Sr. Director of Development

Founded in 1972, Americans for Ben-Gurion University (A4BGU) is the primary U.S. philanthropic partner of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, a globally recognized research institution advancing innovation in desert and water science, global health, cybersecurity, and social impact. Guided by the vision of David Ben-Gurion, A4BGU raises approximately $50 million annually and stewards an endowment exceeding $750 million, connecting donors to transformative opportunities that advance academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and the future of Israel's Negev region and beyond.

A4BGU seeks a Senior Director of Development to serve as the lead fundraiser and strategist for South Florida, responsible for securing major and principal gifts and advancing a high-capacity portfolio of donors and prospects. Operating at a highly strategic level, this role drives significant gift activity, shapes regional campaign strategy, and partners with senior leadership to advance institutional priorities. The Senior Director will engage the region's most influential philanthropic leaders, aligning their passions and interests with transformative opportunities across Ben-Gurion University. Successful candidates will have a minimum of 10 years of relevant nonprofit fundraising experience and a passion for the mission of A4BGU.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 75–100 high-capacity donors and prospects, with a focus on top-tier relationships and solicitations in the $250K–$1M+ range
• Develop and execute a comprehensive regional fundraising strategy aligned with institutional priorities, including campaign planning, pipeline development, and long-term growth
• Develop and implement a portfolio of donor engagement and fundraising events that advance prospect movement, strengthen donor retention, and contribute to annual fundraising goals
• Partner with executive leadership on principal gifts strategy and high-level donor engagement
• Translate university priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities across research, academic programs, and capital initiatives
• Drive $5M+ in annual philanthropic revenue through personal solicitation and donor stewardship
• Accurately track donor communications, interactions, and stewardship activities in Salesforce, maintaining complete and up-to-date donor records
• Oversee regional forecasting and revenue projections

Qualifications & Skills

• 10+ years of experience in major and principal gifts fundraising, preferably within higher education or similarly complex environments
• Proven success securing six- and seven-figure gifts
• Experience managing and mentoring frontline fundraising professionals
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic fundraising plans
• Experience working with senior leadership, boards, and high net worth individuals
• Strong ability to understand and communicate academic research priorities
• Familiarity with the Jewish philanthropic community and/or Israel-focused giving strongly preferred
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; strong executive presence
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and CRM systems; Salesforce experience strongly preferred
• Ability to travel to donor meetings, conferences, and team retreats as needed