Director, Donor Engagement

Position Overview 

The Director of Donor Engagement leads strategy and execution for engaging Greater Washington’s Jewish business professional community of donors as a key driver of Federation’s campaign pipeline and long-term philanthropic growth. 

This role is focused on identifying, cultivating, and stewarding high-potential and significant donors, while advancing individuals along a clear path toward deeper giving and leadership. As part of a fully integrated FRD team, this role contributes to coordinated moves management across the campaign. 

The Director also manages the Associate Director responsible for the Commercial Real Estate division and guides the team’s work engaging professionals as leaders and connectors—expanding networks, opening doors, and driving philanthropic growth and leadership development.  

What You’ll Do 

Fundraising & Donor Strategy 

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward high-potential and significant donors in alignment with Federation’s impact and growth strategy 

• Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospects, advancing donors toward increased giving and leadership in support of Federation’s strategic priorities and long-term growth  

• Execute strategic moves management plans for a personal portfolio  

• Leverage Network engagement to drive campaign growth and elevate donors across giving levels  
• Use data and metrics to track donor progression and inform strategy

Network & Industry Engagement 

• Lead strategy for engaging business professional communities across the region  

• Oversee key industry verticals, including Commercial Real Estate and Northern Virigina 

• Design and implement strategies that engage professionals as leaders and connectors, leveraging their networks to identify prospects, build relationships, and drive philanthropic growth  

• Expand outreach across sectors such as real estate, legal, financial services, tech, and entrepreneurship  

• Ensure all engagement efforts align with clear fundraising and pipeline goals  

Volunteer Leadership 

• Partner with Network Co-Chairs and lay leaders to set vision and goals  

• Develop and support volunteer leaders as active partners in donor outreach and solicitation  

• Build a strong leadership pipeline for long-term engagement  

• Foster collaboration, connection, and inclusive leadership practices  

Team Leadership & Collaboration 

• Manage and develop 1-3 professionals, including goal-setting, coaching, and performance management  

• Partner across FRD in a highly collaborative, integrated model  

• Contribute to shared campaign goals and coordinated donor strategies  

• Collaborate with Communications and colleagues to support engagement and fundraising efforts  

Partnerships & Growth   

• Partner with our Senior Director, Legacy Giving and the Jewish Community Foundation to support legacy and planned giving conversations 

• Build relationships with community partners and organizations  

• Identify emerging opportunities to expand Federation’s reach within the professional community  

What Success Looks Like 

• Growth in campaign dollars and donor participation  

• Strong, active pipeline with clear donor progression  

• Increased donor retention, upgrades, and leadership engagement  

• Effective Commercial industry-based strategies  

• Engaged and activated volunteer leadership  

• Meaningful contribution to a collaborative FRD team culture  

What You Bring 

• 5–7+ years of experience in fundraising, donor engagement, sales, or relationship management  

• Proven success managing donor portfolios and closing gifts  

• Experience working with volunteer leaders  

• Strong strategic thinking and execution skills  

• Data-driven approach to decision-making  

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills  

• Acumen for business trends in the region 

• Team management experience preferred  

• Familiarity with the Jewish community preferred  

A People-Friendly Workplace   

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is a dynamic and collaborative workplace offering a people-friendly environment, including:      

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance   

• Retirement plan with employer contribution  

• Generous vacation and sick leave and Jewish holiday schedule  

• 6 weeks paid Parental Leave after 1 year    

• Commuter bonus    

• Hybrid work schedule    

• Professional development opportunities  

• Access to the JPRO Network, which connects, educates, inspires, and empowers professionals working in the Jewish nonprofit sector 

 
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington 
envisions an open, connected, and vibrant Jewish community that cares for each other, fosters Jewish learning and journeys, embraces Jewish peoplehood and Israel, and acts as a force for good in the world. As a mission-driven non-profit organization, we work to inspire, build, and sustain vibrant Jewish life in a changing world by mobilizing our community in common purpose, intentional innovation, and effective action. Learn more at shalomdc.org.