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.
A member of the AJC National Development Team, the Assistant Director, Foundation Relations will help secure grants and gifts from major donors, national private foundations, family foundations and Jewish Federations. The Assistant Director, Foundation Relations will be responsible for both crafting proposals and annual reports for funders and will have the opportunity to identify and engage new funding sources.
The ideal candidate will be a mission-driven, proficient writer and communicator with successful institutional fundraising. The candidate will bring experience in grant writing for non-profit organizations and familiarity with national foundation funders. Driven by curiosity, attention to detail, and a passion for writing, the candidate will engage programmatic and finance colleagues to generate winning proposals. This position, which reports to AJC’s National Director of Foundation Relations, plays a key role in developing written materials to secure new funding and renew loyal foundation support at a pivotal time when antisemitism is surging and need for AJC’s advocacy work is escalating in order to combat antisemitism and secure Israel’s place in the world.
The Assistant Director, Foundation Relations does all this while adhering to AJC’s core values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Accountability.
Responsibilities:
Write letters, concept papers, grant applications, and specially-crafted proposals for individual donors, foundation prospects, and Jewish federations:
Research grant application processes to assure that submissions are completed in accordance with the donor’s guidelines and in a timely way;
Perform content research for the development of grant proposals; applications for support; letters of solicitation, intent or interest; and, other correspondence;
Responsible for the timely preparation of application materials including budget documents, proposals and program descriptions, and all other supporting documentation as required.
Conduct program and budget development activities to support current initiatives and new projects for which AJC departments and institutes seek support:
Work with program staff to design initiatives and develop solid, innovative models that can be presented to potential donors for funding consideration; and,
Assure initiatives and models are consistent with both AJC’s goals and objectives, and meet the funding interests of the potential donor(s).
Work with program colleagues to prepare reports for funders:
Assure the timely preparation and submission of reports to funders by using an electronic tracking system;
Coordinate preparation of reports with appropriate program staff;
Assure that reports align with funders’ directives;
Collaborate with program and finance staff to develop accurate financial reports;
Review drafts, prepare reports for submission, and confirm that the reports were received.
Research current or new foundation and individual sources of support:
Identify potential funders in support of new and ongoing AJC programs and projects;
Attain relevant information on potential funders e.g., assets, history of giving to AJC and to other Jewish organizations, and funding guidelines;
Assess potential to attain support.
Record donor/funder contacts, correspondence, and relevant information into Raiser’s Edge. Assure database is regularly updated.
Exceptional written and oral communications skills.
Experienced in how to conduct program development activities; develop new program models; and construct corresponding program budgets.
Experienced in using online portals to submit foundation proposals.
Experienced in using on-line search tools to attain information about potential foundation and other funding sources.
Excellent word processing skills. Familiarity and high comfort level with Microsoft Office Suite are essential. Ability to use spreadsheet programs like Excel.
Experience with databases such as Raiser’s Edge and FC Search is a plus.
Adept at time management with the ability to manage several projects at one time.
A team player.
Able to work occasional evenings and weekends, and to travel occasionally.
Aware of the issues confronting global Jewish communities, preferred.
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
*After applicable waiting or probationary periods have been met
AJC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The salary range for this position is $65,000 to $85,000, depending on relevant experience and location.
