Senior Director of Philanthropy

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Philanthropy is a strategic leader responsible for the growth and sustainability of the Mandel JCC's philanthropic efforts. Rooted in a legacy of Jewish values and communal responsibility, this role drives a donor-centric strategy that supports our mission to build a vibrant and inclusive community for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Operating within one of the strongest and most dedicated Jewish communities in North America, this individual manages high-capacity donor relationships while overseeing a department of 3.5 FTEs and supervising the integrated execution of grants and all agency fundraising events. While this role leads high-capacity engagement and our upcoming major capital campaign, the Senior Director is responsible for the health of the entire donor pipeline, ensuring that every supporter feels a meaningful connection to the Mandel JCC.

Reporting to the CEO, they ensure that the agency's vision is met through disciplined execution and measurable results.

• Fundraising Leadership & Capital Campaign Management
• Capital Campaign Leadership:
  Play a central leadership role in the Mandel JCC's major capital campaign, driving strategy, setting milestones, and ensuring the campaign's vision is communicated effectively to stakeholders.
• Major Gift Management:
  Actively manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors. Identify, cultivate, and solicit five- and six-figure gifts for the capital campaign, annual operations, and other strategic needs.
• Mission-Centered Stewardship:
  Ensure that solicitation and stewardship efforts authentically reflect the Mandel JCC's Jewish heritage while resonating with a diverse and evolving donor base.
• Pipeline Advocacy:
  Oversee strategies that bridge the gap between annual program participants and long-term philanthropic partners, ensuring every donor understands their impact on the Mandel JCC mission.
• Integrated Fundraising & Event Oversight
• Annual Campaign Oversight:
  Design and execute the Annual Campaign in partnership with lay leadership to meet or exceed revenue targets.
• Event Supervision & Strategy:
  Provide strategic oversight and direct supervision for all agency fundraising events. Ensure events serve as high-impact cultivation tools that successfully convert attendees into long-term donors for the Mandel JCC.
• Grant Strategy:
  Lead the full grant lifecycle for local and national foundations, ensuring that proposals reflect the Mandel JCC's excellence and impact while maintaining rigorous reporting standards.
• Operational Excellence, Data & Metrics
• Team Leadership:
  Manage and mentor a philanthropy department currently comprised of 3.5 FTEs, fostering a culture of accountability, professional growth, and collaboration.
• Metrics of Success:
  This role is accountable for specific performance metrics, including annual revenue growth (Annual and Capital), donor retention, and increase in investment rates.
• Data-Driven Decisions:
  Leverage CRM platforms (Salesforce) and analytics to track donor activity, analyze giving trends and generate performance reports for the Executive Team.
• Stewardship:
  Design and maintain a robust recognition program that honors donors across all levels and highlights the human stories behind the Mandel JCC's work.
• Board & Committee Support:
  Provide senior staff support to the Development Committee, equipping them with the data and training needed to serve as effective solicitors for the Mandel JCC
• Administrative & Other Duties
• Community Representation:
  Act as a key liaison to regional philanthropic partners, positioning the Mandel JCC as a vital anchor within Cleveland's robust Jewish community and a premier communal institution in Northeast Ohio.
• Financial Oversight:
  Manage the department budget, ensuring ROI and accurate financial forecasting.
• Other Responsibilities:
  
  Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the President and CEO to support the evolving needs of the Mandel JCC.

• Cultural Competence:
  Demonstrated understanding of Jewish communal life and philanthropic traditions is required. The candidate must be able to…