Be Part of the Momentum
Jewish Federation of San Diego is in a season of growth, impact, and bold ambition. Over the past few years, we’ve reimagined how we engage our community and activated hundreds of new and long-standing donors around a renewed sense of purpose, unity, and urgency.
With this surge in energy and commitment, we are expanding our development team to deepen donor relationships, scale our efforts, and execute high-impact annual and special-project campaigns.
The Role
The Emerging Philanthropy Manager is responsible for implementing a new, innovative approach to engaging Jewish adults ages 25–40 as lifelong donors, leaders, and community builders.
This position turns vision into reality—bringing to life a platform that connects generosity, belonging, and purpose through meaningful experiences and relationships.
The Manager will lead all aspects of program implementation, donor engagement, and relationship management for this new initiative, growing and sustaining a vibrant portfolio of young adult donors. This includes coordinating events, partnerships, and communications that inspire participation and deepen investment in Federation’s mission.
The role reports to the Chief Development Officer and collaborates closely with colleagues across development, programs, leadership, and marketing.
Key Responsibilities
Implementation and Leadership
- Execute Federation’s new emerging philanthropy platform, transforming strategic vision into an ongoing, measurable community engagement effort.
- Lead implementation of giving structures, experiences, and communications that cultivate a sense of belonging, impact, and shared responsibility.
- Collaborate with senior staff to align the initiative with Federation’s broader fundraising, leadership, and engagement strategies.
Engagement and Experience Delivery
- Plan and produce a calendar of gatherings and conversations that connect emerging philanthropists through learning, culture, and community.
- Partner with thought leaders, educators, and local influencers to deliver content that sparks curiosity and inspires generosity.
- Serve as a trusted community connector—actively engaging participants at events, in small groups, and one-on-one.
Donor Development and Stewardship
- Manage and grow a portfolio of emerging donors and prospects, cultivating long-term relationships through consistent engagement, personalized outreach, and stewardship.
- Identify and advance donors through the giving pipeline toward increased annual and legacy commitments.
- Maintain accurate tracking of participation and giving in Salesforce to support evaluation and data-driven decision-making.
Leadership and Network Activation
- Identify and cultivate emerging volunteer leaders who can help grow participation and build community around shared interests.
- Equip and support those leaders to host gatherings, welcome peers, and model generosity as a form of connection.
- Build informal networks across professional, social, and geographic circles to extend the reach and vitality of the initiative.
- Coordinate with leadership development, immersive travel, and service programs to connect participants to Federation’s broader philanthropic ecosystem.
Evaluation and Impact
- Measure engagement, giving, and retention outcomes, producing regular reports and recommendations to refine strategy.
- Ensure accountability to Federation’s goals for participation, philanthropy, and leadership activation.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit organizations, creating experiences for young adults, or philanthropy.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with experience working with leaders, volunteers, and emerging professionals
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically, innovate, and lead complex projects from conception to completion.
- Familiarity with Jewish communal life and Federation mission is highly desirable.
- Proficiency in donor management software (CRM), data analytics, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Physical Requirements and Equipment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must occasionally crouch, stoop, or reach. The employee must have the ability to travel when needed, with the flexibility to adjust work hours to meet the organization’s needs, including some evenings and weekends for donor meetings and events. This is a full-time position, working onsite in San Diego, CA, with the ability to work from home on most Fridays.
Compensation and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary range of $80,000 – $95,000 annually, along with a generous benefits package, retirement plan, and comprehensive paid leave, including vacation, sick leave, and up to 22 paid holidays per year.
About Jewish Federation of San Diego
For over 85 years, the Federation has been a pillar of support for the Jewish community, fostering connection, compassion, and resilience. Our mission is to strengthen Jewish identity, care for Jews in need, and build deep, lasting connections with Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. San Diego County is home to more than 100,000 Jews, in about 50,000 households. We are a thriving, vibrant, multi-faceted Jewish community of more than 100 Jewish communal organizations. More information about Jewish San Diego is available on our website, www.jewishinsandiego.org. Federation staff are passionate about community building, highly collaborative and always learning. We bring a wide range of experiences and backgrounds to our work and welcome all applicants for this dynamic position.
Jewish Federation of San Diego County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veterans’ status or any other protected category. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position. All qualified candidates must be able to provide proof of their ability to work in the United States without support. All candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check prior to beginning work at JFSD.
Interested candidates should provide a cover letter and a detailed resume to [email protected].