Associate Director, Donor Engagement, Women's Philanthropy

Role Overview 

The Associate Director of Donor Engagement, Women’s Philanthropy is a relationship builder who works with donors and lay leaders (volunteers) to advance Federation’s mission and vision through the work of Financial Resource Development (FRD). This role is central to identifying, cultivating, and engaging new donors—expanding our base of support while deepening relationships with existing contributors. The Associate Director partners with volunteer leaders to craft and implement meaningful engagement opportunities that connect individuals and organizations more deeply to our work, strengthening long-term philanthropic commitment and helping grow total dollars raised to support the Greater Washington Jewish Community. 

The Associate Director of Donor Engagement, Women’s Philanthropy is a key member of our Financial Resource Development (FRD) team, and will be responsible for: 

Resource Development 

• Serve as a relationship manager to deepen and strengthen connection with donors and prospects. 

• Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of donors and prospects, securing gifts through face-to-face solicitations as part of a $25M+ annual fundraising campaign. 

• Development of moves management donor pipeline with clear targets and metrics for growing women’s giving circles at the $1,800+ level (Pomegranate Circle) and stepping up to Lions of Judah ($5,000+). 

• Utilize considerable initiative, independence, originality, and responsibility for developing new methods and techniques for relationship building.  

• Ensure consistent onboarding/welcoming of new Pomegranates and Lions with the help of our giving society chairs. 

• Develop a portfolio of prospects for endowment and legacy gifts (e.g., Endowed Lions of Judah - LOJE). 

• Volunteer Partnership 

• In collaboration with the Director of Donor Engagement, Women’s Philanthropy act as strategic thought partners with critical lay leadership (volunteers), including the Vice President of Women’s Philanthropy, Assistant Vice President of Women’s Philanthropy, and giving society chairs to identity, initiate, and develop solicitation efforts, enhance current engagement initiatives, and foster opportunities for organizational and communal leadership development. 

• Onboards and supports lay leaders by developing strategies for committees, meetings, and events, and developing appropriate written materials including annotated agendas and operational plans (timelines for projects, solicitor recruitment plans). 

• In consultation with the Director of Donor Engagement, Women’s Philanthropy, and the VP of Women’s Philanthropy, assists in creating a pipeline for lay leadership. 

Engagement Opportunities 

• Develops and implements programming, events, and immersive travel experiences that further Federation’s philanthropic goals. 

• Works closely with key donors and cohorts to foster and deepen connection between our donors to Federation and one another, collaborating with the Donor Engagement team, to develop and implement cross-organizational engagement and fundraising strategies. 

General support: 

• Partner with colleagues across the Development team including Donor Engagement, Major Gifts, and the Jewish Community Foundation and across the organization to enhance the philanthropic engagement and leadership development of Women’s Philanthropy donors, prospects, and lay leaders. 

The above job duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required of employees in this job. 

Background, Qualifications and Success Factors 

• 4-6 years of experience in annual fundraising, donor engagement, customer service, sales, or relationship or account management 

• Strong donor-relations skills: proven ability in cultivating prospects and creating donor engagement strategies that lead to greater philanthropic support 

• Data-driven decision-maker who is comfortable with analytics and data management 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred 

• Experience in management of membership or volunteer operations and working volunteer committees 

• First-hand knowledge of the Jewish community, its customs, and practices 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRMs (Customer Relationship Management); comfortable with and open to new technology 

A People-Friendly Workplace   

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is a dynamic and collaborative workplace offering a people-friendly environment, including:      

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance   

• Retirement plan with employer contribution  

• Generous vacation and sick leave and Jewish holiday schedule  

• 6 weeks paid Parental Leave after 1 year    

• Commuter bonus    

• Hybrid work schedule    

• Professional development opportunities  

• Access to the JPRO Network, which connects, educates, inspires, and empowers professionals working in the Jewish nonprofit sector 

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington envisions an open, connected, and vibrant Jewish community that cares for each other, fosters Jewish learning and journeys, embraces Jewish peoplehood and Israel, and acts as a force for good in the world. As a mission-driven non-profit organization, we work to inspire, build, and sustain vibrant Jewish life in a changing world by mobilizing our community in common purpose, intentional innovation, and effective action. Learn more at shalomdc.org.