Associate Director, Annual Philanthropy

The Associate Director of J Philanthropy provides leadership and operational oversight to advance the fundraising priorities of the St. Louis Jewish Community Center (The J). This position is responsible for managing the infrastructure, systems, and project execution that support the Js Philanthropy Team, including ongoing annual fundraising operations, a major capital and endowment campaign, as well as planned giving initiatives.

The Associate Director of J Philanthropy oversees the Philanthropy Operations Staff, including the Philanthropy Operations Manager and Donor Relations & Grant Associate, and serves as the central project manager for major fundraising initiatives. The position requires an individual with exceptional organizational, project management, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills who can manage multiple complex priorities while building strong relationships across the J.

This is a leadership and execution-focused role, rather than a frontline fundraising position, although participation in donor meetings and cultivation activities may be appropriate. This role reports to the Chief Philanthropy Officer and will work closely and collaboratively with the whole Philanthropy Team as well as the staff and lay leaders.

Responsibilities:

- Supervise the Philanthropy Operations Manager and Donor Relations & Grants Associate ensuring that all best practices for operations are in effect including the assignment process, acknowledgement process, data maintenance and list management, pledge reminders, financial reporting, endowment and restricted fund reporting and end of year letters and donor listings.

- Identify areas for improvement and find solutions.

- Directly manage the departments expense budget and work with the Philanthropy Operations Manager to have oversight of the revenue budget, all in coordination with the Chief Philanthropy Officer.

- Work with the CEO to manage the portfolio and help keep moves on track.

- Continue the growth of and provide stewardship to our annual giving society, working with Chief Philanthropy Officer and Events Manager on levels, benefits and special stewardship opportunities.

- Responsible for capital and endowment campaign management including leading day-to-day project management in partnership with the CPO, CEO, campaign leadership, and lay volunteers.

- Develop a comprehensive campaign work plan including timelines, milestones and deliverables and progress reporting.

- Track campaign progress, prospect activity, solicitations, pledges and outstanding follow up in partnership with the Philanthropy Team.

- Help hire the consultant for the feasibility study and help manage the consultants needs from the J to conduct the study

- Build out the campaign recognition for both capital and endowment gifts

- Lead the development and implementation of a strategic planned giving program that encourages the donors to support the Js long-term sustainability.

- Develop criteria and policies for planned giving acceptance as part of the capital and endowment campaign.

- Partner with the CPO and CEO to identify opportunities to grow the Js endowment and legacy giving pipeline.

- Coordinate planned giving communications, donor education, recognition opportunities, and engagement activities.

- Assist the Special Events Manager, Chief Philanthropy Officer, and the entire Philanthropy Team as needed for the annual Jla fundraising event.

- Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree required

- At least five years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit operations, project management, philanthropy operations, program management, or a related field.

- Demonstrated success managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and measurable deadlines.

- Experience supervising staff and coordinating cross-functional teams.

- Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and process-improvement skills.

- Experience with donor databases and fundraising reporting systems, preferably Salesforce or a comparable CRM.

- Ability to develop work plans, track progress, analyze data, and communicate results clearly.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

- Ability to work effectively with senior leadership, volunteers, donors, colleagues, and external partners.

- Experience in capital campaigns, endowment development, planned giving, or nonprofit fundraising is highly desirable.