The client seeks an Executive Director to lead advancement activities for its Midwest Region. This role will direct regional fundraising efforts, oversee the Midwest team, and partner with a board of lay leaders to strengthen philanthropic outcomes. Building on recent organizational momentum and leadership changes at the affiliated university, the Executive Director will help advance ambitious long-term philanthropic objectives, including preparation for a next comprehensive campaign.
Reporting to the organization’s chief development officer, the Executive Director will develop fundraising strategy, grow donor pools, and expand regional presence across key cities. Responsibilities include building and empowering a strong fundraising team (including hiring and leading an associate-level leader), collaborating with national development colleagues and the university community, and driving both regional and future growth toward total fundraising objectives. The role will also include ongoing donor solicitation and stewardship to support major gifts and strengthen the overall regional development program.
The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial, resourceful, and collaborative fundraising leader able to work autonomously while aligning with national leadership and board partners. The position requires at least seven years of successful fundraising experience, preferably in a Jewish communal, higher education, or nonprofit context, with demonstrated success in major gift solicitation and stewardship and in discovery and cultivation of major donors. The Executive Director should have strong knowledge of fundraising best practices, credibility with senior leaders and high-level volunteers, and the ability to articulate mission and values; knowledge of Israel and its context is essential. A bachelor’s degree is required.