Sr Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving

Employer:       American Jewish University

Job Title:         Senior Director of Advancement, Major Gifts and Planned Giving

Status:             Full Time

Supervisor:      Vice President of Advancement  

Job Summary

This position reports to the VP of Advancement and is responsible for growing and managing a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects to secure major gifts ($10,000+) and planned gifts, including bequests, endowments, and capital contributions. The Senior Director will play a critical role in advancing AJU’s mission, building a culture of philanthropy, and supporting the university’s long-term financial sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities

Major Gifts Responsibilities

• Builds and manages a portfolio of donors and prospects capable of making gifts of $10,000 or more annually.
• Serves as the Moves Manager working with Board members to develop individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies using in-person meetings, events, phone, and written communications.
• Works in close partnership with academic and program leadership to match donor interests with institutional priorities.
• Maintains accurate and timely records of donor interactions and plans using the HubSpot CRM.
• Arranges donor visits, BBC and Ziegler tours, briefings, and events to deepen engagement and encourage investment in AJU’s mission.
• Collaborates with Advancement colleagues and Board leadership on prospect strategy and overall philanthropy planning.
• Meets and exceeds annual fundraising goals as set by the Vice President of Advancement.

Planned Giving Responsibilities

• Serves as AJU’s in-house expert on planned giving, helping donors and prospects explore legacy giving options including bequests, charitable gift annuities, donor-advised funds, and other vehicles.
• In partnership with the AJU Board of Directors and Advancement staff, builds and maintains a pipeline of planned giving prospects and leads all stages of identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develops educational content and events to promote AJU’s planned giving program to current and prospective donors.
• Partners with estate attorneys, financial planners, and other professionals to identify and engage new planned giving prospects.
• Collaborates with Advancement and Marketing teams to promote legacy giving through digital and print communications.
• Works closely with Advancement leadership to refine and implement AJU’s planned giving strategy and stewardship protocols.

 Job Requirements

Qualifications:

• Proven track record of securing five-and six-figure gifts and/or planned gifts from individuals and institutions.
• Strong knowledge of planned giving vehicles and strategies.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with lay leaders and volunteers.
• Demonstrated success managing a donor portfolio using a Moves Management approach.
• Familiarity with the Jewish community and a strong alignment with AJU’s mission and values.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in a senior development role with a focus on major gifts and planned giving.
• Bachelor’s degree required. Graduate degree preferred.