Mersky, Jaffe & Associates, a national executive search and consulting firm, has been engaged to conduct a search for the Southeast Regional Director of Advancement (“RDA”) for the American Friends of Leket Israel, located in Teaneck, New Jersey.

ABOUT AMERICAN FRIENDS OF LEKET ISRAEL

American Friends of Leket Israel (“AFOLI”) supports the critical work of Leket Israel: Israel’s National Food Bank and largest food rescue organization. Unique among all other organizations that serve Israelis in need and food banks worldwide, Leket Israel’s sole focus is rescuing healthy, surplus food and delivering it to those in need through 300 partner nonprofit organizations. With 160 employees and 95,000 volunteers, a 66,000 square foot logistics center and 67 dedicated food rescue vehicles. Leket Israel was responsible in 2024 for distributing $90.1M in food value to those in need throughout the country. Roughly 415,000 Israelis per week receive fresh food from Leket Israel.

POSITION OVERVIEW

AFOLI is seeking an experienced, passionate, creative, ideas-driven Southeast Regional Director of Advancement to expand the organization’s presence in the southeastern U.S., with an emphasis on (but not limited to) the area from Palm Beach to Miami. The RDA will work in collaboration with senior staff and other colleagues to significantly expand upon and complement the organization’s existing work in the region.  This is a full-time position, working out of a home office, residing in the Southeast Florida area, and reporting to the Associate Director of Development.

The salary range is $130,000 - $150,000 with a comprehensive benefits package.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, with senior staff, an annual fundraising plan and assume responsibility for its implementation
• Generate new funds, increase giving among current donors, and reengage lapsed donors
• Develop a robust portfolio; cultivate, manage, steward, and track relationships with donors including individuals, corporations, and foundations; leverage the time of senior staff in cultivating high-potential donors and prospects
• Build a robust donor prospect pipeline for the organization
• Plan and execute strategies to drive year-over-year increases in the number of major gifts and increases in donors and revenue
• In collaboration with supervisor, determine goals for number of monthly/weekly donor visits/calls and set appropriate quarterly targets for securing major gifts
• Prepare and execute individualized plans to identify, cultivate, solicit, secure, and steward major gifts
• Prepare donor presentations and proposals
• Undertake interstate fundraising trips and 1-2 international trips annually
• Represent the organization at public events and speaking engagements
• Recruit Board members for both the U.S. and International Boards
• Recruit lay leaders to host parlor meetings
• Develop and maintain relationships with area lay leaders, rabbis and schools
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal laws
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and trainings
• Protect the confidentiality of all records and information about donors and use discretion when sharing any such information

Requirements:

• Committed to food justice and assisting Israelis of all backgrounds in need, through the provision of fresh, rescued food
• Five years’ experience with demonstrated success in frontline major gifts fundraising; to think strategically about moving individuals across the spectrum of prospect development and ability to independently close five figure gifts and above
• Deep knowledge and understanding of the key players, institutions, philanthropic culture and giving trends in the region; must have significant, demonstrated fundraising success within the South Florida Jewish community and strong existing connections
• Ability to establish, develop and maintain long-term relationships with donors, prospects and internal staff
• Self-motivated and self-directed, with the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team with a sense of urgency, a clear set of priorities, a strong work ethic, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, attention to detail, time management, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with a process and results orientation
• Strong written, public speaking and oral interpersonal skills to communicate effectively and diplomatically with a variety of donors, prospects, volunteers, and staff.
• Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills
• Committed to providing excellent customer service and outstanding follow through
• Proficient in computer and software knowledge (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.) with experience in donor databases. Proficiency in Salesforce a plus.
• Hebrew and/or Spanish language skills a plus
• Ability to work weekends and evenings, as needed
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license, insurance and access to a personal vehicle
• BA required; MA preferred

Mersky Jaffe & Associates is proud of its association with the American Friends of Leket Israel and to be conducting the search for its Southeast Regional Director of Advancement.  If you or someone you know might be a suitable candidate for this position, please forward in confidence, the person’s name, cover letter, resume, and contact information to Katie Moreland at [email protected]