American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA) is Israel’s national “911,” emergency medical, ambulance, disaster-relief, and blood-services agency.In the United States, these diverse public health responsibilities are handled by many organizations. In Israel, there’s only one agency doing it all—Magen David Adom (MDA).Each year, 22,000 volunteer EMTs and paramedics of MDA, answer more than 4.8 million emergency calls and travel more than 5 million miles to save lives and help anyone in need.

Founded in 1930 by a group of dedicated and concerned Americans, MDA was made the official national Red Cross society of Israel in 1950 and has responded to every Israeli need and crisis since. Beyond Israel, MDA sets the gold standard for emergency response techniques and is on the ground in countries all over the globe, including the United States—wherever there is suffering from terrorist attacks, natural disasters and other crises.

Equally important to their emergency response role, is MDA’s responsibility for collecting, testing, and distributing 97% of Israel’s national blood supply and 100% of the blood supply needed by the Israel Defense Forces.Blood is life.With a leadership gift from Home Depot’s Bernie Marcus, the Marcus National Blood Services Center, having raised $100M of a total $130M campaign, is anticipated to open later this year.

For more information on American Friends of Magen David Adom, please visit www.afmda.org

POSITION SUMMARY

American Friends of Magen David Adom is the largest supporter of MDA worldwide.On average, the annual campaign raises over $40 million, $18 million of which is raised in the Northeast Region.There are 43 full time employees in the United States, approximately 23 of whom work out of the NY headquarters office located on West 36th Street, just off Fifth Avenue.The Northeast Region includes two remote fundraisers with oversight of the Boston and Philadelphia communities. AFMDA has three other regional offices, located in Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles.The entire team comes together once per year for a retreat.

 AFMDA seeks a proven, dynamic and inspiring fundraising professional with superior relationship-building skills and demonstrated success in building organizational capacity and increasing revenue to work with the Director of Strategic Philanthropy and her team of six.S/he will be responsible for raising funds by utilizing a variety of strategies including face-to-face solicitations, parlor meetings and major events in their designated area that will encompass donor cultivation and solicitation to raise significant funds as well as AFMDA awareness. The Senior Development Officer (SDO) will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gift prospects who have the potential to make five and six-figures.

The successful candidate must have an authentic passion for the mission and Israel, a track record as an effective major gifts fundraiser, and be a skilled communicator of AFMDA’s case for support. There is some expectation of travel within the region, which stretches from Boston to Washington D.C., with the bulk of that travel being in/around Metropolitan NYC.This position will be provided a portfolio of existing and lapsed donors on which to build.

AFMDA seeks a candidate with an entrepreneurial approach who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can both develop and execute fundraising strategies that include individual cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. The SDO will be self-motivated, open to new ideas, and have a positive, “can-do” attitude.S/he will possess an intellectual and emotional curiosity and maturity, understanding, and enthusiasm for the mission of AFMDA, coupled with an ambitious and driven attitude.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

This position is a unique and compelling opportunity to play an important role in resource development for what many view as one of the most vital organizations addressing the safety, security and health of the Israeli people. Whether a donor is funding an entire ambulance or making a modest gift, their gift is immediately tangible and the mission highly relatable.

The SDO will not be a cog in a wheel, but a vital and appreciated member of the national and regional development teams.

Broadening the existing base of support, as longstanding donors age, and helping donors pass the torch to the next generation is essential to meeting the current and future needs of AFMDA. The ability to help prospects develop awareness of AFMDA’s programs and role in Israeli society and attract high-level donors to join the growing national board or the regional advisory board is an important part of the work.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify, cultivate, successfully solicit and steward major gift prospects to foster five and six-figure gifts toward both the annual and capital campaigns
• Directly solicit and close gifts from major prospects and maintain relationships through mail, phone, or in-person contacts; ensure that required donor records are maintained
• Organize and execute area fundraising events including parlor meetings and special events to raise awareness and contributions for AFMDA
• Create and lead a series of cultivation events and activities to engage and broaden the prospect pool at the leadership and major giving levels
• Integrate Legacy Giving program into both one-on-one meetings and small events in order to promote participation in planned giving alternatives.
• Stimulate and develop effective lay leadership councils for participation in fundraising events and activities
• Cultivate and maintain community relationships and community outreach; identify potential speakers for activities and/or events
• Develop young leaders/next generation donors and prospects in identified areas and develop programming to engage them
• Conduct donor research to identify prospects and support cultivation efforts
• Participate in special assignments or projects as assigned
• Local and regional travel
• Other tasks and duties reasonably related to the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

•  BA degree required
• A minimum of five-seven years’ experience in fundraising or a related role;
• Successful experience with face-to-face donor solicitations at the five and six-figure level;
• High integrity and diplomatic skills to function within a complex international organization;
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort interfacing with donors at every level;
• Demonstration of exceptional skills in written and verbal communications in English;
• Highly energetic, positive, and proactive approach;
• Keen understanding of donor needs and requirements;
• Experience with developing and maintaining productive working relationships with Board members, donors, and staff.
• Must be able to work strategically—both independently or as part of a team; multi-task and work under tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Ability to prioritize and execute responsibilities in the face of conflicting requests and a fast-paced work environment;
• Familiarity with the NY Metropolitan Jewish philanthropic community
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort working with donor database programs, specifically Raiser’s Edge a plus; knowledge of Salesforce and WealthEngine a plus;
• Willing to travel as needed for donor meetings, events, and retreats.