Founded in 1906, AJC seeks to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel, and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. Among Jewish advocacy organizations, AJC is the leader in the global arena. We are known for our unparalleled access to diplomats, government officials, and faith leaders in more than 100 countries. In addition to our New York headquarters and Office of Policy and Diplomatic Affairs in Washington, D.C., AJC has offices across the U.S. and around the globe and maintains partnerships with Jewish communities worldwide.
AJC's Chicago Office seeks an Assistant Director, Advancement and Engagement who is passionate about AJC's mission and is committed to building AJC's presence in Chicago.
The successful candidate will join an AJC office that is on a growth trajectory and features a highly engaged and entrepreneurial leadership team committed to advancing AJC's global Jewish advocacy mission. AJC Chicago conducts advocacy with high-profile diplomats and public officials, via the media, and through building bridges of understanding between the Jewish community and many different religions, cultures and nationalities.
The ideal candidate will be a smart, high-energy self-starter who combines organizational acumen and professionalism with knowledge of the Chicago Jewish community as well as the larger philanthropic and corporate sectors. The candidate must be a consummate team player who works effectively with various constituencies.
The Assistant Director, Advancement and Engagement will be responsible for maintaining and growing AJC Chicago’s annual campaign with particular emphasis on mid-level gifts ($5,000-25,000), donor cultivation and engagement, leadership pipeline and development, foundation grants, special events, and development communications.
The Assistant Director of Advancement and Engagement does all this while adhering to AJC’s core values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Accountability.
Position Responsibilities:
Working closely with the Director of Advancement and Engagement to organize and manage AJC Chicago’s annual campaign;
Engaging and soliciting an ongoing portfolio of annual donors and prospects;
Developing strategies to encourage new gifts, as well as increasing current donor contributions;
Expanding donor identification, tracking, cultivating, solicitation and stewardship of donors;
Running and maintaining giving reports;
Managing development communications for the Chicago region;
Connecting local lay leaders with both local and national AJC opportunities, such as donor recognition societies, global travel opportunities, the United Nations Diplomatic Marathon in NY and Regional Diplomatic Marathon, Project Interchange, AJC's annual Global Forum in Washington, D.C. and more;
Planning special donor cultivation events;
Managing the writing and preparation of foundation grant proposals and reports;
Coordinating with local program staff to ensure donors are engaged and aware of AJC's impact;
Synagogue Outreach, Cultivation, and Engagement; including building relationships with clergy and staff, finding unique opportunities for events and programs for collaboration, utilize lay leaders to be synagogue liaisons, and increase AJC’s visibility in the Chicagoland area through synagogue engagement.
Performing other tasks needed to support overall office effectiveness.
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of, and a strong commitment to AJC's mission and priority areas. The best candidate will be an experienced development professional with planning skills and proven track record of fundraising success with significant experience in donor cultivation, mid-level gift solicitation and stewardship, and leadership development.
Specifically, the finalist will meet the following criteria:
Passion for AJC's mission
Bachelor's degree preferred
5-8 years of prior development experience with a proven track record of successful fundraising solicitations
Goal-oriented campaign strategist who can create and execute a multi-faceted vision
Strong organizational and time management skills
Excellent written and verbal communications skills
Self-starter who can work independently as well as collaborate with professional colleagues and volunteer leadership
Experienced in developing board members and increasing their level of participation in the fundraising process
Creative and strategic thinker able to develop new ways to engage potential and existing donors, create new giving opportunities and programs
Flexibility with schedule (occasional morning, evening, and weekends)
Must be proficient in Raiser's Edge and Microsoft Office (or is a proven quick learner)
Familiarity with the Chicago Jewish philanthropic community is a plus
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits package includes:
Medical, vision, and dental plans
Flexible Spending Account options
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) - 15 vacation days per year, that increases with continued employment
Paid Holidays (many Federal and major Jewish Holidays)
Hybrid work schedule
403(b) participation, after one year of employment
Transit plan
The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000, depending on relevant experience.
AJC requires all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID 19, unless one has a legally recognized reason for exemption.
