Description
Overview
The Associate Director of Development is a new role that strengthens Temple Israel’s capacity to sustain and grow our Friends Annual Fund and related philanthropic initiatives. Temple Israel is currently in the leadership phase of a comprehensive campaign expected to span the next two years, and this position will play a key supporting role in that effort. Reporting to the Director of Development, and working closely with clergy, lay leaders, and staff, this position is responsible for the project management, relationship-centric, and donor-facing work that drives our annual campaign, mid-level giving, planned giving events, and select grants. This is a full time position.
The Associate Director manages a defined portfolio of donors and prospects, with a particular focus on mid-level donors (approximately $1,000–$10,000), and plays a key role in building a strong pipeline of annual and future planned gifts. This role will also provide leadership for core cultivation and stewardship events, including our annual ‘Stepping Out’ gala.
Key Responsibilities
Annual Campaign: Partner with the Director of Development to plan and implement the Friends Annual Fund, including themes, messaging alignment, campaign calendars, and coordination with Communications and other staff. Track progress toward annual fund goals, analyze performance by segment, and recommend strategy adjustments to strengthen results.
Stewardship & Mid-Level Donors: Manage a defined portfolio of annual donors and prospects, with a focus on mid-level donors in the $1,000–$5,000 giving range. Partner with associate clergy and lay leaders to solicit, steward, and upgrade these donors through personalized outreach, small gatherings, and tailored touchpoints, focusing on mid-level giving and strengthening retention and upgrades.
Events – Annual Gala: Serve as project manager for the annual Stepping Out gala, including development of the event timeline, coordination of committees, and oversight of logistics. Lead sponsorship strategy, tracking, and fulfillment in collaboration with the Director of Development and lay leadership.
Planned Giving: Partner with the Director of Development and key lay leaders to revitalize Temple Israel’s planned giving program. Support prospect identification, cultivation, and solicitation by helping to develop materials, talking points, and follow-up plans. Assist with the stewardship and documentation of planned gifts to ensure donors are appropriately recognized and their commitments are clearly recorded.
Grants: Work with clergy, program staff, and senior leadership to draft and submit grant proposals that support programs and initiatives aligned with Temple Israel’s strategic vision. Ensure proposals and reports reflect institutional priorities, collect necessary program information and data, and contribute to timely reporting to funders.
Collaboration & Administration: Collaborate closely with the Director of Development, Development Associate, and other colleagues to support seamless operations across development. Help ensure timely acknowledgements, accurate donor information, and strong internal communication around donor activities and events.
Database/CRM: Use the donor database/CRM to record activities, manage portfolios, track event participation, and monitor progress toward goals. Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in partnership with the Development Associate and Director of Membership.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certification preferred
- 5-7 years of professional fundraising experience with a proven record of successfully upgrading gifts
- Familiarity with Jewish life and an appreciation for the importance of a synagogue in a Jewish community is a plus
- Ability to interact with confidentiality, integrity, and tact when working with the diverse community
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Meticulous attention to detail, even under tight deadlines
- Ability to work independently and autonomously and exhibit strong follow-through
- A demonstrated track record with database management (specifically Salesforce is a plus)
- High computer literacy: adept in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); familiarity with databases and online marketing
