BACKGROUND
Bar-Ilan University, founded in 1955, was one of Israel's first comprehensive research universities and is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Its remarkable growth from 70 students to 21,000 and milestone achievements in the sciences and humanities have made an indelible imprint on the character of the State of Israel.

BIU's mission is about achieving excellence and making an impact that transcends boundaries. This transformative journey, catalyzed by a recent $260 million gift, is fueling the creation of challenge-driven research centers, innovative instructional methods, intensified global outreach, and broadened discourse and dialogue throughout Israel and the world. The future of BIU is not just bright; it's inspiring.

The university is home to a microcosm of Israeli society; Bar-Ilan University's student body includes religious and secular Jews, non-Jews, immigrants, and international visitors. The multicultural environment encourages free thought and open discussion while providing an education steeped in Jewish values. BIU's academic faculty and administrative staff are likewise multi-faceted, fostering a unique atmosphere for the open exchange of ideas. This diversity and tolerance are not just values at BIU but also lived and breathed.

AMERICAN FRIENDS OF BAR-ILAN UNIVERSITY (AFBIU)

Established sixty years ago, AFBIU has, over the years, developed vital philanthropic support for the university. The generosity of its donors transforms dreams into realities. It funds state-of-the-art facilities and academic projects. It helps attract preeminent faculty. It also offers opportunities to support unparalleled academic advancements while promoting an appreciation of Jewish heritage and the Jewish state. This critical support has made Bar-Ilan University what it is today – a bastion of Jewish Studies and a world leader in Medicine, Cybersecurity, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

AFBIU's national and regional programs, events, and missions to Israel promote a greater appreciation of Bar-Ilan's breadth and scope of achievements and the university's pivotal role in educating leaders for the State of Israel and beyond. Moreover, by nurturing Israel's greatest natural resource—the intellectual strength of the nation's people—AFBIU helps Bar-Ilan improve human health, lead the way with agricultural innovation, spearhead the latest breakthroughs in brain sciences, and illuminate the world through the humanities.

Led by recently appointed CEO Jessica Feldan, AFBIU has a national staff of 17 and an aggressive recruitment strategy to significantly grow the staff. With an endowment of nearly $19 million, AFBIU raises over $12 million a year and is growing. Further information on AFBIU can be found on its website: www.afbiu.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

The VP of Principal Gifts is a newly-created role that will design, develop, and execute a best-in-class principal gifts program, concentrating on $1 million+ gifts from high-net-worth individuals and foundations nationwide. AFBIU sees such donors as providing transformational gifts that will have the potential to shape the university's future. This position is expected to be entrepreneurial to broaden and upgrade the base of important donors and help create transformational gift opportunities that have the potential to shape the university's future.

As a senior development team member, this position will report directly to the Chief Development Officer and work with him and the CEO, based in the national office in New York City, to expand AFBIU's philanthropic presence in regions where they currently lack strong staff representation including, but not limited to Atlanta, Arizona, Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Texas, and Washington, D.C, This position will also spearhead designing and implementing an International Major Gift Stewardship Program for top university supporters.

AFBIU seeks an exceptional frontline development executive who wants to join a dynamic team of professionals to work on a significant donor-centered, gift-driven campaign. The new VP will have a unique opportunity to incorporate their diverse fundraising skills, from prospecting to cultivation and solicitation to stewardship, and will have administrative, prospect research, marketing, and communication support through the headquarters in NYC.

The ideal candidate will have a successful track record of soliciting significant gifts and familiarity with the Jewish philanthropic community in the U.S. Curiosity, familiarity with Israel, knowledge of best practices, data-informed decisions, and the ability to work effectively independently are all vital.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Prospect Development & Management (40%)

• Develop, cultivate, and manage a high-impact portfolio to be developed of at least 75 qualified prospects capable of making a gift of $1 million+ each.
• Strategically identify and qualify new high-net-worth individuals and foundations in key regions for potential expansion.
• Travel up to 30% of the time to engage with prospects and deepen relationships in markets where AFBIU does not have a presence.

Gift Solicitation & Stewardship (35%)

• Lead the creation and implementation of an International Stewardship Program for top donors, ensuring they are closely engaged with the transformative projects shaping Israel's future.
• Secure six- and seven-figure+ gifts through direct solicitations, ensuring alignment with donor interests and university priorities.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams, academic leaders, and faculty to create compelling funding opportunities that resonate with prospects.
• Design and execute personalized stewardship plans that foster sustained engagement and long-term philanthropic partnerships.
• Ensure the development and implementation of high-touch events and recognition activities.

Strategic Partnership Building (25%)

• Work with academic leadership to align the university's strategic priorities with prospects' interests.
• Partner with central development on prospect research, proposal development, gift agreements, and gift planning to ensure cohesive strategies.
• Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders and potential partners who can facilitate introductions to high-net-worth individuals and foundations.
• Develop and implement regional engagement strategies in areas where the organization has a limited development presence.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree is required, and at least 10 years of proven success in frontline fundraising at the highest levels within a Jewish communal, higher education, or hospital setting is necessary, or experience in private banking, financial services, or related professions.
• Significant experience identifying, cultivating, and soliciting six- to eight-figure gifts from individuals and foundations.
• You must be entrepreneurial to build a principal gifts program from scratch.
• The VP must be familiar with some of the regions noted above that will comprise the VP's territory.
• Have outstanding interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills necessary to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with planned giving and the ability to integrate it into larger fundraising strategies.
• Ability to work collegially and collaboratively in a team environment of highly motivated individuals; experience working within a complex national and international culture.
• Storytelling skills that engage, inspire, and generate enthusiasm among prospects and present the BIU story convincingly and professionally.
• Ability to work in a highly collegial manner within a complex national and international organizational culture.
• Strong project management skills with a focus on strategic thinking, execution, and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of international philanthropy.
• Proven track record working with philanthropic foundations.
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time and attend evening and weekend functions when necessary.
• Be a determined and decisive problem-solver, exhibiting sound judgment, ingenuity, and grace under pressure.
• Be innovative, tenacious, and motivated to take on new challenges.
• A deep personal resonance with the mission of BIU and an unwavering commitment to AFBIU's goals and values.
• Excellent computer skills; proficient in Microsoft Suite and Raiser's Edge.

COMPENSATION

A competitive compensation package will be offered to attract an outstanding candidate. The budgeted salary range is between $240K - $270K plus benefits; the final salary will be commensurate with experience. AFBIU is an equal employment employer.