Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is a dynamic fundraising organization dedicated to transforming the lives of the brave men and women of the IDF – Israel’s future leaders and builders of society. We move fast, think big, and deliver results. Our team is made up of driven professionals who are personally motivated to make a real difference. If you're inspired by the opportunity to impact the lives of the IDF soldiers, support wounded veterans, uplift bereaved families, and bring hope to a population of diverse ethnicities, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds, FIDF is for you!
Position Summary:
FIDF is currently seeking a full-time Director for Southern Ohio which includes Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton (“Southern Ohio”) – reporting to the Ohio Chapter Executive Director and Regional Vice President, to support and expand the Chapter.
This role centers on fundraising - cultivating authentic relationships and inspiring others to support FIDF’s mission. Success depends on your ability to connect with warmth, empathy, and genuine enthusiasm, motivating people to take meaningful action.
This role is dynamic and ever evolving, involving a variety of tasks and frequent engagement with both new and existing supporters. Success hinges on your ability to proactively build relationships, quickly adapt to changing situations, and effectively motivate others.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
Chapter Operations
- Oversee the Southern Ohio Chapter’s fiscal management, operating within the approved budget while driving top-line growth and safeguarding bottom-line performance.
- Develop and implement a donor research strategy and stewardship program to enhance engagement and retention.
- Plan, organize, and execute fundraising events including coordinating logistics, volunteers, and promotional efforts to meet or exceed fundraising goals.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with teams including Planned Giving, Foundations, Finance, Marketing & Events, Human Resources, CRM, and Business Information Technology to achieve Chapter goals.
- Lead, motivate, coach, and supervise assigned staff to ensure high performance and alignment with organizational objectives.
Lay Leadership
- Maintain clear, consistent communication with lay leaders, ensuring they have the information and support needed for the Chapter’s success.
- Partner with local Board Members and serve as a key resource in donor/prospect cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
- Provide timely, accurate reporting to the Chapter Executive Director, Regional Vice President and lay leaders to support strategic decision-making.
- Have a sincere and genuine commitment to FIDF’s mission - supporting the soldiers, families, and veterans of the Israel Defense Forces - is essential to success in the Chapter Director role.
Key Performance Indicators:
- Fundraising goal determined upon hire
- Develop and maintain approximately 120 significant donor relationships
- Develop and maintain approximately 200 less significant donor relationships
- Cultivate new and steward existing donors >$5,000
- Find and secure new donors >$1,800
- Collaborate with the Planned Giving and Foundations Department to refer a minimum amount of planned giving and foundation prospects to support the Chapter’s goals. The amount is determined when setting annual goals.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university
- Minimum 5-7 years sales or fundraising experience
- History of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving fundraising results
- Understanding of local Jewish community not required, but preferred
- Excellent written, oral, and communication skills
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 applications required and experience using CRM tools, with Raisers Edge experience preferred
- Ability to travel locally. Occasional international travel to Israel as well as occasional evening and working on Sunday
JOB CHARACTERISTICS:
- Effectively manage multiple, concurrent initiatives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
- Demonstrate a strong sense of urgency and drive to achieve goals and exceed expectations
- Prioritize relationship-building and communicate with enthusiasm and influence
- Lead by inspiring and motivating others toward shared goals
- Delegate authority and empower team members
Benefits and compensation
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Early dismissal for Shabbat, 403b with employer matching, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, FSA, Jewish and Federal paid holidays, sick days, and vacation.
- Compensation is commensurate with experience.
FIDF is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.