Position SummaryThis is a creative, relationship-driven fundraising and leadership role for a professional who wants to touch and feel the work of UJA. The Major Gift Officer will join a collaborative team and build meaningful relationships with donors, UJA partner organizations, and grantees. The successful candidate will translate donors' philanthropic interests into thoughtful, high-impact investments; bring donors close to people and projects that their giving supports; and help to create distinctly personal experiences. The role also offers the opportunity to contribute to the department's strategy, culture, and day-to-day effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities- Serve as the primary fundraiser for the Brooklyn Hub, advancing its annual $2 million fundraising goal by building internal awareness of the opportunity; identifying ways to feature the Hub in donor meetings, briefings, and events; and organize donor site visits, volunteer experiences, and other opportunities to experience the Hub.
- Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and prospects, leading all aspects of cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, renewal, and tailored follow-up. Build trusted relationships with donors, families, advisors, volunteer leaders, and prospective supporters through meetings, calls, site visits, and events.
- Identify and qualify prospects whose philanthropic interests align with UJA's capital projects, special initiatives, and broader strategic priorities.
- Partner with UJA colleagues, partner organizations, and Israeli partners to identify fundable opportunities; develop compelling cases for support; communicate project progress; and create meaningful donor connections and site visits.
- Advocate internally for priority projects requiring strategic philanthropic investment, while serving as a donor advocate to ensure that commitments, timelines, and stewardship expectations are met.
- Serve as the CGSI liaison to the Caring Department, ensuring effective information sharing between fundraising and planning/grant making teams and coordinating stewardship for donors serving as volunteer committee members.
- Serve as CGSI liaison to designated fundraising departments, partnering with annual campaign colleagues to identify, cultivate, and engage in capital gift prospects.
- Serve as a content expert and spokesperson in committee meetings, donor meetings, staff briefings, and other internal forums.
- Collaborate across UJA divisions and departments to develop high-quality donor experiences, including site visits and staff learning opportunities.
Qualifications- Demonstrated experience in major-gift fundraising, donor development, philanthropy, or a closely related relationship-management role; capital campaign experience is strongly preferred.
- Exceptional ability to build authentic, long-term relationships with high-capacity donors, lay leaders, partner organizations, and colleagues.
- Strong judgement, including the ability to identify donor interests, develop strategy, make a compelling case, and move opportunities toward solicitation.
- Creative, entrepreneurial approach to connecting donor passions with evolving community needs and philanthropic opportunities.
- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex programs and projects clearly and persuasively.
- Deeply collaborative approach.
- Strong project management skills.
- Sound judgement, discretion, and attention to detail.
- Familiarity with Jewish communal life, Israel, and the non-profit service sector.
- Deep commitment to UJA's mission and the power of philanthropy to strengthen communities and change lives.
Salary InformationThe salary range for this role is $100,000 to $128,000; commensurate with experience and qualifications listed above.
Reporting Information This role reports to the Vice President for Capital Gifts & Special Initiatives
