Birthright Israel Foundation (BRIF) began with a simple idea in 1999---to offer young Jewish adults a life-changing trip to Israel to build their Jewish identity and by doing so, transform the Jewish future.

Founded on the belief that by bringing young Jewish adults to Israel, they would return home with new ideas about Israel and its people, and their place in the Jewish story thus forging a connection to their heritage and their community that can last a lifetime. To date, over 750,000 young Jewish adults between 18 and 26 have participated in the program.

The men and women who have had the Birthright experience have been critically impacted by their visit to Israel:

• 85% of alumni feel that the Birthright trip was a life-changing experience.
• 84% of Birthright alumni are raising their children Jewish.
• 93% of Birthright participants are more likely to be “very much” connected to Israel.

POSITION SUMMARY

BRIF seeks a proven, goal-oriented, resourceful, and inspiring development professional for this opportunity. It will require a candidate with superior relationship skills and demonstrated success in building organizational capacity and increasing revenue. S/he must have an authentic passion for the mission, a track record as a major gifts fundraiser, and be an articulate communicator of BRIF’s case for support. Candidates should have an entrepreneurial approach and thrive in a fast-paced environment; someone who can develop and execute fundraising strategies that include the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals, alumni, and parents on Long Island.

The Regional Director, based on Long Island, will report to and work in partnership with the Vice President of the Northeast Region, based in the national headquarters in New York City. This position will be a part of a six-person regional operation that raised over $12 million this past year. The Long Island region raised approximately $1.5 million from 3,000 donors of five- and six-figure gifts and smaller direct mail gifts. Much of the current support is from Nassau’s North Shore. It is expected that the new Regional Director will grow the campaign, by upgrading donors and expanding into South Shore and Suffolk County communities. Towards that end, the director will have the support of an active and committed leadership Cabinet who contribute gifts of $10,000 and over.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

This position is a unique and compelling opportunity to play a leadership role in resource development for what many views as the most successful engagement program in Jewish life and Israel.

With a current national campaign raising over $100 million from 40,000 donors, BRIF’s base of support has grown in recent years. However, to meet the growing needs of young Jewish adults who want to take a Birthright trip, will require broadening and upgrading the base of support. The Long Island region has a solid base and is ready to leap forward by upgrading major donors and expanding into new communities. Also, the current leadership is well-connected and committed to opening doors, cultivating, and soliciting, along with the new Regional Director.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and manage a fundraising portfolio of 100-150 donors and prospects at the $3,000+ level:
  • Initiate contact and meet with existing donors and prospects.
  • Using “moves management,” develop and implement engagement and cultivation strategies.
  • With the support of staff and lay leaders, solicit gifts from these prospects.
• Work with the Northeast Regional VP to review, identify and qualify prospects with appropriate strategies.
• Build and manage the L.I. Cabinet.
• Plan appropriate and strategic events designed to draw and cultivate new prospects and steward current ones.
• Increase the number of donors and funds raised in the region.
• Utilize the organization’s database (Salesforce) to maintain accurate records of donor interactions, individual programmatic interests, and strategies for donor engagement and solicitation.
• Other tasks and duties that are reasonably related to these job responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of experience in fundraising or a related role.
• Successful experience soliciting donors face-to-face.
• Deep understanding of key principles of major gift fundraising and “moves management.”
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills.
• Have strong self-confidence, high energy along with a positive and proactive approach.
• Have a passion for Jewish engagement and the mission of BRIF.
• Be a self-starter with the ability to work alone and in a team.
• Familiarity with the Long Island Jewish philanthropic community.
• Collaborative work style and ability to influence people across within and outside the Birthright organization.
• Have solid organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Must have proficiency in Microsoft Office; knowledge of Salesforce is a plus.
• Willing to travel, as needed, to donor meetings, events, and Foundation summits.