Major Gifts Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW 

As the largest funder of Jewish causes in California, the Jewish Federation Bay Area connects donors, changemakers, and community partners to build a thriving, resilient future. The Federation serves as a trusted partner and advisor for those seeking to make an impact today while shaping a better tomorrow. We invest in education, social services, and security while mobilizing crisis relief worldwide. With over a century of leadership, we empower individuals and families to give strategically, building a thriving and resilient future for generations to come. Whether strengthening Jewish life in the Bay Area, safeguarding communities worldwide, or ensuring a safe and democratic Israel, we empower people to take meaningful action that echoes for generations.

The Federation is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual with a variety of skill sets who wants to join a team working to build a new model of 21st century and next generation Federation engagement.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Jewish Federation of the Bay Area is at an inflection point. We are launching bold new initiatives — including a Community Security Endowment and a signature Big Bet investment — that require us to think differently about how we identify, cultivate, and inspire major donors. We are looking for a Major Gifts Officer to help us rise to that moment. 

This is a frontline fundraising role reporting to Sr. Director, Philanthropy for a seasoned relationship builder who thrives on the work of finding new donors, deepening existing relationships, and making meaningful, ambitious asks. You will focus on the Federation's most significant philanthropic priorities — annual campaign, big bets, endowment giving, and donor-advised funds — and play a central role in expanding the Federation's base of supporters. 

This is a hybrid role, typically in-office Tuesday through Thursday, with travel throughout Bay Area as needed and occasional evening and weekend events

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Pipeline Development 

• Identify, research, and cultivate a portfolio of prospective major donors, with a particular focus on new relationships not yet connected to the Federation 
• Partner with lay leaders, board members, and senior staff to leverage their networks in service of pipeline growth 
• Develop and execute strategies to move prospects through the pipeline from first engagement to first gift and beyond 

Fundraising and Portfolio Management 

• Manage an active portfolio of major donor relationships, including existing donors and prospects (approximately 150 people total)  
• Own and deliver against an annual fundraising target for your portfolio, related to organizational priorities (e.g. annual campaign, endowments, and big bets), tracking progress against goals throughout the year and adjusting strategy as needed to close gaps  
• Drive net new DAF assets under management by identifying and closing new fund openings within your portfolio, tracking all engagement and pipeline progress in Salesforce 

Relationship & Community Building 

• Collaborate with the philanthropy and community impact teams to develop compelling cases for support and donor materials 
• Represent the Federation at events, gatherings, and community settings with an eye toward identification and cultivation of new major donor prospects 

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES 

• Experience with endowment giving, planned gifts, or donor-advised funds strongly preferred 
• A natural relationship builder and “people person” who is energized by meeting new people and finding the connection between their values and a compelling opportunity 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills — you can make a complex case simply and compellingly 
• Comfort with ambitious goals and the patience to build toward them 
• Deep familiarity with the Bay Area philanthropic landscape a plus; familiarity with the Jewish community a plus but not required 
• Proficiency with Salesforce or comparable CRM 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 7+ years of major gifts fundraising experience, with a proven track record of closing major gifts ($25,000+) 

Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits — medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick pay, holidays (including Jewish), and retirement plan.

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

The Federation views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a company culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible talent pool to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. The Jewish Federation Bay Area is an equal opportunity employer.