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Associate Director, Major Gifts

Remote – US-based, location-specific (Chicago area)

Overview of AJWS

American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is the leading Jewish organization working to fight poverty and pursue justice in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. By supporting hundreds of social change organizations in 17 countries, we respond to the most pressing issues of our time—from disasters, genocide and hunger to the persecution of women and minorities worldwide. With Jewish values and a global reach, AJWS is making a difference in millions of lives and bringing a more just and equitable world closer for all. 

Overview of Team

The Development Division at AJWS is responsible for raising the revenue that supports AJWS’s grantmaking and advocacy. The Division includes the following departments: Institutional Giving, Major Gifts and Planned Giving, Development Operations and Donor Engagement. Members of the Division partner closely with the Communications and Marketing, Programs, Finance and Administration and People and Culture teams, as well as the Executive Office and Board of Trustees, instilling a culture of philanthropy across the organization. The Division is responsible for cultivating, stewarding and soliciting donors, building a deep connection and commitment to our work for our supporters. The Major Gifts team at AJWS is responsible for cultivating, stewarding and soliciting donors at the $10K plus level.

Every team member of the Development Division contributes to achieving our annual fundraising goal.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director, Major Gifts, the Associate Director is responsible for cultivating, stewarding and soliciting a portfolio of major gift donors. Serving as a member of the major gifts team, the Associate Director works closely with their colleagues to create and implement strategies to expand and diversify the donor base and ramp up efforts to generate new gifts from individuals stewarding a pipeline of individual donors and prospective donors at the $10,000 level and higher.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

The Associate Director is a member of the Major Gifts Team.

  • Manage a portfolio for Major Gifts of $10K plus; individual donors and prospects;
  • Develop clear short-term and long-range fundraising strategies that are both realistic and challenging;
  • Successfully identify prospects, funding opportunities and strategies that will help achieve annual and longer-term development goals;
  • Maintain best fundraising and operational practices, camaraderie, shared accountability and clearly defined goals;
  • Analyze personal fundraising results against projections and ensure timely and accurate reporting to internal and external constituencies;
  • Speak and write articulately about AJWS, its mission, policies, culture, values, history, key stakeholders, programs and finances;
  • Stay abreast of philanthropic, economic, social and community trends related to AJWS and share relevant information with colleagues;
  • Establish trust, maintain strong relationships and develop partnerships with AJWS stakeholders and colleagues across the organization.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree;
  • Minimum of 5 years of successful major gifts or related experience within complex and dynamic mission-driven nonprofit organizations;
  • Demonstrated success securing major gifts from individuals;
  • Demonstration of sophisticated, collaborative and strategic approach to major gifts fundraising and experience with face-to-face major gifts solicitations;
  • Demonstrated achievement in identifying, cultivating and soliciting high-net-worth individuals;
  • Proven ability to conceptualize and describe funding needs in a way that is compelling, both verbally and in writing;
  • Ability to travel nationally and internationally as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Understanding of fundraising for human rights or international cause;
  • Knowledge of the Jewish community.

Additional Information:

  • Salary Range: $77,000-$100,250
  • This role is full time (40 HRS), Exempt
  • This is a union position

Location:

Remote – US–based, location-specific (Chicago area)

Compensation and Benefits Information

  • Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and the market;
  • Paid Time Off: 15-22 Federal and religious holidays off each year in addition to generous vacation and sick days;
  • Full health benefits coverage with minimal contribution by employees;
  • 403(b): 4.25% company match (safe harbor);
  • Flexible Spending Account and Commuter Benefits;
  • Workplace flexibility and generous leave policy.

Additional Considerations

Black, Indigenous and People of Color; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Intersex, Trans and Gender non-conforming people; women; and differently abled people are encouraged to apply. We also encourage applications from people of diverse religious, spiritual and cultural backgrounds.

As an organization committed to promoting social justice around the world, it is essential that we incorporate a diverse, equitable and inclusive lens into all aspects of our work at AJWS. We encourage applicants with a global perspective and a commitment to values around diversity, equity, and inclusion to apply.

Authorization to work in the US is required.

How to Apply

For immediate consideration, apply below. Applications submitted without a resume and personalized cover letter will not be considered. We thank you for your interest in career opportunities with AJWS. Due to high volume, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Apply Online

We thank you for your interest in career opportunities with AJWS. Due to high volume, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.