Director of Development

Since its founding in 1853, Temple Israel has been a cornerstone of Reform Judaism in Memphis, serving a dynamic and multigenerational community. As one of the oldest congregations in the region, Temple Israel is a welcoming spiritual home for prayer, learning, celebration, and service. The congregation supports a full continuum of engagement from the Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center and religious school through teen, adult, and senior programming alongside robust worship, lifecycle, social justice, and community-building opportunities. Temple Israel is proudly inclusive, embracing interfaith families and partners as full participants in congregational life.

Temple Israel is currently in a period of significant growth and transformation. With an active membership base of over 1400 families and strong leadership from clergy, professional staff, and lay partners, the congregation is advancing an ambitious Vision 2026 capital campaign, expanding and modernizing its campus, and deepening its commitment to meaningful engagement and lifelong Jewish connection.

Temple Israel now seeks an experienced Director of Development to serve as a key partner to the Clergy, Board leadership, Executive Director, and Development Committee. This individual will lead and strengthen all fundraising efforts, steward donor relationships with care and strategy, and help ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the congregation.  The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on, someone who thrives in a relationship-driven environment and is energized by building systems, telling compelling stories, and advancing a shared mission. The Director of Development reports to the Executive Director.

The ideal candidate is both strategic and highly self-directed—someone who thrives in a relationship-driven environment and is energized by building systems, telling compelling stories, and advancing a shared mission. This individual must be able to work independently to design, develop, and implement a comprehensive development program, proactively identifying opportunities, establishing fundraising strategies, and executing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of all fundraising initiatives, including the annual campaign, major gifts, capital and special campaigns, foundation and grant support, gala and donor events, and planned giving efforts
  
  
• Partner closely with clergy, the Executive Director, Board President, and lay leadership to develop and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies
  
  
• Manage donor engagement activities, including donor meetings, events, communications, and recognition opportunities
  
  
• Create, maintain, and adapt development materials and collateral to support fundraising and stewardship efforts
  
  
• Oversee and maintain the congregation’s donor database, ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and analysis of gifts and relationships
  
  
• Prepare regular development reports and dashboards for professional and lay leadership, including progress toward goals and key performance indicators
  
  
• Monitor fundraising goals and outcomes to ensure alignment with Temple Israel’s mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability
  
  
• Represent Temple Israel within the broader Jewish and philanthropic community and at relevant community-wide events
  
  
• Support and collaborate with volunteer leaders and committees to foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the congregation
  
  

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated success in nonprofit development, with a strong background in annual giving and donor relationship management
  
  
• Strategic, proactive, and collaborative leader who is comfortable both setting direction and executing details
  
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences authentically and persuasively
  
  
• Experience with digital communications, email campaigns, and social media as tools for engagement and fundraising
  
  
• High emotional intelligence with strong listening skills and a warm, professional presence
  
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Workspace, and Zoom
  
  
• Experience with donor management and CRM systems, including reporting and relationship tracking
  
  
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with clergy, staff, congregants, donors, and community partners
  
  
• Knowledge of Jewish values, congregational life, and Reform Jewish practice; familiarity with Israel and Jewish communal structures preferred
  
  
• Experience with event planning, volunteer management, and committee partnership strongly preferred