Associate Director of Major Gifts Tri-State Area 6187

Position Overview:

Our client, American Friends of  Magen David Adom  www.afmda.org  seeks an Associate Director of Major Gifts for the New York Area Modern Orthodox Community. S/he will be instrumental in cultivating and strengthening relationships within Orthodox congregations and the broader Jewish community. This role is vital for developing and executing strategies that enhance community engagement, raise awareness of Magen David Adom's mission, and encourage financial contributions to support its initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of Jewish culture, particularly Orthodox traditions, exhibit active community involvement, and demonstrate a strong passion for community building and fundraising. The position reports to the Director of Major Gifts. Applicants must live and work with donors in the New York Metropolitan Area.

 Essential Job Functions:

• Manage a portfolio of 150 to 250 prospects for active qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, with a set financial goal to meet. Expected to conduct three to five face-to-face meetings weekly.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive engagement strategy to boost participation and support from synagogues, focusing on Orthodox congregations.
• Assess the needs and interests of various congregations to tailor engagement efforts effectively.
• Establish and maintain robust relationships with synagogue clergy, professional teams, educational staff, lay leadership, and congregants to promote awareness of American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA).
• Plan and execute culturally relevant events that resonate with Orthodox communities to enhance engagement.
• Develop lay leadership and organize multiple area fundraising events annually, including corporate dinners, parlor meetings, and special events to raise awareness and contributions for AFMDA.
• Conduct donor research to identify prospects and support cultivation efforts, especially when external research assistance is not available.
• Cultivate and maintain community relationships and outreach; identify potential speakers for events and activities.
• Enter all donor information, actions, and notes into Raisers Edge/NXT.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Minimum of 5-7 years of direct community fundraising.
• Knowledge of the Modern Orthodox Jewish Community

Skills Required:

• In depth understanding of Orthodox traditions and practices to enhance engagement efforts.
• Strong knowledge of donor cultivation, services and solicitation, with a proven ability to secure and close gifts.
• Proven success in planning and executing fundraising events.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfort in interfacing with donors.
• Exceptional writing and verbal communications skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable with donor database programs, Raisers Edge preferred.
• Must be able to work strategically within a team structure as well as independently, multi-task and work under tight deadlines.
• Dependable with strong time management and organizational skills; attentive to detail.
• Proven experience in managing and implementing development programs.
• Experience in building and maintaining productive relationships with board members, donors, and staff a plus.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing situations both internally and externally.
• Availability to facilitate and host events in line with Shabbat observances, including Shabbatons and post-kiddush discussions, ensuring respect for community traditions.