Philanthropy Officer - Northeast Region
12 days ago
New York
Job DescriptionAmerican Friends of the Hebrew University has partnered with Lindauer, a global search and talent firm, to conduct this search. To apply, please submit your resume on the Lindauer website. Please contact the Lindauer team leading this search if you have questions or would like to make a nomination or a referral: Raegan Harvey, Senior Consultant Summary American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) is seeking a dynamic and motivated Philanthropy Officer to join its Northeast Region team. This is an opportunity to contribute to one of Israel’s most prestigious academic institutions by playing a pivotal role in expanding AFHU’s major gift pipeline, engaging new and established donors, and curating meaningful events that connect supporters to the impact of Hebrew University. Working within a collaborative and mission-driven culture, the Philanthropy Officer will help drive philanthropic growth across a region rich in opportunity and committed to supporting education, research, and innovation that benefits Israel and the world. Based in New York and working in close partnership with the Northeast Region’s Executive Director/Northeast Region’s team and colleagues across the country, the Philanthropy Officer will design and execute strategic fundraising plans, with a focus on securing five- and six-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals, family foundations, and next-generation philanthropists. As a knowledgeable and enthusiastic ambassador for AFHU and the Hebrew University, the Philanthropy Officer will stay informed on key research breakthroughs, institutional priorities, and global impact areas to inspire and inform meaningful donor engagement. The Philanthropy Officer will orchestrate high-impact donor engagement experiences — from intimate parlor meetings and faculty visits to major donor events — that bring the University’s global research to life. Ideal candidates will bring initiative, creativity, and a deep commitment to Israel and higher education, while thriving in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. The region spans from Pennsylvania to Maine and raises approximately $13 million annually.The Successful CandidateTo provide effective leadership in this role, the Philanthropy Officer will demonstrate the following qualities: • Proven Major Gift Experience: Demonstrated success identifying, cultivating, and soliciting five- and six-figure gifts from individuals and family foundations, ideally within higher education or Jewish communal settings., • Ability to Self-Start with Strategic Focus: Proven capacity to independently manage a portfolio, design cultivation strategies, and proactively expand the donor pipeline with thoughtful, goal-driven approaches; Must be comfortable navigating ambiguity, shifting priorities, and evolving initiatives with flexibility and confidence., • Skilled Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence and polish to engage high-net-worth individuals, lay leaders, and institutional partners effectively., • Event-Oriented and Mission-Driven: Experience planning and executing high-level donor events, faculty visits, and meetings that connect donors meaningfully to the mission of Hebrew University. The Philanthropy Officer will develop fundraising strategies, organize donor engagement activities, support planned giving efforts, and work collaboratively with lay leaders, faculty, and national colleagues. There will be a particular emphasis on developing relationships within the law, finance, and real estate communities. This is an opportunity to help expand AFHU’s reach and deepen philanthropic partnerships that support the mission of Hebrew University. Responsibilities Fundraising • Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, designing and implementing strategies for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, securing gifts at the five- and six-figure levels., • Maintain a personal portfolio of major gift prospects., • Conduct proactive research to identify and qualify new prospects, using wealth screening tools, donor databases, and external networks to expand the donor pipeline with a focus on high-capacity individuals in fields such as law, finance, and real estate., • Plan and manage high-level fundraising events, faculty visits, and one-on-one meetings to engage donors and prospects — expanding the donor base, including next-generation supporters and those with major gift potential, by making the University’s work personally relevant., • Proven success in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts from individuals and family foundations., • Partner with the Executive Director to develop and implement strategic fundraising plans for the Northeast region (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont)., • Coordinate with regional and national colleagues to ensure consistent messaging and strategy alignment., • Comfortable in a fast-paced, mission-driven, and metrics-oriented environment., • Collaborate with the regional team and national staff to ensure maximum fundraising effectiveness to meet regional and national goals., • Collaborate with lay leaders and volunteers to expand the organization’s reach and donor pipeline., • Serve as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic ambassador for AFHU and the University’s research and programs, staying current on key research breakthroughs, institutional priorities, and global impact areas to inspire and inform donor conversations., • Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills., • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus., • Minimum of five years of frontline fundraising experience, ideally in higher education, medical centers, sciences, or Jewish communal organizations., • Familiarity with the Jewish philanthropic landscape in the Northeast and passion for Israel and higher education., • A deep personal resonance with the mission of the Hebrew University and the keen ability to present the case for support to prospects and donors. If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a resume through the Lindauer website. If you have any questions or would like to nominate someone for this position, please contact the Lindauer team leading the search: Raegan Harvey, Senior Consultant. Prior to submitting your resume for this position, please read it over for accuracy. Lindauer does verify academic credentials for its candidates, and our clients frequently conduct background checks prior to finalizing an offer. Powered by JazzHR qqU3MDY85n