DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
The Israel Guide Dog Center is seeking an accomplished, relationship-driven Director of Development to lead and expand our fundraising efforts across the United States. This senior leadership role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy, cultivating and soliciting major donors, and building a high-performing development team.
The ideal candidate has a demonstrated track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts, building meaningful donor relationships, and leading successful fundraising initiatives. This is a full-time position with a preference for candidates who can work from our Warrington, PA office; remote candidates will be considered.
The Director of Development reports directly to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with colleagues in the United States and Israel.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive strategies for donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and recognition.
- Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects through personal visits, events, phone calls, written correspondence, and digital communications.
- Solicit and close gifts with a focus on five- and six-figure commitments.
- Utilize analytics to inform strategies and measure performance.
- Lead, mentor, and oversee development staff, including the Southeast Area Director and future team members as the organization grows.
- Cultivate and steward planned giving prospects through legacy giving conversations, recognition programs, and strategic pipeline development.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director to recruit, onboard, train, and engage Board members as active ambassadors and fundraising partners.
- Represent the Israel Guide Dog Center at synagogues, Jewish Federations, foundations, community organizations, and other stakeholder groups.
- Deliver compelling presentations that inspire support for the organization’s mission and impact.
- Plan and execute fundraising events and donor engagement opportunities, including visits featuring Israeli clients and professionals.
- Maintain accurate donor records and fundraising activity within the CRM.
- Ensure effective development processes, systems, and donor stewardship practices.
- Serve as a thought partner and strategist alongside the Executive Director
Required Experience & Skills
- Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, preferably within Jewish communal organizations or mission-driven nonprofits.
- Demonstrated success securing and stewarding major gifts, including five- and six-figure contributions.
- Experience in planned giving, including conducting legacy giving conversations and applying best practices to cultivate and sustain a robust planned giving pipeline.
- Proven experience building and maintaining strong donor relationships.
- Experience managing and developing staff and volunteers.
- Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, and change management skills.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Strong project management abilities with exceptional attention to detail and the capacity to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, donor management systems (CRM), and digital fundraising platforms.
Preferred Attributes
- Knowledge of Jewish communal philanthropy and the Jewish nonprofit landscape.
- Experience working with Boards of Directors and volunteer leadership.
- Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.
- Confident public speaker with strong interpersonal skills.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, sound judgment, and the ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities and stakeholders.
Travel Requirements
- Ability to travel domestically; approximately 4–5 trips annually.
- Ability to travel internationally approximately once per year.
Compensation
- Salary range of $110,000 – $125,000 commensurate with experience
- 3% contribution to a personal IRA
- Healthcare stipend
- Home office supplies including laptop computer and remote phone access provided
- Generous PTO including Jewish holidays, secular holidays, vacation, and sick leave
How to Apply
Send an email to info@israelguidedog.org with the subject “Director of Development Application” and include a:
- Resume
- Cover letter with examples of how you have led fundraising efforts in the past
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls please.