ROLE SUMMARYThe Jewish Federation of the Bay Area is at an inflection point. We are launching bold new initiatives - including a Community Security Endowment and a signature Big Bet investment - that require us to think differently about how we identify, cultivate, and inspire major donors. We are looking for a Major Gifts Officer to help us rise to that moment.
This is a frontline fundraising role reporting to Sr. Director, Philanthropy for a seasoned relationship builder who thrives on the work of finding new donors, deepening existing relationships, and making meaningful, ambitious asks. You will focus on the Federation's most significant philanthropic priorities - annual campaign, big bets, endowment giving, and donor-advised funds - and play a central role in expanding the Federation's base of supporters.
This is a hybrid role, typically in-office Tuesday through Thursday, with travel throughout Bay Area as needed and occasional evening and weekend events
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSPipeline Development - Identify, research, and cultivate a portfolio of prospective major donors, with a particular focus on new relationships not yet connected to the Federation
- Partner with lay leaders, board members, and senior staff to leverage their networks in service of pipeline growth
- Develop and execute strategies to move prospects through the pipeline from first engagement to first gift and beyond
Fundraising and Portfolio Management - Manage an active portfolio of major donor relationships, including existing donors and prospects (approximately 150 people total)
- Own and deliver against an annual fundraising target for your portfolio, related to organizational priorities (e.g. annual campaign, endowments, and big bets), tracking progress against goals throughout the year and adjusting strategy as needed to close gaps
- Drive net new DAF assets under management by identifying and closing new fund openings within your portfolio, tracking all engagement and pipeline progress in Salesforce
Relationship & Community Building - Collaborate with the philanthropy and community impact teams to develop compelling cases for support and donor materials
- Represent the Federation at events, gatherings, and community settings with an eye toward identification and cultivation of new major donor prospects
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES - Experience with endowment giving, planned gifts, or donor-advised funds strongly preferred
- A natural relationship builder and "people person" who is energized by meeting new people and finding the connection between their values and a compelling opportunity
- Strong written and verbal communication skills - you can make a complex case simply and compellingly
- Comfort with ambitious goals and the patience to build toward them
- Deep familiarity with the Bay Area philanthropic landscape a plus; familiarity with the Jewish community a plus but not required
- Proficiency with Salesforce or comparable CRM
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE- Bachelor's degree preferred
- 7+ years of major gifts fundraising experience, with a proven track record of closing major gifts ($25,000+)
Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits - medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick pay, holidays (including Jewish), and retirement plan.
Salary Description
$120,000-$140,000 /annually
