director of development
North Shore Congregation Israel (NSCI), a reform synagogue located on the shores of Lake Michigan, is one of Chicago’s largest and most vibrant congregations. NSCI is approaching its centennial celebration in 2020. As part of this celebration, NSCI launched and is in the midst of a major capital campaign. Beyond helping the congregation achieve important facility upgrades, the campaign and related centennial activities serve as a catalyst to increase congregant engagement and further solidify their relationship with NSCI. To help advance these important objectives, NSCI is seeking our next Director of Development to build upon the success of the campaign and further cultivate a culture of philanthropy and engagement. Our current Director of Development will be retiring in June, 2020.
The Director of Development will be responsible for creating and executing the overall strategic direction and management of all fundraising-related activities. Reporting to the Executive Director, and working closely with the Senior Rabbi and lay leaders, you will lead all aspects of fundraising, including our annual appeal, capital campaigns, major gifts, donor-relations, planned giving, and stewardship. Since an important facet of this job requires relationship building with members of the community, it will be crucial to be present during times when you can interact and get to know people. These times include some Friday nights, some Sundays, some week nights as well as other moments in the life of the community.
Responsibilities:
● Strategy: Develop and implement fundraising strategies and procedures to build a
donor pipeline in order to meet financial and participation goals, with a focus on donor
acquisition and retention. Proactively work with senior staff and lay leadership to serve
as partners in solicitation.
● Stewardship: Implement stewardship plan of individual, corporate and other donors and
oversee these efforts by the Board and staff.
● Engagement: Create and oversee high level programming, including annual fundraising
events, for donors to increase their affinity towards the synagogue and build a stronger
network of institutional supporters.
● Recognition: Develop and oversee donor recognition strategy including events for
donor recognition and administration of donor acknowledgments.
● Tracking: Oversee pledge tracking, gift fulfillment, creation of and adherence to donor
agreements. Ensure accurate maintenance of donor records and information utilizing
CRM and other systems. Work with the finance department to reconcile gifts received
and to maintain detailed records of event revenues, expenses and budgets.
● Analysis: Provide regular reports and analysis to Senior Staff, Development Committee,
and Board of Trustees.
● Communication: Create content for all development-related internal and external
communication pieces including: campaign materials (direct mail and digital appeals),
Bulletin articles, impact updates, donor profiles for solicitors, acknowledgement letters,
donor fund reports, and case statements. Work with Director of Communication to
coordinate all external communication pieces within NSCI communication plan.
● Leadership: Serve as lead staff member on fundraising-related committees or task
forces. Attend other committee meetings on an as-needed basis.
● Vision: Provide fresh ideas for congregant engagement and new models for
synagogues to maintain and increase financial sustainability.
● Management: Supervise Development Associate dedicated to providing support
throughout the duration of 2020 Capital Campaign.
● Collaboration and being a part of our community: Be present at major milestones of
our calendar year (including some nights and weekends). Collaboration with our
community and staff, making all congregants feel connected, will be an essential part of
your success.
Qualifications:
Bachelor Degree or better with a certification in development preferred
Minimum of five years senior level development work at a non-profit organization.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Superior written and verbal communication skills.
Proven track record of collaboration, teamwork, and effective workplace communication.
Experience with development databases and CRM systems
Experience planning events, including major fundraisers and smaller cultivation events.
Knowledge of the North Shore Jewish community and understanding of the role of synagogues
in Jewish life today.
Proficiency with MS Office and G-Suite preferred.
Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
Comfortable working with confidential and sensitive information.
Job type: Full-time, benefited
Salary: Commensurate with experience
To Apply: Send resume and cover letter to hr@nsci.org
