Director of Development

Founded 125 years ago in San Francisco, Jewish LearningWorks has been called to reinvent itself time and again in response to tectonic shifts in communal needs and interests, a dynamic funding environment, countless technological advances, and the 2020 pandemic. Over the past twenty years, we have evolved from a Bureau of Jewish Education (BJE) that embraced an expansive portfolio of programs serving many audiences, to a streamlined organization offering a set of tailored professional development opportunities. Our mission however, remains constant - to elevate the field of Jewish education by nurturing educators, inspiring innovation and building Jewish literacy. Each year, we serve more than six hundred Jewish teachers, program directors, youth and camping professionals, and educational leaders at more than one hundred Jewish organizations. Our team strengthens the Bay Area’s diverse Jewish educational ecosystem, enabling educators to excel in educational innovation, early childhood education, Israel education, special needs inclusion, adolescent resilience, and educational leadership. 

Jewish LearningWorks’ new Director of Development will strengthen our organization by connecting people to our community, raising vital funds, and helping shepherd us to our next phase of growth. Responsibilities include - 

Major Gifts 

• Build and manage a pipeline of existing and prospective major ($5000+) donors, including the development of individualized donor plans for each
• Oversee calendar of cultivation strategies including annual and planned giving, special projects, and donor recognition opportunities 
• Design and implement regular program engagement opportunities for new and existing major donors
• Develop and facilitate board training to create culture of philanthropy 
• Work closely with the development committee to set goals, plan, and execute volunteer led fundraising initiatives
• Utilize Salesforce to maintain accurate records of donor interactions, interests and solicitation goals 

Annual Fund

• Partner with the Director of Marketing to develop strategy, messaging, and materials designed to grow the campaign from $150,000 to $400,000 by July 2028
• Facilitate development of improved case for giving language based on revised strategic plan
• Create a monthly sustaining donor program, leveraging social media to increase annual campaign revenue and deepen donor engagement 
• Develop and implement a 2026-2027 legacy giving campaign
• Collaborate with the CEO and Director of Marketing to create materials and collateral for existing and potential donors as needed 
• Serve as a Jewish LearningWorks ambassador at 5-7 community events annually 

Foundation Support 

• Conduct preliminary research to advise the CEO on pursuit of new grantmaking opportunities 
• Support staff in stewardship of existing foundation relationships 

Qualifications -

• 5+ years fundraising experience with demonstrated success developing and implementing an annual campaign
• Experience soliciting gifts greater than $25,000
• Outstanding writing, storytelling, and communication skills; able to craft persuasive messaging and articulate a compelling case for support
• Experience partnering with boards and senior leadership to meet measurable goals
• High level strategic thinking; ability to meet goals in a timely way
• Demonstrated project management skills, ability to successfully prioritize multiple deadlines 
• Strong analytical and database skills, Salesforce preferred 
• Ability to work independently, and confidentially 
• Demonstrated passion for Jewish education
• Degree in communication, education or related field preferred

Compensation and Geography -

This is a full time, exempt position with a salary of $120,000-125,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Due to the nature of the work, candidates must reside in the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to competitive salary, we offer the following benefits:

1. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
2. Life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.
3. 6 weeks paid family leave
4. FSA and Commuter Benefits accounts.
5. Employer-sponsored 401K with employer contribution.
6. Flexible discretionary paid time off.
7. Annual professional development stipend.
8. Monthly $50 cell phone stipend.
9. 3:00 pm local close-of-business on Fridays.
10. Days off for all Jewish holidays, in addition to secular US holidays.
11. A great workplace culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer -

We are an equal opportunity employer and support workplace diversity. We carefully consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are aware that systemic inequities  have caused women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ folks and others to apply for jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage applicants to change that trend and apply, as no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications.