Mersky, Jaffe & Associates, a national executive search and consulting firm, is conducting a search for the Chief Philanthropy Officer of The National Library of Israel USA.
About The National Library of Israel USA
The National Library of Israel (“NLI”) is the vibrant institution of collective memory for the Jewish people worldwide and Israelis of all backgrounds and faiths—serving as a leading global center that promotes creativity, scholarship, and the democratization of knowledge. The Library’s holdings include, books, music, manuscripts, photographs, maps, archives, and much more. Founded in 1892, NLI embarked upon an ambitious journey of renewal beginning in 2007 that culminated in the opening of its new building in October 2023, just weeks after the horrors of October 7th.
The Library’s renewal has centered on a range of innovative educational, cultural, and digital initiatives rooted in the Library’s treasures. During these challenging times post October 7th, NLI has become a symbol of strength and resilience. It has become a home to more than 40,000 visitors each month who seek out the Library for inspiration, comfort, and hope. Situated between the Knesset and the Israel Museum, NLI’s new home is heralded as an architectural icon that has taken a place of honor in Jerusalem.
The National Library of Israel USA (“NLI USA”) partners with NLI to help Americans learn about, engage with, and support this incredible enterprise. To reach a broad audience and to grow awareness of the Library, NLI USA presents public programs and events and furthers partnerships with other communal organizations. We raise funds to help the Library grow, to broaden its impact, and to achieve the vision of NLI as the home for the People of the Book as well as the broader community.
The Job
We seek a Chief Philanthropy Officer who will raise major gifts for the Library and help place the National Library of Israel among the great philanthropic destinations of the Jewish community and the broader arts, culture, and educational communities. We are particularly eager to introduce new donors and funders to NLI to expand the base of major supporters. The Chief Philanthropy Officer will focus on obtaining principal gifts—donations in the seven to eight-figure range—with an emphasis on endowment giving as well as multi-year general operating support and special programmatic gifts. The Chief Philanthropy Officer will work closely with the Library's top leaders in Israel and the US and together will advance one of the Jewish community’s greatest cultural institutions during a time of rebuilding in Israel.
This job is ideal for someone who is familiar with American Jewish philanthropists and who has the skills and experience to identify and engage with major donors in substantial giving.
What You Will Do
Find and Connect with Major Donors
- Identify and research prospective donors and funders who might give principal gifts
- Create plans to build relationships with these potential donors
- Work with Library leaders to sequence donor engagement
Raise Transformational Gifts and Steward Donors
- Endeavor to close 1-2 principal gifts in your first year
- Close 2-3 principal gifts in your second year
- Continue to achieve 2-3 such gifts in each subsequent year with a goal of raising a total $50 million for NLI’s endowment by 2030
- Create and implement individualized plans of cultivation and stewardship for each donor and prospect
Work with the Team
- Partner with Library leaders in Israel and the US
- Secure, prepare for, and participate in meetings with donors
- Integrate all fundraising efforts with your major gift efforts
The successful candidate will have
- At least 20 years of experience identifying principal gift donors and funders, asking for principal gifts, and achieving significant success in closing principal gifts
- Experience working with Jewish communities, higher education, or arts and culture organizations
- Ability to work well with a small, dedicated team
- Willingness to travel to meet with and deepen relationships with donors
- Demonstrated capacity to manage a complex, diverse portfolio of donors and funders
- Superior communication skills, both written and oral; excellent listening and problem-solving skills
- College degree required; graduate degree preferred
Key Personal Characteristics Will Include
- Excellent “storytelling” talents and communication skills
- Highest standard of personal integrity and ethics
- Commitment to excellence with a high degree of self-reliance
- Resilient, energetic, and persevering
- Flexible and responsive to multiple constituencies
- Diplomatic, yet decisive
- Compassionate, with a high level of emotional intelligence
- Creative and innovative
- Passion for the mission of NLI
Compensation and benefits
Salary commensurate with experience and will be in the range of $300,000+ annually. Significantly higher salaries will be considered for exceptional candidates, and such candidates are encouraged to learn more about the opportunity. Excellent benefits include generous paid vacation/sick/personal leave; employer coverage of 100% of medical plan for employee; deferred compensation plan with employer contribution.
This job description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other functions and responsibilities may change or may be assigned.
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Mersky, Jaffe & Associates is proud of its association with National Library of Israel USA and to be conducting the search for its next Chief Philanthropy Officer. If you, or someone you know, might be a suitable candidate for this position, please forward, in confidence, the person’s name, cover letter, resume, and contact information to Katie Moreland at [email protected].