UJA-Federation of New York cares for those in need, rescues those in harm’s way, and renews and strengthens the Jewish people in New York, in Israel, and around the world. As the largest local Jewish federation in the world, UJA-Federation has been a critical actor in the historic work of North American Jewry in Israel over the past 60 years.
Several years ago, UJA created a Director of Foundations and Strategic Partnerships role to cultivate foundation partnerships, identify new funding opportunities, and work with colleagues throughout UJA to develop initiatives that attract philanthropic investment. As a result of our increased engagement with foundations, we are regularly presented with funding opportunities that require quick turnaround, tailored proposals, and ongoing stewardship. Foundations often require specific proposals in their portals, which takes care and skill to draft.
At the same time, UJA’s Capital Gifts & Special Initiatives department has significantly grown its campaign, raising nearly $30M this year. This has happened without a parallel expansion of this department’s writing team, which is responsible for drafting funding menus, proposals, reports, talking points, and other communications to individual donors and foundations.
The Grant Writer & Communications Associate will ensure we have the capacity to pursue funding opportunities effectively and maximize philanthropic support for UJA’s priorities. This professional will also help maintain strong relationships with funders after grants are awarded through ongoing reporting and stewardship.
Major Responsibilities:
- Write letters, proposals, reports and other communications to facilitate all phases of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of high-capacity foundations; all material will be individually customized to meet each foundation’s specific interests.
- Prepare remarks, talking points, and speeches for meetings and events
- Prepare general project descriptions and project “sampler menus”
- Work closely with fundraising and planning colleagues to gather required information, ask the right questions, and synthesize complex information to clearly articulate UJA’s strategy and opportunities for partnership.
- Design material so that it is visually compelling
Qualifications and Competencies:
- Strong writing skills
- 3-5 years of fundraising-related writing experience
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work seamlessly with others in a team environment
- Excellent organizational and project management skills
- Ability to see the full picture and determine what information needs to be shared to achieve a desired outcome
- Ability to organize and write both formal proposals and informal communications
- Ability to review and analyze a program budget
- Ability to work well under pressure, and flexibility to shift gears and juggle assignments
- Familiarity with the nonprofit field and organizational life
- Familiarity with Jewish life and Israel
- Commitment to the mission of UJA-Federation, and strong desire to use talents and skills to advance that mission
- Ability to communicate tactfully and clearly
- A good graphic sensibility and the ability to use Microsoft Office products to enhance the appearance of proposals and other documents
- A Bachelor of Arts is a must; more education and life experience is a plus
Reports To: Director, Foundation & Strategic Partnerships
Salary Range: $77,000 - $85,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications listed above.
Great Perks. Because We Appreciate Great Employees.
TIME OFF
We offer a generous number of vacation days and have the Jewish holidays off as well. Fridays our offices close early (October to March at 3:00 pm and April to September at 4:00 pm). All so you can relax and recharge.
HYBRID MODEL
We’re operating on a hybrid work model: three set days in the office and two days remote. So enjoy the best of both worlds — the comforts of home and the energy of the office.
HEALTH CARE
UJA provides a top-tier medical and dental plan, along with a flexible spending account. We also offer life insurance. And for a small cost you can take part in on-site yoga and exercise classes at our Manhattan office. Wellness matters to us.
PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT
UJA employees can enroll in a pension plan and tax deferred annuity.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Classes, workshops, and compelling speakers will keep you at the top of your game.
COMMUNITY
We come together as a staff to commemorate holidays (from Rosh Hashanah to MLK Day), volunteer at nonprofits, and celebrate our accomplishments together. (Our chocolate chip cookies are legendary!)