Senior Foundation Director

POSITION TITLE:
Senior Foundation Director

DEPARTMENT:
Financial Resource Development (FRD)

Reports To:
Chief Development Officer

Direct Reports:
Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Foundation Operations Manager

The Senior Foundation Director is a senior member of the Financial Resource Development (FRD) leadership team and serves as the executive leader responsible for the overall performance, strategy, and long-term sustainability of the Jewish Columbus Foundation. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, this role provides organizational leadership across all aspects of the Foundation, including donor‑advised funds, custodial and endowment assets, planned and legacy giving, governance, financial oversight, and operational management.

The Senior Foundation Director is accountable for Foundation growth, asset development, and stewardship, ensuring alignment with Jewish Columbus broader philanthropic and community priorities. This role operates with significant strategic and decision‑making authority and serves as the primary partner to senior leadership and the Foundation Committee in shaping the direction, policies, and future of the Foundation.

• Set and lead the overall strategic vision for the Foundation, including asset growth, donor engagement, and long-term sustainability
• Establish and be accountable for measurable performance across all Foundation lines of business, including:
  • Donor‑Advised Funds and Custodial Accounts
  • Endowment Development (realized gifts), Legacy and planned giving, Professional advisor engagement
• Drive growth in assets under management and philanthropic investment through coordinated development strategies, with a balanced focus on both current‑use and long‑term endowment assets
• Align Foundation strategy with annual campaign, major gifts, and organizational priorities; partner with CEO, CDO, CMO, lay leaders, and other senior FRD professionals on donor identification, engagement, and stewardship

• Serve as the lead professional staff partner to the Foundation Committee, supporting governance, strategic planning, and policy development
• Partner with senior leadership and Board members on Foundation strategy, growth, and decision‑making
• Ensure strong governance practices, including adherence to policies, fiduciary responsibilities, and best practices
• Prepare and present clear, data‑informed recommendations and updates to leadership and the Board

• Partner closely with the Chief Financial Officer to oversee Foundation financial operations, including budgets, distributions, and investment alignment
• Ensure all Foundation activity meets legal, regulatory, and fiduciary requirements
• Maintain oversight of fund performance, spending policies, and financial sustainability
• Contribute to the evaluation and evolution of policies related to distributions, investments, and fund structures

• Serve as a senior strategist and relationship lead for high‑capacity donors, fund holders, and professional advisors
• Manage a select portfolio of key Foundation relationships
• Lead strategy for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of Foundation‑related gifts and assets
• Provide expert counsel on complex giving vehicles and philanthropic structures

• Serve as the organization’s lead authority on planned giving strategy, vehicles, and trends
• Develop and implement a comprehensive legacy giving program to support long‑term sustainability
• Train and support FRD staff and lay leadership in planned giving approaches
• Maintain current knowledge of tax law, financial planning strategies, and philanthropic trends

• Provide strategic oversight of Foundation operations, ensuring strong integration across development, finance, and operations
• Oversee administrative systems, workflows, and processes supporting Foundation activity
  
  Ensure operational efficiency, scalability, and high‑quality donor experience

• Build and maintain…