Director of Development
Congregation B’nai B’rith – Santa Barbara, CA
Position Summary:
Congregation B’nai B’rith (CBB), a vibrant and inclusive Reform Jewish community in Santa Barbara, is seeking a passionate and experienced Director of Development to lead the congregation’s relationship, fundraising and storytelling efforts. This full-time, senior-level position is a key member of the professional team, reporting to the Executive Director and working in close partnership with the Senior Rabbi, Board leadership, and volunteer committees.
This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader who is both a strategic thinker and a hands-on implementer. The Director will strengthen CBB’s culture of philanthropy, grow the congregation’s financial resources, and deepen engagement through clear, consistent, and compelling communications.
Strategic development and communications planning will be conducted in close collaboration with the Executive Director. The Director will also work with a Marketing and Communications Manager, providing leadership, mentorship, and project oversight.
About CBB
Founded in 1927, CBB is the largest Jewish congregation between Los Angeles and San Francisco, with over 800 member households. Our mission is to be a diverse, inclusive community building a warm and vibrant house of living Judaism. Through spiritual, educational, and social justice programs, we serve individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds. Our collaborative staff culture values relationships, creativity, and impact.
Key Responsibilities
Development (Approximately 70%)
- Manage all aspects of CBB’s development calendar including annual membership campaign, major gifts, planned giving, grants, and special initiatives.
- Serve as the lead on CBB’s annual fundraising event, including concept development, planning, volunteer coordination, sponsorships, donor engagement, and execution.
- Cultivate, solicit, acknowledge, and steward donors with a strong focus on major gifts and long-term donor engagement. Oversee donor acknowledgement process in a professional, organized and timely manner.
- In partnership with the Executive Director and Board partner, create an annual development plan and calendar that includes clear fundraising goals, defined strategies, and step-by-step implementation to meet financial and engagement targets.
- Partner with the Executive Director, Senior Rabbi, Development VP, and lay leaders to align fundraising goals with organizational priorities.
- Oversee donor recognition and stewardship programs (Rabbi’s Circle, Leadership Circle, Children of the Covenant, etc.).
- Staff the Development Committee and support volunteer leadership in peer-to-peer fundraising and donor outreach.
- Develop and monitor the annual development budget and fundraising metrics.
- Supervise gift processing, data management, and reporting within CBB’s donor database.
- Identify and pursue grant opportunities; manage grant applications and reporting.
Storytelling (Approximately 30%)
- Oversee congregational communications to ensure clear, engaging, and consistent messaging aligned with CBB’s mission, brand, and voice.
- Plan communications strategy in partnership with the Executive Director to support development goals.
- Management/oversight (with support of Marketing and Communications Manager) of production and content for:
- Weekly e-newsletter to keep members informed and engaged.
- CBB website, ensuring timely updates, compelling storytelling, and ease of navigation.
- Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) to promote programs, foster community, and share CBB’s values.
- Annual publications, including the High Holy Day Bulletin, Annual Report, donor recognition materials, and fundraising collateral.
- Assist with Congregational announcements and public relations, in collaboration with clergy and staff.
- Collaborate with staff and clergy to craft communications that amplify CBB’s history, milestones, and community impact.
- Ensure brand consistency and manage visual identity across all materials.
- Serve as editor-in-chief for donor-facing communications.
Supervision
- Supervise the Marketing and Communications Manager, overseeing day-to-day tasks, project priorities, and professional development.
- Delegate, mentor, and collaborate to build team capacity and ensure high-quality, timely output.
Qualifications & Characteristics
- Proven track record (7+ years) in nonprofit development, including major gifts, campaigns, donor relations, and communications.
- Experience leading successful fundraising events from concept through execution.
- Experience creating strategic plans and leading execution with measurable outcomes.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven, with excellent project management ability.
- Skilled in building relationships and inspiring generosity and engagement across a diverse community.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into action.
- Proficiency in donor database systems (e.g., ShulCloud, Salesforce, or similar), wealth screening/research tools, email marketing platforms, website CMS, and social media tools.
- Experience managing staff, interns, or volunteers.
- Comfortable working in a Jewish organizational setting; knowledge of Jewish values, customs, and calendar preferred.
- Warm, collaborative, flexible, and committed to the mission of Congregation B’nai B’rith.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary: Commensurate with experience.
- Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 2% retirement matching; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; complimentary CBB membership and supplemental Jewish education for eligible dependents.