Beth El Synagogue Center (Beth El) is a large, multi-generational, egalitarian congregation, located in New Rochelle, New York. Beth El provides a wide range of religious, educational, social and community activities for all ages. The congregation is a thriving community and we are looking for a Development Director to help us think creatively about our future.
The Development Director will lead the congregations’ fundraising efforts. The Development Director will report to the Executive Director and will work in collaboration with the Board, President and Executive Director to set annual fundraising goals. The Development Director will engage select lay leaders and the clergy in pursuing and achieving annual fundraising goals.
This position will have a flexible schedule and the ability to work remotely, in part, but will require working some evenings and events. Responsibilities could include the following:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan
- Execute and meet agreed-upon goals for annual giving program
- Identify and engage committee members for various fundraising committees
- Develop an annual gala that both engages the community and raises additional funds for the operating budget
- Formalize an approach to an ongoing and sustained major gifts program
- Steward relationships with major donors, individually and through cultivation events
- Solicit gifts and participate in solicitations with clergy and lay leaders
- Train and guide lay leaders and clergy in stewardship and fundraising best practices
- Undertake prospect research, create background materials, prepare solicitors for asks
- Oversee the production of fundraising events including committee work
- Craft and produce fundraising communications, acknowledgements and recognition
- Develop proposals for restricted gifts and grants (individuals, foundations)
- Prepare for and report regularly to the Board on fundraising activities
- Maintain and update the fundraising page on Beth El’s website
- Work with Beth El administration to facilitate gift processing
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree required
- 7+ years of substantive experience in fundraising, including donor relations and solicitation
- Demonstrated excellence in organizational, managerial, and communication skills
- Familiarity with common fundraising software
- Proven ability to strategize, set and meet goals
- Adept at crafting and articulating persuasive cases for support
- Marketing/external communications experience
- Board engagement, cultivation, and development experience