Position Title: Development Director
Reports To: CEO
Location: on-site one day per week, but fully remote could be an option for the right candidate. Must be on-site for certain communal programming.
Status: Full Time
Salary: $90,000 - $100,000
About AJR:
The Academy for Jewish Religion (AJR) is a pluralistic rabbinical, cantorial, and graduate seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. Our school is located in Yonkers, NY, but our classes are primarily taught on-line, and so our student body lives all over North America and beyond.
There is a shortage of qualified Jewish clergy. While the denominational schools are struggling to fill their classes as they used to, AJR makes it possible for qualified candidates from all geographies, life situations, and approaches to Jewish life to become clergy to serve the Jewish community. The school’s flexibility and personalized approach, coupled with its accredited academic rigor, caters to a wide range of students and has made AJR one of the fastest growing Jewish seminaries in America.
AJR embraces pluralism as an action verb. We cherish difference and the opportunity to encounter it deeply and meaningfully. We train our clergy to actively engage each other, Jewish tradition, and the world in order to lead with deep intention, curiosity and openness to shared learning. It is this commitment that distinguishes an AJR education, allowing our graduates to lead with a rich vision, one that moves us beyond echo chambers and into life-changing encounters with each other and the Divine. As a Zionist school we embrace a wide spectrum of approaches to supporting the State of Israel while grappling with its contemporary challenges. Studying at AJR deepens our sense of self, pushing us and our communities into places of real wisdom. AJR is a community that affirms the inherent dignity and value of all people, modeling a Jewish future made whole and holy.
AJR has been experiencing rapid growth and this has enabled us to create this new position.
What You Will Be Doing:
The Development Director is responsible for leading and managing the organization's fundraising efforts, as well as ensuring the successful cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors. This individual will work closely with the executive leadership team to establish and execute fundraising strategies to meet the organization’s financial goals. The Development Director will work together with the CEO and with the Board of Trustees to build and maintain relationships with donors, and other key stakeholders. The Development Director will also work hands-on together with the administration in working on grant opportunities and grant writing.
Key Responsibilities:
- Fundraising Strategy & Leadership:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the organization’s mission and growth objectives.
- Lead all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, annual giving, events, grants, donor database, and planned giving.
- Identify and cultivate relationships with high-potential donors and foundations.
- Set annual fundraising goals and oversee their achievement in coordination with the CEO and the Board of Trustees.
- Ensure effective use of data and metrics to evaluate fundraising outcomes and improve future efforts.
- Donor Cultivation & Stewardship:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with current and potential donors to maximize giving opportunities.
- Oversee the office’s donor communications, ensuring timely and thoughtful acknowledgment, recognition, and reporting.
- Grant Writing & Management:
- Work together with the administration in the identification and writing of grant proposals to secure funding from foundations, corporations, and government entities.
- Special Events & Campaigns:
- Oversee special fundraising events, including galas, auctions, and other donor engagement activities. This may include hiring event coordinators for especially large events.
Qualifications:
- Passion for the mission of the organization.
- Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- Minimum of 5-7 years of fundraising experience (or a related field such as sales) including at least 3 years in a leadership role preferably within nonprofit development.
- Proven track record of professional success.
- Strong knowledge of fundraising software and databases (e.g., Donor Perfect or similar platforms).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently, set priorities, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- A true team player.
- Knowledge of the Jewish community a very strong plus.
Logistical Requirements:
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Occasional evening and weekend work required for events or donor meetings.
- Ability to travel as needed for donor meetings or fundraising activities.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Dr. Ora Horn Prouser at [email protected]. We will be evaluating applications on a rolling basis. Please include examples of past fundraising successes in your cover letter.