Director of Development

About the position

The Director of Development at Shalom Orlando is responsible for leading and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the organization's mission and programs. This role is crucial in securing financial resources to sustain and grow Shalom Orlando's impact in the Jewish community and beyond. The Director will oversee all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, annual campaigns, planned giving, grants, and special events, while collaborating closely with other team members to ensure an effective fundraising strategy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with Shalom Orlando's mission and strategic goals.
• Establish and monitor fundraising goals, benchmarks, and evaluation systems, continuously assessing their effectiveness and impact.
• Collaborate with key leadership on resource allocation, long-term planning, and integrating fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.
• Stay informed about trends in philanthropic giving, particularly within the Jewish community, and incorporate best practices into fundraising strategies.
• Lead the Development Committee of the Board of Directors, engaging them in fundraising efforts and providing regular updates on progress and challenges.
• Create and manage the budget for the development department, ensuring efficient use of resources and maximum return on investment.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects, developing tailored strategies for each donor.
• Manage a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects, maintaining regular communication and engagement.
• Oversee the creation and implementation of donor recognition and stewardship programs.
• Collaborate with program directors to identify funding needs and create compelling case statements for support.
• Develop and manage a planned giving program to secure long-term financial stability for the organization.
• Lead the planning and execution of the annual campaign, setting goals and strategies for each constituency.
• Oversee the development and implementation of special fundraising events, working closely with the Director of Special Events to ensure they align with Shalom Orlando's brand and effectively engage donors.
• Work with the marketing team to create compelling fundraising materials and communications.
• Implement strategies to increase donor retention and upgrade giving levels.
• Collaborate with lay leaders and volunteers to expand the reach and impact of fundraising efforts.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government sources.
• Oversee the grant writing process, ensuring high-quality proposals that align with funder priorities and Shalom Orlando programs.
• Manage relationships with current and prospective foundation funders.
• Ensure timely and accurate grant reporting and compliance with funder requirements.
• Recruit, train, and manage development staff, including direct supervision of the Director of Special Events and the Development Assistant.
• Foster a culture of collaborative teamwork within the organization, providing mentorship and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Establish clear goals and performance metrics for the development team.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure a cohesive approach to fundraising across the organization.
• Oversee the management of the donor database, working with the Development Assistant to ensure accurate record-keeping and data analysis.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a track record of success in securing major gifts.
• Proven experience in creating and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Strong knowledge of and passion for Jewish culture, heritage, traditions, community, and Israel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate Shalom Orlando's mission and impact to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Experience with fundraising databases and data analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, donor management/CRM software, and comfort with technology.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collaborative leadership style and ability to work effectively with staff, board members, and volunteers.
• Experience in supervising and mentoring development professionals.
• High level of integrity and strong ethical standards in all aspects of work.
• Creative and strategic thinker, able to develop innovative approaches to fundraising challenges.
• Results-oriented with a proven ability to meet and exceed fundraising goals.
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic nonprofit environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) certification preferred.