The client is seeking a Senior Director of Philanthropic Engagement to help build its presence and development operation in the southeastern united states, with an initial focus on south florida. This is an entrepreneurial role that will support brand building, donor cultivation, and the positioning of the organization as a solid philanthropic investment within a rapidly growing Jewish community. The fundraising approach emphasizes authentic relationships and intellectual engagement through curated, content-rich cultivation with serious philanthropists interested in Jewish life, israel, and ideas.
The Senior Director will lead regional fundraising by identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting major and principal gift prospects across Miami and surrounding communities including Boca Raton and Palm Beach. The role includes developing local networks of supporters at higher giving levels, conducting in-person cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation meetings, and expanding the donor base with an expectation of minimal reliance on existing relationships in the region. The Senior Director will also identify and recruit new board candidates in south florida markets and help strengthen the organization’s institutional relationships with individual donors, family foundations, Jewish federations, and other funders.
In addition, the Senior Director will design and execute a curated annual “Season of Ideas” engagement program running from November through April, including donor salons, VIP learning experiences, private dinners, and leadership programming featuring Hartman scholars and faculty from Israel as well as local educators. The role will leverage local scholarly assets, visiting scholars, and senior Institute leadership to build an ongoing calendar of donor engagement, and help adapt offerings across multiple Jewish community centers in Miami and nearby locations. The Senior Director will serve as a point person for senior leadership visits to Florida and support the coordination of these engagements to deepen relationships and reinforce long-term commitment.