Development Manager

Temple B’nai Jeshurun (TBJ), a 1,270-family unit Reform Congregation in Short Hills, New Jersey, seeks a dynamic and experienced Development Manager to join our Development team. As the largest synagogue in New Jersey, TBJ is an exciting, and inspiring place to work. Today, TBJ is a home for those seeking wholeness and connection in contemporary Jewish life. 

 As part of a motivated, nimble and innovative team of professionals, the Development Manager will help TBJ continue grow its fundraising efforts in Annual Giving, Planned Giving, and a Capital Campaign. The position will report to the Director of Strategic Advancement and will work collaboratively with the Development team, lay leaders, and clergy in setting, pursuing, and achieving fundraising goals. 

 Responsibilities include: 

• Execute and manage agreed-upon goals for $10 million capital campaign currently underway.  
• Identify and engage volunteers for various fundraising committees. 
• Develop and execute bi-annual gala that both engages the community and raises additional funds for the operating budget. 
• Coordinate and execute donor stewardship through individual outreach and community events.  
• Conduct face-to-face solicitations and secure new gifts, gift renewals, or gift increases from individuals in partnership with clergy and lay leaders.  
• Train and guide lay leaders and clergy in stewardship and fundraising best practices.  
• Strengthen and grow planned giving portfolio in coordination with Development team.  
• Initiate and conduct donor research. Create concise and accurate research and background materials using an array of data that prepares for future solicitations. 
• Oversee the production of fundraising events including committee work.  
• Craft and produce fundraising communications, acknowledgments, and recognition. 
• Develop proposals for various grants and restricted gifts from individuals and foundations. 
• Ensure donor and prospect strategies and communications are updated in TBJ’s CRM, in accordance with department policies and procedures.  
• Manage donor tracking, moves management system, and facilitate gift processing in coordination with TBJ administration. 
• Maintain processes for other fundraising functions such as tributes, perpetual yahrzeit, and yizkor book. 
• Maintain and update the fundraising page on TBJ’s website.  

 
Qualifications and Experience  

• Bachelor’s Degree required 
• 3-5 years of substantive experience in fundraising, including donor relations and solicitation  
• Strong organizational, administrative, interpersonal, and communication skills, with a demonstrated track record of establishing effective systems that foster collaboration and improve efficiency.    
• Commitment to transparency, accountability, and direct communication. 
• Demonstrated analytical skills and familiarity with common fundraising and research software related to complex donor research and information. 
• Proven ability to implement strategy, set and meet goals  
• Working knowledge of crafting and articulating persuasive solicitation materials such case statements, proposals, grant applications, etc. 
• Ability to manage highly sensitive, confidential information always using excellent judgement. 
• Experience in marketing/external communications a plus.  
• Experience in engaging, cultivating, and developing strong relations with a Board of Trustees a plus.  
• Understanding of the Jewish communal landscape a plus. 

  Work Environment 

• Flexibility to work evenings and a few weekends per year required. 
• Desire to work and grow as a part of a highly motivated, dynamic, and expanding Development Team. 

 Salary Range: $75,000-$90,000 commensurate on experience.