Department: Fundraising
Reports To: Chief Development Officer
Direct Reports: None
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida (Remote)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Classification: Exempt
ABOUT THE ROLE
Position Summary
AFBIU seeks a dynamic, entrepreneurial Senior Director of Development (SDD) to lead major gift fundraising efforts in Palm Beach County. As a key member of our national team, the SDD will build and manage a robust pipeline of major gift prospects ($25,000+), steward current donors, and engage new supporters with a particular focus on high-net-worth individuals and families in the Jewish philanthropic community.
This role requires a front-line fundraiser with a proven track record in major gifts, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to work independently in a donor-centric, metrics-driven environment
Responsibilities
Develop and execute a Palm Beach County fundraising plan that supports AFBIU’s national strategy.
- Manage a portfolio of 75 to125 major gift prospects and donors; develop and execute tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies.
- Engage existing donors and expand outreach to alumni, next-gen donors, and untapped networks.
- Collaborate closely with the Miami-based AFBIU fundraiser and national team on events, strategy, and donor engagement.
- Serve as a visible, informed, and enthusiastic ambassador of AFBIU and Bar-Ilan University in the community.
- Support visits from Bar-Ilan faculty and leadership; plan and execute parlor meetings and small events.
- Maintain accurate records in Raiser's Edge and provide regular progress updates.
- Participate in travel to Israel
Core Competencies and Experience
Required:
- Minimum seven years of frontline fundraising experience, with a successful track record of securing five- to seven-figure gifts.
- Deep familiarity with the Jewish philanthropic landscape, especially in Palm Beach County.
- Superior interpersonal and communication skills.
- Self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently and remotely.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM platforms, preferably Raiser's Edge.
Preferred:
- Advanced degree or experience in higher education fundraising.
- Familiarity with higher education institutions.
- Familiarity with Israel and Israeli society.
Compensation
A competitive salary will be offered commensurate with experience. For roles of this scope, AFBIU generally budgets $200,000–$250,000 in base salary.
ABOUT OUR WORKPLACE
Employee Benefits
American Friends of Bar-Ilan University is committed to supporting our employees’ well-being, work-life balance, and professional growth. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Comprehensive health coverage — medical, dental, and vision plans
- Generous paid time off, including Jewish and U.S. holidays, plus early closings on Fridays for Shabbat and on many holiday eves
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
- Pre-tax benefits, including flexible spending accounts (FSA) and TransitChek
- Disability and life insurance coverage
- Support for professional development and continuing education
Location and Work Arrangements
This is a fully remote position. Candidates must be based in Palm Beach County and have access to a reliable internet connection and a quiet, dedicated workspace suitable for professional, full-time work. The ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and communicate consistently with a distributed team is essential.
Support of various kinds is provided by AFBIU team members based in our New York City office, where staff work in-office Monday to Thursday and remotely on Fridays.
Please note that, due to the need for close collaboration with colleagues at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, candidates must be able and willing to occasionally take calls or video meetings outside standard U.S. business hours to accommodate the time zone difference.
Additional Information
Travel: Frequent travel in Florida, occasional travel to NYC and Israel.
Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. AFBIU does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer: American Friends of Bar-llan University (AFBIU) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, marital status, or veteran status. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds who are committed to AFBIU's mission and values.
ABOUT AFBIU
American Friends of Bar-Ilan University (AFBIU) supports Bar-Ilan University in Israel by engaging U.S. partners and donors to advance education, research, and innovation that strengthen Israel and benefit the world.
Bar-Ilan University, located near Tel Aviv, is one of Israel’s leading institutions of higher learning—renowned for its cutting-edge research, commitment to social responsibility, and integration of Jewish values with academic excellence. Through our work, AFBIU helps ensure that Bar-Ilan continues to educate future leaders and drive positive change in Israel and beyond. Our organizational budget is approximately $8M and our staff size is approximately 20.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, complete this online form including uploading your resume and a cover letter explaining why you’re excited about and qualified for this opportunity. No phone calls or direct emails, please.
We appreciate all applicants; however, because of the high volume of interest in our open positions, only those selected to move forward in the process will be contacted.