Director of Philanthropic Initiatives 

Director of Philanthropic Initiatives 

Reports to: Vice President, Philanthropy  

The Jewish Federations of North America (“JFNA”) consist of 141 Jewish Federations and dozens of Network communities which collectively raise and distribute more than $3 billion annually to support flourishing Jewish life and the needs of the Jewish people in their home communities and around the world. The Jewish Federation system, among the top 10 charities on the continent, leads the largest network of volunteer and professional leaders who build and sustain Jewish communities that are healthy, safe, caring, welcoming and inclusive, educated and engaged, involved in the broader community, and deeply connected to Israel and the global Jewish people.   One of the pillars of the work of the Philanthropy Team at JFNA is to bring new and exciting models around philanthropy, Jewish values, and deep donor development and stewardship to the system.

Atid is JFNA’s premier philanthropic leadership program, designed to inspire and catalyze intentional philanthropy among highly resourced wealth inheritors and wealth creators. Atid cohort experiences and the Atid Alumni Network are positioned to serve as a cutting edge, sophisticated, multifaceted family philanthropy initiative and resource hub, equipped to cultivate and nurture the future of Jewish giving throughout North America. 

 Atid cohorts are run locally by Federations, as a six-session program including a multi-day retreat. All cohort participants will also have access to the Atid Alumni Network upon completion of the formal cohort experience, where they will be able to access ongoing networking opportunities, additional travel, resources, and philanthropic advisory services. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

Since Atid’s inception four years ago, there have been over 10 cohorts across multiple communities. We now have a growing alumni network of 180 alumni, and many more communities coming to JFNA to start new cohorts. It is an exciting time to step into this position, as the program is poised for exponential growth both in terms of new cohorts, and the opportunity to build out an alumni network of high-net worth individuals who are the future of Jewish Philanthropy.

Under the supervision of the Vice President of Philanthropy, the Director of Philanthropic Initiatives will implement and support Atid and the Atid Alumni Network activities. The Director will be an integral professional presence, responsible for growing the program to continue to be a thriving, and scalable national initiative.   

Atid Responsibilities: 

• Serve as a partner to the local community running Atid in all parts of the cohort process.

• Oversee the evaluation and expansion of additional Atid cohorts, including evaluation of past cohorts, building out evaluation for current and upcoming cohorts, and working with interested communities in starting new Atid cohorts. 

• Plan and support ongoing learning opportunities, travel experiences, mentorship, and private philanthropic advisory services for the Atid Alumni Network. 

• Strengthen the national network of Atid facilitators and Federation philanthropy professionals through training, peer learning, and a formal community of practice. Ensure excellence in philanthropic advising and alumni engagement across local communities through deepening relationships between professionals and philanthropists.

• Business development to support the Atid program through local funders and larger foundations, including building a round-table of funders interested in investment in the philanthropy space.

• In partnership with VP of philanthropy, build the pipeline for Atid’s national cohort and serve as lead staff for Atid national cohorts, including planning multiple retreats/seminars, managing the registration process, including correspondence with and assistance to prospective and current participants, and accompanying the participants on domestic and international travel experiences

• Drive the creation and continuous updating of Atid curriculum and educational materials; work with marketing and design team to adapt materials for all existing and new cohorts

• Maintain a schedule of grant proposals and reporting deliverables for Atid funders

QUALIFCATIONS & SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree required

• 7-10 years’ experience in event-heavy programming, facilitation and relationship management roles

• Interest or experience with philanthropic advising

• Experience/exposure to multi-generational family philanthropy a plus, including foundations

• Proven track record of developing and implementing new initiatives

• Demonstrated ability to work with high-net-worth individuals

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Experience planning conferences and/or retreats

• Experience creating program materials; curriculum design preferred

• Comfort interacting with a broad range of constituents, including senior professional leadership and volunteers

• Impeccable organizational skills and project management abilities

• Proactive work style

• Team player with superb work ethic

• Ability to multi-task in a deadline driven, fast paced environment and adapt to changing environments

• Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively

• Willingness to work on a flexible schedule, including some nights and weekends, and travel both domestically and internationally

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Excel and PowerPoint (any other technology requirements or preferences?)

• Familiarity with Jewish culture and customs preferred

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:  JFNA offers a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, FSA), including a defined contribution plan, generous vacation policy, paid legal and Jewish holidays, life insurance, generous parental leave policies and flexible remote work practices.  Our compensation philosophy strives to be externally competitive and internally fair.   Additionally, we offer voluntary learning programs throughout the year in subjects of interest to our staff.

SALARY: $110,000 - $130,000 based on experience. New York area based position, with minimum two days in NYC office.

As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, JFNA celebrates and welcomes people of all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

FEDERATION APPLICANTS: JFNA is committed to supporting local Jewish Federations and to identifying the best talent for the system. If a current Federation employee is hired for this role, we will work with the local Federation to ensure an appropriate timeline and communications strategy. We welcome initial confidential inquiries to learn more about the role; however, current Federation employees who move to a finalist round of interviews will be asked to communicate with the Federation about their candidacy.