The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland serves as the central coordinating body for our vibrant Jewish community, mobilizing people and resources to strengthen Jewish life locally, in Israel, and around the world. Through strategic partnerships with agencies and community organizations, we inspire Jewish identity and engagement while addressing critical needs and building a connected, inclusive community for current and future generations.

The Greater Portland area is home to a vibrant and thriving Jewish community of over 55,000 individuals and a robust network of Jewish institutions. It is a beautiful, scenic place to live where quality of life is of great importance. Portland consistently ranks among the best places to live in the United States. Join an incredible team of Jewish professionals with long track records of success and growth. Here, your success is our success! And come to one of the most beautiful cities in America.

Position Summary

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a key member of the Federation's executive leadership team, responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that sustains and advances our mission. This visionary leader will oversee all aspects of philanthropic development, including the annual campaign, major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, women's philanthropy, and donor stewardship. Working in close collaboration with the CEO, board leadership, and community partners, the CDO will drive financial resource development growth while fostering meaningful, lasting relationships with donors at all levels.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and execute a multi-faceted fundraising strategy encompassing annual campaigns, major gifts, women’s philanthropy, planned giving, corporate partnerships, and endowment development to meet short- and long-term goals
• Partner with the CEO and senior leadership to establish campaign goals, metrics, and strategic direction for philanthropic growth
• Reimagine Federation's fundraising infrastructure and identify new revenue streams
• Consult as appropriate with Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)

Donor Relations & Major Gifts

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects
• Personally solicit high-level gifts and maintain long-term relationships ensuring personalized engagement aligned with Jewish values and community priorities
• Develop compelling cases for support that reflect the organization's Jewish identity, mission, and community impact
• Create strategies to engage and cultivate the next generation of Jewish philanthropists
• Outreach and cultivation of donors at all levels

Annual Campaign Leadership

• Serve as lead staff for the annual campaign
• Oversee strategies for benchmark giving levels and sub-campaigns including specialized divisions (Lions $5,000+ women's campaign, etc.)
• Coordinate campaign themes, marketing approaches, and all related communications
• Develop and execute comprehensive donor engagement plans outlining roles, responsibilities, and success metrics
• Create and implement plans to ensure campaign volunteers remain motivated and prepared for solicitations
• Review donor lists on an ongoing basis for appropriate campaign assignments, invitations, and mailings
• Prepare for and lead Campaign Cabinet Meetings
• Oversee all major fundraising events from conception to execution

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead and mentor the development team to ensure effective collaboration, goal alignment, accountability, and professional growth
• Oversee day-to-day workflow and operations of the development department
• Supervise department budget and ensure adherence to fiscal parameters

Board, Volunteer & Leadership Development

• Work with the CEO and senior staff to educate and train campaign volunteers, board members, and lay leadership on donor identification, cultivation, and stewardship
• Help prepare, train, and where appropriate recruit present and future campaign leadership
• Identify, recruit, train, and support volunteer leaders across all campaign divisions
• Attend board meetings and committee meetings, reporting on development activities

Operations & Systems

• Oversee donor database systems and utilize data and metrics to inform strategy, track performance, and ensure accuracy
• Manage gift processing, acknowledgment, and reporting systems to ensure donor satisfaction
• Coordinate with finance team to ensure pledges and payments are properly documented, including overseeing pledge and payment acknowledgment processes, tax letter distribution, and tribute/billing processes
• Prepare regular financial and fundraising reports that evaluate trends and track progress

Community Representation

• Serve as an ambassador and thought leader throughout the Portland Jewish community
• Collaborate with partner organizations and attend community events to enhance Federation visibility
• Articulate confidently the Federation's mission, vision, and impact
• Seek visibility and prepare publicity for leaders and programs

Required Qualifications

Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred
• 5-7+ years progressive fundraising experience, preferably in Jewish communal or faith-based settings
• Proven success securing major gifts and leading campaigns
• CFRE certification a plus

Skills & Qualities

• Passionate about Jewish community with deep knowledge of Jewish culture, traditions, and Israel
• Exceptional relationship builder with superior interpersonal skills
• Strategic thinker who excels at execution
• Outstanding written and verbal communicator
• Strong leader who motivates and mentors teams
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Comfortable soliciting donors and working with volunteer leaders
• Proficient with donor databases/CRM systems and Microsoft Office

Requirements

• Valid driver's license and insurance
• Flexibility to work evenings/weekends for events
• Ability to travel occasionally for professional development

What We Offer

• Compensation range of $95,000 to $105,000 commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 403b Retirement plan
• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, Jewish holidays, and federal holidays
• Professional development and skill-building opportunities
• Collaborative, mission-driven team culture
• Opportunity to make meaningful impact in a growing, dynamic Jewish community

 

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Marc Blattner, [email protected]. In your cover letter, please describe your passion for Jewish communal work and your vision for philanthropic growth in our community.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.