Major Gifts Director, Northeast

About the role

If working for an organization that supports the land and people of Israel excites you, then join us and you needn't wait another minute to change the world!

Position Overview:

Jewish National Fund-USA is seeking a high-impact, strategically driven Director of Major Gifts to lead and materially scale major and principal gift fundraising across the Northeast (Washington, DC to Boston).

This is a senior-level fundraising role where you will manage a high-value portfolio, drive major gift revenue, and serve as the lead relationship architect between JNF-USA and some of the most committed donors in American Jewish life.

Working in close partnership with the National Campaign Director, Northeast, you will operate with substantial autonomy, setting strategy, opening doors, and closing significant gifts.

JNF-USA is one of the most storied organizations in the American Jewish philanthropic landscape, a century-old institution continually reimagining itself for the challenges and opportunities of today. In this role, you will sit at the center of that evolution.

Why This Role Is Compelling

• High-level portfolio: Access to established major donors and untapped high-capacity prospects

• National platform: One of the most recognized, mission-driven organizations in Jewish philanthropy

• Leadership exposure: Direct partnership with senior professionals and high-level lay leaders

• Mission at scale: Drive impact through work shaping the future of Israel and Jewish life globally

• Growth runway: Real opportunity to build, refine, and expand the Northeast major gifts strategy

This role is designed for a top-tier major gifts professional seeking platform, scale, and impact —someone motivated not just by closing gifts, but by shaping a region, strengthening relationships that matter, and advancing a mission of enduring significance.

Reports to: National Campaign Director, Northeast

Location: New York, NY (On-site)

Responsibilities:

Major Gifts Leadership & Revenue Growth

• Manage and grow a high-capacity portfolio ($50K–$1M+)

• Personally lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of six- and seven-figure gifts

• Develop and execute multi-year donor strategies aligned with regional and national priorities

• Drive measurable growth in both revenue and donor depth Strategic Portfolio Development

• Partner with the National Campaign Director to design and execute a best-in-class major gifts strategy for the Northeast

• Identify, qualify, and advance new high-potential prospects across individual, family, and corporate audiences

• Build and manage a disciplined pipeline with clear movement metrics

Donor Engagement & Leadership Activation

• Engage donors through high-touch experiences, including missions to Israel and national convenings

• Leverage leadership relationships to unlock new networks and giving opportunities

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner across regional and national teams to ensure integrated donor strategy and execution

• Work with marketing, events, and Israel-based teams to develop compelling donor experiences and proposals

• Maintain rigorous tracking and reporting using Salesforce or comparable CRM systems

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive development experience, with a strong record at the major or principal gifts level ($100K+)
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and close complex gifts
• Strategic thinker who can set direction while operating effectively with independence
• Exceptional communicator, in writing, in person, and with senior stakeholders
• Proven success managing complex donor relationships over time
• Deep and authentic connection to Israel and the mission of JNF-USA
• Familiarity with the Northeast Jewish philanthropic landscape is a strong advantage
• Travel:
• Regular travel across the Northeast for donor engagement, with periodic domestic travel and international travel, particularly missions to Israel, as a core component of the role.
• Perks:
• Days off for all work-prohibitive Jewish holidays, in addition to the secular US holidays
• Generous paid time off
• 3pm close-of-business on Fridays
• Top-notch healthcare (including dental and vision)
• Parental Leave policy
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer-paid short and long-term disability
• 403(b) with 10.5% employer contribution
• Opportunities to travel to Israel
• Occasional domestic and international travel, including missions to Israel and national conferences
• Compensation
• $225,000–$275,000
• Pay Type:
• Salaried
• Salaries will vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role.
• WHAT WE DO
• For 125 years, Jewish National Fund-USA has helped strengthen the land and people of Israel by investing in the communities, infrastructure, and leadership that shape the country's future. Our work is focused on making Israel's North and South places where families can build full, vibrant lives with access to medical care, emergency response, water solutions, parks, playgrounds, jobs, and economic opportunity. Working with our donors and partners, we support underpopulated communities, help attract new residents, improve quality of life, and create the conditions for long-term growth. Our work reaches beyond projects on the ground. Through education, travel, and leadership opportunities, we connect Americans of all ages to Israel in meaningful and lasting ways. That vision continues with the World Zionist Village in Be'er Sheva, a global center that will bring people together to live, learn, lead, and strengthen the next generation of Zionist leadership. From urgent relief to long-term transformation, Jewish National Fund-USA is helping build a stronger future for Israel and creating lasting legacies for generations to come. Learn more at jnf.org .
• SINCE 1901, JNF HAS:
• Planted more than 250 million trees
• Built over 250 reservoirs and dams