PLEASE NOTE: this recruitment is being led by an external executive search firm, Good Citizen. To be considered for this role, please submit your resume and cover letter expressing your interest in the position and fit for the role via the “Become a Candidate” button on the position profile page on their website. Letters may be addressed to Melissa Merritt. Please DO NOT apply via this website.
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ROLE SUMMARY
Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Managing Director of Philanthropic Strategy and Partnerships (MD) will play a critical role in the newly formed philanthropy team that holistically blends fundraising, engagement, and advising to better serve donors’ needs.
The MD will guide and advise a select group of high-capacity donors, foundations, and DAF holders on their journey from awareness to giving and engagement in Federation programs and priorities. The MD will also serve as a thought partner and deputy to the Chief Philanthropy Officer on key strategic considerations. The MD role will be crucial to the effective execution of the Federation’s overarching strategic plan. With their background as a sophisticated front-line fundraiser and campaign leader, the MD will inspire trust, support, and buy-in by taking a confident, best practice approach to leading the team to achievement of goals.
MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
This role has managerial responsibilities for a minimum of seven direct reports.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The MD’s core responsibilities will be to manage their team in successfully executing a robust, high-quality philanthropic advising practice and fundraising program, raising more than $14M annually, as well as collaborating effectively across the other teams at the Federation.
Strategy
- In collaboration with the Chief Philanthropy Officer, develop and refine strategies, policies, and systems to position the Federation as the center for Bay Area Jewish philanthropy, with a robust philanthropic advisory practice, legacy giving program, and successful annual fundraising campaign(s)
- Keep current on latest trends and issues in philanthropy and related technologies to inform strategies and practices
Goal Setting and Management
- Refine and develop goals, KPIs, strategies, systems and policies that ensure successful donor cultivation, advisory/support, engagement, education, and stewardship
- Mentor and motivate the Integrated Philanthropy team to meet, measure, and evaluate goals and performance
- Manage and supervise the day-to-day operations of the integrated philanthropy team, including but not limited to philanthropy advisory, donor stewardship and events, legacy gift planning, and campaign/fundraising
Advising and Fundraising
- Develop sustained relationships and engage with a select group of high-capacity donors, and foundations, including providing advisory services and soliciting major and planned gifts
- Fully brief relevant professional staff (including the CPO and CEO), board members and lay committees for all interactions with donors, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Cross Organization Collaboration
- Support productive and collaborative partnerships inside Federation in the design and delivery of compelling philanthropy experiences (including events, collateral, and other marketing materials) for donors, funders, and other shared constituents
The Federation seeks a leader with a genuine interest in and connection to the Jewish community. An understanding of the Bay Area’s Jewish culture and community is preferred. Candidates should be mission-driven and have an authentic commitment to the enrichment of the Jewish community and a desire to build community-led philanthropy.
The ideal candidate is a sophisticated frontline fundraiser and/or philanthropic advisor and team manager. They have demonstrated success in soliciting and closing major gifts and leading campaigns. They are adept at using marketing tools and strategies related to charitable and planned gifts.
The candidate possesses not only the requisite skills but also exudes a confident, engaging presence. They are able to hold their own with high-level donors and other stakeholders, while instilling trust in their expertise and strategic thinking. They actively seek out opportunities to demonstrate the value of philanthropy in the community.
The position calls for a player-coach with a track record of successfully managing results-oriented teams. This individual enjoys coaching and managing others to a high level of performance and professional fulfillment. They excel at motivating and organizing a team, setting priorities, and delegating responsibilities to ensure the successful implementation and completion of multiple and varied projects and programs. They possess the flexibility to seamlessly transition between high-level strategic thinking and active engagement in hands-on execution.
Outstanding relationship-building and interpersonal skills are essential to foster productive relationships across the Federation. A collegial, diplomatic, and positive attitude, coupled with a strong orientation towards teamwork to achieve results will serve the successful candidate well. The ideal candidate approaches their work with an open mind, an entrepreneurial spirit, and flexibility in an evolving philanthropic landscape. They model respect for others’ time and work needs, and proactively keep others informed. Furthermore, they should possess excellent written and verbal communications skills that are demonstrated in all interactions internally and externally.
Candidates must be willing to travel the extent of the Federation’s service area (Sonoma County to Palo Alto) to visit agencies, attend volunteer committee meetings, and participate in key community events, as well as (on a limited basis) to travel nationally or internationally as appropriate for conferences, missions, etc.
Experience that includes 7-10 years of managing large teams as well as leadership experience in relationship management in a philanthropy, fundraising, or advancement context with increasing levels of responsibility is essential.
Anticipated salary range: $200,000- $230,000
