Director of Development

Job Summary

The Director of Development leads the development and execution of a comprehensive donor engagement strategy that guides constituents through the donor lifecycle. This includes aligned efforts in acquisition, segmented solicitation (including direct marketing), and a unified approach to recognition and stewardship. The Director oversees the donor experience as it relates to cross-channel communications, recognition programs, and impact reporting; deepening donor relationships and ensuring all supporters, from first-time givers to major and legacy donors—experience consistent, meaningful engagement with the Jewish Federation of BC.

The Director will lead and execute the Jewish Federation’s annual fundraising campaign, focusing on donor cultivation, stewardship, and engagement to drive philanthropic growth. This role is responsible for building meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, and community leaders, translating the Federation’s vision into compelling giving opportunities, and fostering a culture of generosity.

This role provides the unique opportunity to shape the philanthropic landscape of the Jewish community in BC, driving initiatives that directly support programs, services, and community growth.

Key Responsibilities

Campaign Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement the annual fundraising campaign strategy in alignment with Federation priorities and goals.
• Set, establish and monitor campaign performance metrics, including dollar targets, donor acquisition, retention, and upgrade goals.
• Identify new revenue opportunities and innovative approaches to expand donor engagement.
• Leverage data and audience segmentation models to target giving opportunities effectively.
• Coordinating directly with lead staff for all major signature events and activities

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Responsible for growing the annual campaign to achieve ambitious dollar targets while expanding the donor base
• Own and manage a robust pipeline of donor leads with creating metrics for outreach, conversion and retention
• Build and maintain relationships with individual, corporate sponsors, and foundation fund opportunities
• Cultivate high net-worth donors capable of increasing their giving capacity to include prospecting for new foundation fund holders
• Oversee major donor solicitation, including strategy for personal engagement and tailored asks.
• Ensure consistent and meaningful donor stewardship to strengthen long-term engagement.
• Coordinate donor recognition programs and events, acknowledging contributions publicly and privately as appropriate.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage, supervise and mentor campaign staff, including coordinators, committee and lay leaders, board members, volunteers, and interns on community giving, donor relations, and stewardship, providing strategic guidance and professional development opportunities.
• Foster collaboration with volunteer leaders, committee members, and board members to support campaign initiatives.
• Create and implement plans to ensure campaign volunteers remain motivated and prepared to implement donor solicitations
• Provide coaching, training and guidance to ensure consistent messaging, effective donor engagement, and adherence to best practices
• Inspires team to support and achieve goals, provides mentorship and fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment helping team members to achieve individual growth and goals
• Collaborate with marketing, events and programmatic teams to algin fundraising efforts with The Federation’s priorities, creating compelling donor-centric communications and events.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships across the organization to support a culture of philanthropy and donor-centric thinking.
• Collaborate with all members of FRD, including the Jewish Community Foundation to create a seamless donor experience and work closely with Executive Director and Chief Development Officer, as well as finance and database teams to ensure gift accuracy, reporting, and acknowledgment processes.

Community Engagement & Giving

• Oversee a comprehensive, multi-channel giving strategy that engages and retains donors across all segments—from first-time donors to major annual supporters.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications team to develop segmented, multi-channel direct marketing campaigns (email, mail, digital, phone, social) tailored to donor motivations and giving behavior.
• Develop and manage segmentation strategies, donor journeys, and customized appeals to increase participation, average gift size, and donor retention.
• Establish clear benchmarks and KPIs to track donor acquisition, conversion, retention, and upgrade success.
• Personally cultivates, solicits, and stewards a portfolio of donors and prospects
• Strengthen relationships with regional and local Jewish communities to support Federation priorities.
• Support outreach initiatives that increase campaign visibility and community participation.
• Build on audience segmentation solicitation model for engagement initiatives.
• Encourage development of self-sustaining Regional Community engagement programs in alignment with fundraising goals.

Data & Performance Management

• Lead and manage the transition to Microsoft Dynamics, ensuring accurate data migration and optimizing the system for tracking donor engagement and campaign performance, while providing training and support to staff.
• Provide regular campaign updates and performance reports to senior leadership and the board. Analyze campaign outcomes, donor trends, and market data to refine strategy and improve results.
• Ensure compliance with all organizational policies and donor restrictions, including tracking of restricted funding.
• Lead team to implement process improvements for key operational areas and to use technological systems to drive efficient operations.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators, (KPIs) and campaign metrics to evaluate effectiveness and inform future strategies. Including revenue projections, realized gifts, and expectancies
• Maintain accurate documentation and confidentiality of donor records.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in strategic leadership, business development or major gift/corporate fundraising, ideally with measurable impact on revenue growth
• Experience in the Jewish community is an asset, though candidates from aligned philanthropic and relationship-driven sectors are encouraged to apply.
• Proven ability to cultivate and steward relationships with high -capacity individuals, corporate partners or stakeholders
• Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising, Jewish community values and philanthropic culture is highly desirable with a commitment to learning and understanding the community is essential
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze data, develop strategies, and manage complex projects.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and engage donors, volunteers, and staff.

Key Competencies

• Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
• Strategic Thinking & Planning
• Relationship Building & Networking
• Leadership & Team Management
• Communication & Presentation
• Analytical & Results-Oriented

Other Attributes

• Ability to lead and provide direction with and without authority
• Takes a role in creating a positive and inclusive work environment
• Develop positive relationships with team members, lay leaders and vendors through proactive and effective communication
• Contribute as a team player
• Personal drive and commitment
• Ability to achieve tight deadlines
• Complete a large volume of work in a short, concentrated period
• Donor centric and detail oriented
• High level of communication, team building, analyzing and problem-solving skills

Jewish Federation of British Columbia is the central planning, convening, facilitating, and fundraising organization for the local Jewish community and works collaboratively with more than three dozen partner organizations, unifying their work.

Together, we touch the lives of thousands of community members—Jewish and non-Jewish—locally, in Israel, and around the world.

Our Work Is Inspired By The Following Core Values

• Chesed – loving kindness
• Tzedakah – justice, charity
• Klal Israel – unity of the Jewish people
• Tikkun Olam – repairing the world

Why Work For Jewish Federation

• Meaningful work that strengthens and protects the Jewish community, locally, throughout BC and in Israel
• A sincere and supportive workplace culture grounded in collaboration, excellence, and care
• Investment in employee growth through training and professional development
• Competitive compensation package, including comprehensive extended health benefits and a group RRSP with employer matching up to 5%

Benefits

• Extended Healthcare, including Vision & Dental
• Life & Travel Insurance
• RRSP Match
• 4 Weeks Paid Vacation in addition to Jewish Holiday, and Statutory Holiday Closures
• Early Office Closures at 3 PM on Fridays
• Competitive Maternity/Paternal Leave Bridging & Top-Up after 2 years of service
• Free Staff Parking
• Membership Discount to the Jewish Community Centre of Vancouver

Details And How To Apply

• Salary range: $100,900 to $130,000 per annum
• Schedule: Full-time, Permanent - based on a 35-hour work week
• Work location: In-person, Vancouver

If you are interested in this opportunity, please email your resume and cover letter (quoting “Director of Development” in the subject line) to ***email_hidden***. Tell us how you can use your skills to benefit our team and our community!

Resumes that do not include a cover letter will not be considered. We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Jewish Federation is committed to equal opportunity and equal treatment for every prospective and current employee. We value diversity in the workplace and believe our work is stronger when it benefits from the experience and knowledge of a diverse team.