ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Washington Hebrew Congregation (WHC) – the Washington D.C. area’s premier destination for Reform Judaism– is seeking an innovative fundraiser and proactive community-builder to serve as Director of Development (‘Director’). The Director will lead all aspects of philanthropy and donor relations, with a particular focus on expanding the Temple’s culture of philanthropy. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic development professional to bolster the Temple’s capacity for reimagining 21st-century Jewish engagement.

The Director will work closely with clergy, staff, and lay leadership to identify and secure transformational philanthropic opportunities, implement strategies to promote a culture of active community participation and giving, cultivate lifelong and next generation donors, grow the endowment, and launch the Temple’s next capital campaign.

The Director will report to the Executive Director and manage and grow a team.

 Key responsibilities include:

Philanthropic Strategy and Fundraising

• Develop and oversee a comprehensive and coordinated philanthropic strategy to identify, grow, and diversify streams of revenue to support the Temple as well as local and global community needs.
• Plan, manage, and implement all aspects of short-term and long-range philanthropic campaigns, including development of campaign materials, events for donor solicitation, and donor recognition.
• Collaborate with clergy, professional staff, and lay leaders to identify and prioritize philanthropic support needs and coordinate approaches to individual, organization, and foundation gifts.
• Engage, cultivate, and directly solicit and increase individual, family, and planned gifts, drawing on a keen understanding of members’ interests and deep connections to WHC’s past, present, and future.
• Serve as staff liaison and set priorities for the Development Committee and Task Forces.

Community Engagement and External Relations

• Oversee community events geared toward donor engagement and solicitation for both congregants and the community-at-large.
• Establish effective relationships with external foundations, granting agencies, community organizations, and the broader Jewish community.
• Coordinate, direct, and oversee the execution of Tikkun Olam Values (TOV) Center* activities and programming as TOV Committee staff liaison. (*TOV Center is WHC’s central focus for outreach to the underserved in the D.C. area.)

Development Operations and Stewardship

• Establish and manage data-driven strategies for philanthropic growth, including but not limited to the identification of prospects and tracking of donor cultivation activities and solicitations.
• Maintain existing database for donors and prospective donors and, in conjunction with the appropriate staff, assess additional database needs.
• Oversee grant calendar, proposal writing, and submission, ensuring effective stewardship and timely reporting to donors and solicitors.

ABOUT THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

The Director of Development will bring substantial relevant experience in development, community engagement, leadership, and/or team management. The successful candidate will be versatile, energetic, and willing to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of fundraising activities. With an optimistic disposition, the new Director will bring a team, community, and culture of philanthropy mindset.

As a person you are:

• A mission-driven and community-minded leader – You are deeply motivated by the Temple’s mission to connect with, engage, and inspire its community and supporters.
• A strategic and thoughtful relationship builder – You leverage a high EQ and listening skills to build mutually rewarding, long-term relationships with a wide range of donors and key external partners.
• An accomplished, results-oriented fundraiser – You have a track record of setting and achieving ambitious fundraising goals, including identifying and securing major gifts.
• A highly organized systems manager – You utilize a well-maintained database and development calendar to create and drive effective fundraising plans and campaigns.
• A passionate and persuasive ambassador – You bring strong communication skills and can represent WHC’s unique value and impact to multiple audiences, including liaising with the press.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

WHC is a thriving spiritual, educational, and cultural hub for Jews of all ages across the Washington metropolitan area. For 172 years, the Temple has been a welcoming, vibrant, and engaged community that has been nimble in responding to the educational, spiritual, and life needs of congregants as well as to those in Washington, D.C. and beyond. WHC’s 2100 families include those whose forebears have been WHC members for generations as well as many who are new to the growing area. Members are drawn to the Temple’s top-quality programming; large and diverse congregation; and clergy, staff, and lay leaders who have the drive to make almost anything possible.

With a budget of approximately $10 million and endowment of $20 million, WHC has a unique stature and position as a destination for Reform Judaism in the nation’s capital, as well as a platform and responsibility to focus on local, national, and global concerns.

Location:

In person/in office: 3935 Macomb Street, NW, Washington, DC 20016, with the expectation to be in the office three days a week and actively participate in WHC events, services, and other community activities.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this role is $170,000 - $190,000 per year. WHC offers a comprehensive benefits package.

To Apply: Please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter using this link: HERE.

Washington Hebrew Congregation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Individuals of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.