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.
The Director of Advancement & Engagement will manage key elements of AJC New Jersey’s fundraising program, working with staff and leadership to ensure that AJC reaches its annual revenue goals through annual campaigns, honoree dinners, planned giving, constituency development initiatives, and solicitation of foundations and major gifts. The successful candidate will join an AJC office that is on a steep growth trajectory with solid constituencies in Essex and Mercer counties and a focus on growth in Bergen, Hudson, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties. AJC New Jersey’s staff is an entrepreneurial and highly motivated team that is invested in excellence and committed to building AJC’s presence in New Jersey.
The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of, and a strong commitment to, AJC’s mission and priorities, and is a genuine relationship-builder who is energized by that mission and able to communicate that commitment. The ideal candidate will also be an experienced, goal-oriented development professional with planning and management skills, a proven track record of fundraising success with significant experience in donor cultivation, major gift solicitation and stewardship, and have strong ties to the New Jersey philanthropic community. In addition, the successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in the general programming, outreach, and engagement work of AJC New Jersey.
The Director of Advancement & Engagement does all of this while adhering to AJC’s core values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Accountability.
Primary Fundraising Responsibilities:
Manage annual campaign raising an aggregate of over $1.7M; recruit solicitors, assign solicitations and provide solicitation training; track campaign gifts and provide ongoing updates to solicitors; organize special donor events.
Conduct solicitations at the board and major donor level in coordination with the Regional Director.
Market planned giving materials to local members and coordinate follow up with national AJC planned giving office; identify and enroll planned giving prospects.
Manage the cultivation and solicitation of foundation and major gifts, including related events and all aspects of donor management and cultivation.
Manage development related events, including event strategy, design and mailing of invitations, coordination of event logistics, management of vendor relations, organize and lead solicitation process, and other necessary activities.
Enhance and expand the Regions donor recognition program.
Work closely with AJC New Jersey’s lay leaders, and as the primary staff person for the Advancement Committee
Oversee management of gift entry and donor information into national and local database
Partner with team on communications to ensure effective marketing to donor community.
Coordinate with program staff to ensure donors are engaged and aware of AJC’s impact, and that their programs assist with solicitation and upgrade of prospects and donors.
Work collaboratively with AJC’s National Development Department
Secondary Responsibilities:
Assist in the planning and execution of general AJC New Jersey programs and activities.
Participate in AJC New Jersey’s nominations and leadership cultivation efforts.
Perform other tasks as needed to support overall office effectiveness.
Participate in the development of annual strategic plan.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required.
8-plus years fundraising experience that includes major donor solicitation and management, staff supervision, and organization of complex campaigns
Flexible, creative, and strategic thinker able to develop new ways to engage potential and existing donors and to create new giving opportunities and programs.
Passion for AJC’s mission (including combating antisemitism at home and abroad, securing Israel’s place in the world, and fighting terrorism).
Experienced in developing board members and increasing their level of participation in the fundraising process.
Pride and professionalism in work accomplishments.
Strong organizational, project-management and time management skills, ability to manage data and develop, implement, and oversee a yearly campaign.
Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
Ability to solve problems creatively and practically, to multi-task and work on multiple projects simultaneously, to work effectively under pressure, and to follow through on agreed upon initiatives.
A self-starter, willing to take initiative, with an entrepreneurial mindset, who can work independently or collaboratively with professional and lay leadership.
Availability for early morning, evening, and weekend meetings.
Proficiency in Raiser's Edge (or is a proven quick learner) and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
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 $120,000 to $150,000, depending on relevant experience.
AJC requires all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID 19, unless one has a legally recognized reason for exemption.
