Development Director

Summary

Join the University of Connecticut Hillel as their Development Director and help propel the organization into its next phase of growth. Working closely with the UConn and broader Connecticut Jewish communities, you will spearhead fundraising efforts, cultivate key relationships, and enhance Hillel's presence. This role demands creative fundraising strategies, community development expertise, and strong project management skills. You will oversee all fundraising initiatives, manage the annual budget, and collaborate with various stakeholders to achieve Hillel's strategic goals. The ideal candidate is passionate about Jewish life on campus and possesses a proven track record in fundraising and community engagement. This position offers a competitive salary, excellent professional development opportunities, and primarily remote work with regular on-campus meetings.

Requirements

• At least 3-5 years’ experience in professional fundraising, marketing and/or communications or a related field
• Superior oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of the Jewish philanthropic community
• Ability to collaborate across teams both inside and outside of Hillel
• Strong entrepreneurial spirit
• Willingness to facilitate conversations about Judaism and Israel to inspire stakeholders to invest in our work
• Proactive, transparent communication style and collaborative orientation to work with key partners, e.g., the Hillel Board and related offices and agencies
• Capability to build, lead, empower and coach other fundraisers
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively, successfully managing multiple priorities
• Understanding of current trends, ability to recommend and implement plans to increase donors, contributions, and identify new opportunities
• Proficient skills with Microsoft Office Suite

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and execution of robust fundraising strategies to achieve current annual goals and increase revenues
• Develop a dynamic development strategy that includes cultivation of small, developing and major donors, a detailed campaign calendar, funding proposals and endowment giving strategies
• Create a comprehensive annual campaign of current and prospective donors including cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation through in-person meetings, phone calls, direct mail and e-communications
• Manage and oversee data entry and gift processing
• Prepare grant proposals and reports for individual donors, philanthropic foundations, Jewish Federations, other funders and the board
• Oversee all mail and internet-based solicitations including the preparation and production of materials
• Work with the Executive Director to identify and develop sponsorship opportunities
• Work with student leaders on various fundraising initiatives, including recruiting, training, and mobilizing students to partner in Hillel’s development efforts
• Perform prospect research, solicitation and stewardship of a specific portfolio of donors, to be determined in partnership with the ED, on behalf of UConn Hillel. Work with the Executive Director and other lay leaders to prepare, research and execute their own portfolio of major gifts
• Develop and promote a culture of philanthropy throughout Hillel, including creativity, teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement
• Develop effective parent/family and alumni groups to support Hillel’s work
• Represent Hillel at community events when appropriate
• Forecast fundraising potential for annual budgeting
• Propose, manage and monitor annual development budget
• Work closely with board members to train and engage them in fundraising efforts
• Build partnerships with campus administration and the UConn Foundation, Hillel International, Jewish federations in CT and foundations
• Create meaningful and effective marketing materials, both print and online, in collaboration with the Executive Director
• Supervise the part-time shared Marketing & Development Manager (who works for Hillel International)
• Lead initiatives to plan, execute, and ensure the success of development related special events

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful track recording in identifying, cultivating, soliciting and closing 5 and 6 figure gifts
• Experience using CRM platforms (i.e., Little Green Light, Donor Perfect, SalesForce, Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud)

Benefits

• Salary range of $80-90,000
• Great professional development, mentoring, and skill building opportunities
• Position is primarily remote work with regular travel to meet with donors and attend bi-weekly staff meetings on campus