationships with donors, volunteers and constituents.
- Ability to set and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills including both verbal and written and strong public speaking skills.
- Ability to manage statistical data in order to assess fundraising effectiveness and devise strategic plans.
- PC literacy with strong competency in all Microsoft Office programs and CRM systems designed for non-profit organizations.
- Ability to travel and work in off-site settings on a regular basis. Ability to work evenings, weekends or irregular hours as necessary to interact with donors and prospects and attend relevant meetings and events.
- Ability to multi-task and handle stress.
- Demonstrated awareness of contemporary trends within the Jewish community, rapidly growing organizations, and philanthropy. Familiarity with Israel, Jewish values, traditions, and the Jewish Federation system is considered an asset.
ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION
Position Type: This is a full-time, exempt level position with some additional nights and weekends required.
Working Conditions: Mental Demands: Effective communication, policy interpretation, emotional control under stress.
Physical Demands: Frequent walking, speaking, and listening; occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs); use of computers and office equipment.
NOTE: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. The COO and/or designee have the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
Employees of Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas are expected, as required in their specific job functions, to participate in activities, meetings, and committees; to interact and work cooperatively in order to accomplish various goals; to represent one’s self and Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas in a positive, professional manner; and to safeguard sensitive or confidential information from intentional or unintentional disclosure.
Employees are expected to maintain the current working knowledge of policies, procedures and guidelines necessary to answer work-related questions and to provide assistance in a timely and courteous manner. Employees are also expected to perform other duties as may be assigned by their supervisor and to contribute to the team efforts of the department and to assist the organization in achieving its strategic goals.