CONGREGATION EMANU-EL
Position: Senior Director of Philanthropy
Reports To: Executive Director
Location: 2 Lake Street, San Francisco, CA 94118
Hybrid-due to donor/member meetings, a large proportion of the work is in-person
Work Schedule and classification: Full Time, Regular, 40 hrs/week, Exempt
Compensation: Salary range is $200,000/year - $225,000/year (paid by pay period-cycle: 2x/month), Depending on experience and qualifications.
Congregation Emanuel offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, option to enroll in employee paid/contributions to FSA (Medical and Dependent Care), Commuter Benefits, Voluntary Life Insurance and an employer matched 403b retirement plan.
Instructions for applying:
Submit resume and cover letter to: [email protected]
No phone calls or direct emails to Congregation Emanu El staff.
Application closing date: Position open until filled
ABOUT CONGREGATION EMANU-EL
At Congregation Emanu-El, we believe that Judaism guides us on our journey to be better people, create stronger community, and repair the world. As one of the most dynamic and respected Jewish institutions in North America, Emanu-El offers a unique opportunity for professionals to make a lasting impact. We are the fifth largest Jewish Reform congregation in the United States, serving over 1,800 households and proudly holding the distinction of being the longest-standing Jewish congregation west of the Mississippi. Our landmark temple in San Francisco is not only an historic site, but also a vibrant hub of activity, working with strong young adult, family, and senior communities.
Summary
The Senior Director of Philanthropy has a unique opportunity to determine and execute Emanu-El's next philanthropic strategic plan. In 2025, Congregation Emanu-El celebrated the grand reopening of our revitalized historic building — an achievement made possible by a $115M capital campaign - one of the most successful for any synagogue in the country. This extraordinary campaign expanded our physical space and programs to better serve the evolving needs of the Bay Area Jewish community. It also fostered a vibrant culture of giving. Our members, inspired by this collective accomplishment, are deeply invested and eager to support our mission-driven work.
The Senior Director of Philanthropy at Congregation Emanu-El provides strategic leadership and management of the congregation’s philanthropic programs. This role oversees two key revenue streams and helps guide a large and diverse Jewish community on the West Coast.
Serving as the advancement lead, the Senior Director manages fundraising, including individual giving, dues, grants, campaigns, and donor engagement. The role focuses on fostering a coordinated, relationship-driven approach that supports the congregation’s mission and long-term financial sustainability.
With the capital campaign largely complete and the building fully reopened, we’re entering a new phase. The department is well positioned to focus on growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability. This is a unique and meaningful opportunity for the right person.
As part of the senior leadership team, the Senior Director of Philanthropy collaborates with the Executive Director, Senior Rabbi, Board of Directors, and lay leaders to help shape the direction and impact of Congregation Emanu-El.
Scope of Responsibilities:
- Overall revenue oversight exceeding $8.4M annually, including approximately $5.4M in membership dues and $3M+ in philanthropic giving.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major donors, prospects, foundations, and community partners.
- Management of the team members working in development and philanthropy.
- Identify new opportunities for funding, including major gifts, planned giving, events, small donor strategy, and the grantmaking process.
Key Responsibilities
- Comprehensive Fundraising Strategy & Execution
- Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising and stewardship program generating $3M annually in unrestricted and restricted giving.
- Provide strategic oversight of the membership dues program generating approximately $5.4M annually.
- Plan and execute annual appeals, targeted solicitations, donor communications, and recognition efforts.
- Shape Emanu-El's planned giving strategy and deploy that strategy.
- Oversee donor stewardship, recognition, and acknowledgment processes to ensure strong, long-term relationships.
- Lead planning and execution of fundraising events to ensure strong return on investment and donor engagement.
- Partner with and support the Director of Membership, clergy, staff, and lay leaders to create meaningful membership engagement across all life stages.
- Partner with senior leadership on communications and marketing strategy and ensure close coordination between efforts to align messaging, outreach, and stewardship.
- Grant Strategy & Management
- Identify and pursue grant opportunities.
- Oversee proposal development, compliance, and reporting.
- Financial Management, Reporting & Administration
- Ensure responsible management of grant funds.
- Develop and manage departmental budgets.
- Track and report fundraising metrics, including forecasting.
- Ensure regulatory and ethical compliance.
- Leadership & Administrative Duties
- The primary point person for the Congregation’s philanthropy efforts in coordination with senior leadership.
- Lead and manage the philanthropy department’s team members, fostering a collaborative, relationship-driven culture.
- Work closely with the Executive Director, Senior Rabbi, Board of Directors, Development Committee, and Membership/Dues Committee.
- Collaborate with other departments across the organization to provide support and ensure alignment with overall goals.
- Attend and report at Board and committee meetings as appropriate.
- Partner with communications and marketing staff to support fundraising and membership initiatives.
- Foster a culture of philanthropy and engagement across staff and lay leadership.
- Perform other duties as needed to support the Congregation’s mission and success.
General Responsibilities:
- This is an at-will position. Thus, all employees are required to perform all other duties and tasks as assigned, including substituting colleagues during absences.
- Participate in events and services operated by the organization, including those on religious holidays.
- Work cooperatively and professionally with all employees and members.
- Adhere to and fully follow all policies and legal requirements relevant to your duties.
- Maintain flexibility and adaptability in work assignments to meet organizational needs.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Finance, Accounting, or similar field required.
- 10 years of experience in fundraising for a nonprofit organization highly preferred
- Proven track record in securing major gifts and grants, as well as developing long-term donor relationships.
- Strong understanding of donor cultivation, fundraising best practices, strategies and principles.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency with MS Suite.
- Excellent staff management skills.
- Knowledge of tax planning principles and techniques that favor charitable giving.
CONGREGATION EMANU-EL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER