Director of Development

Position Overview:

WIZO New York seeks a strategic, dynamic, and mission-driven Director of Development to lead and expand its fundraising efforts. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with lay leadership, the Board, and WIZO USA leadership, the Director of Development will be responsible for fundraising, donor engagement, and revenue growth in the NY Tri-State area. This is a hybrid and new position.

This Director of Development will take part in the strategy and implementation of a fundraising plan including major gifts, annual giving, events, corporate partnerships, and planned giving, while strengthening WIZO’s philanthropic presence in New York and beyond. This is a highly visible, hands-on role is suited for a relationship-builder with a passion for Israel, Jewish philanthropy, and women’s leadership, and a proven track record of securing significant philanthropic support.

About WIZO New York and WIZO USA:

WIZO USA  https://wizousa.org  is dedicated to promoting and supporting the vital work of WIZO in Israel through a network of regional and local chapters. WIZO chapters across the US are tightknit groups of impassioned women supporting Israel through advocacy, fundraising, and community building. WIZO New York is the headquarters of WIZO USA, with activity across the tri-state area raising up to $6m annually in support of WIZO’s life changing work in Israel.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement, with WIZO management and Leadership, a comprehensive multi-year development strategy aligned with WIZO NY and WIZO USA goals

• Lead major gifts strategy, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of high-net-worth donors

• Identify and secure new funding opportunities from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners

• Build a sustainable pipeline of major donors and long-term philanthropic partners

• Partner with management and leadership to establish annual revenue goals and track performance

Donor Engagement & Relationship Management

• Manage and grow a portfolio of key donors, prospects, and community leaders with focus on major giving

• Build meaningful, long-term relationships through personalized engagement and stewardship

• Organize donor meetings, cultivation events, and stewardship initiatives

• Support and guide board members and lay leaders in fundraising efforts

• Strengthen planned giving and legacy giving initiatives

Events & Campaigns

• Support fundraising at events including galas, luncheons, and special programs

• Develop compelling campaigns tied to WIZO’s work in Israel and current needs

• Leverage events to deepen engagement and expand the donor base

Team Leadership & Operations

• Ensure best practices in donor stewardship and compliance with nonprofit standards

Key Competencies:

• Major donor cultivation and stewardship

• Strategic fundraising leadership

• Executive presence and communication

• Relationship-driven and collaborative

• Passion for Israel and WIZO’s mission

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

Qualifications:

• 5-7+ years of nonprofit development experience, with significant major gifts experience

• Proven track record of securing five and six-figure gifts

• Ideally, you have served in several different fundraising capacities, working on annual campaigns, major gifts development, foundation relationships/grants and legacy giving.

• Experience working with boards, high-net-worth donors, and philanthropic networks

• Strong knowledge of Jewish philanthropy and Israel-focused organizations in New York preferred

• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills

• Experience fundraising through events and campaigns

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE a plus