Major Gifts Officer

About Yachad

Yachad, a division of The Orthodox Union, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish organization‚ supports individuals with intellectual, developmental, and learning disabilities. Yachad helps these individuals participate more fully in Jewish life and the broader society by providing educational, employment and relationship opportunities.

Yachad:

• Operates the largest stand-alone Jewish special education school system (IVDU) which currently operates 4 schools in New York educating 125 students annually.
• Operates adult day programs currently in New York and New Jersey, with a focus on helping individuals develop skills and opportunities to contribute to the community.
• As a summer camp/program provider, provides more diverse opportunities for more participants than any Jewish provider of summer experiences for individuals with disabilities. These include inclusive camp experiences, vocational experiences, travel programs, vacation style programs, and include both single gender and co-educational options.
• Operates 10 regions serving over 20 communities providing social and relationship opportunities through weekday evening programs, Shabbatonim, and much more. More than 1000 individuals participate in these programs annually.
• Began the first of its kind resource and referral service (REACH) that is data informed, and completely free. Families from around the world can call to speak with a qualified professional and receive referrals from our vast database.
• Engages youth, both school aged and college aged students in helping to desensitize attitudes towards individuals with disabilities, as well as encourage volunteerism and service in our youth. 

Position Summary

Yachad seeks an experienced Major Gifts Officer (MGO) who can help support our critical work internationally.

Reporting directly to the International Director, the MGO is responsible for the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of charitable gifts from existing and new donors for both annual and legacy gifts. The MGO is responsible for cultivating and maintaining close relationships with key community members to strengthen Yachad’s fundraising capabilities in partnership with senior staff members.

Utilizing a collaborative mindset, the MGO will play an integral role in achieving annual fundraising objectives.

Primary Responsibilities

• Independently manage a portfolio of fundraising donors and prospects through all phases of the giving cycle, from validation and engagement through cultivation, solicitation, gift negotiation, and stewardship with the expectation of raising a minimum of $1m annually.
• Conduct a minimum of 75 prospect meetings annually to cultivate and solicit prospects and close gifts.
• Complete a minimum of 50 major gift solicitations annually.
• Assist in organizing/planning fundraising events/annual events to fulfill fundraising goals.
• Responsible for managing communications and follow-up, including maintaining detailed contact reports and phase changes on all donor prospects in portfolio.
• Evaluate various gift opportunities and giving vehicles; recommend the most suitable for particular donors.
• Interact with contacts both within the OU and across the Jewish community to consult on needs, formulate proposal strategies and identify potential donors.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Actively maintain a current body of knowledge about Yachad’s programs, campaigns, aspirations and development priorities as well as a basic knowledge of general OU programming.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a minimum of 7 years of fundraising or related transferable experience required.
• Strong commitment to Jewish philanthropy and serving the disability community.
• Ability to be a persuasive advocate for Yachad’s priorities and present information in a clear and compelling manner, both in writing and in person.
• Previous experience successfully closing 6 and 7 figure gifts.
• Ability to use current desktop/mobile office technologies proficiently and to adapt to and use future technologies.
• Highly motivated self-starter who can initiate and maintain contacts, relationships, projects, meetings and events.
• Ability to self-motivate, prioritize, and work independently.
• Sound judgment, tactful and ability to handle highly confidential information.
• Strong initiative and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Enthusiastic, creative and enterprising.

Ancillary Requirements

• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Some weekend and evening work hours are required.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is between $225,000 and $250,000, commensurate with experience.

We offer employee-sponsored healthcare, dental and vision plans.

Other benefits include:

• Paid sick days
• Paid vacation days
• Paid Jewish and most Federal holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Short Fridays to accommodate for the Sabbath
• Free life and disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan which the OU will contribute 5% of your wage towards retirement savings after you contribute at least 2% (match eligible after 3 years of continuous service)