Senior Development Officer (Pittsburgh)
Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh seeks a dynamic, driven, and entrepreneurial Senior Development Officer who combines strong fundraising experience with knowledge of the Jewish community, culture, and contemporary issues affecting Jewish life. This role requires someone who can build authentic relationships with donors and volunteers, communicate the Federation’s mission with credibility, and engage thoughtfully in a time when the Jewish community is facing heightened antisemitism and deep concern about events in Israel and around the world. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Development and Foundation, the SDO will be responsible for growing all aspects of its diverse portfolio of funding streams. The SDO will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donor-level commitments, with a focus on planned gifts, government tax credits, initiating, maintaining, and growing these relationships to maximize their long-term value and benefit to the Federation as both donors and leaders. This is a high-profile position working with some of the Federation’s most significant and/or potential major donors.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is the central fundraising and community planning organization for the Pittsburgh Jewish community. We provide funding to local and overseas partner agencies, as well as independent programs that provide health and human welfare services.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of high priority prospects and donors supporting all five revenue streams: Campaign, Foundation, Government dollars, Corporate sponsorship and Supplemental giving.
Create customized solicitation strategies based on the newly implemented Federation strategic plan, community needs, and the interests of the donor.
Manage a minimum of 80 donors/prospects.
Serve as the relationship manager for each assigned prospect, ensuring that their development plan encompasses the broad spectrum of Federation activity and giving opportunities and the highest level of customer service.
Work collaboratively with other members of the Federation staff, volunteers, professional advisors, and community agencies and organizations to ensure the best outcome for the donor and the community.
Maintain interaction reports and other appropriate, accurate records of donor activity.
Conduct prospect research as necessary.
The SDO will lead the Law Professionals and Medical Professionals networks, cultivating meaningful relationships with donors and volunteers while guiding engagement strategies and programming. In addition to stewarding these key communities, the SDO may also support staffing needs across other professional networks, increasing engagement and ensuring a cohesive and mission‑driven experience for all contributors.
Participate in special events, recognition, and stewardship programs, as appropriate.
Qualifications
5+ years of successful fundraising experience, ideally in annual and/or planned giving within a nonprofit environment.
A demonstrated track record of closing significant gifts, including $100,000+ commitments.
Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, donor cultivation, and stewardship best practices.
Excellent relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills.
High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and professionalism when working with donors and volunteers.
Comfort operating independently, managing competing priorities, and exercising discretion in donor strategy.
Familiarity with CRM databases and Microsoft Excel.
Knowledge of Jewish community culture and practices strongly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE or CAP certification a plus.
Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license required; PA child protection clearances required.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range:
$65,000 – $92,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh offers a people-centered work environment, including:
Excellent health care and retirement benefits
Generous paid time off
Hybrid work arrangement
Paid parental leave
Ongoing professional development opportunities, including access to the JPRO Network
To Apply:
Qualified individuals may apply by sending
a cover letter
and resume to Human Resources at employment@jfedpgh.org.
STATEMENT OF EEO AND INCLUSION
The Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any genetic information.
Inclusion of people of all abilities is a core value of Jewish Pittsburgh. For accommodations for disabilities in the application or interviewing process, please contact us at employment@jfedpgh.org.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is the central fundraising and community planning organization for the Pittsburgh Jewish community. We provide funding to local and overseas partner agencies, as well as independent programs that provide health and human welfare services.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of high priority prospects and donors supporting all five revenue streams: Campaign, Foundation, Government dollars, Corporate sponsorship and Supplemental giving.
Create customized solicitation strategies based on the newly implemented Federation strategic plan, community needs, and the interests of the donor.
Manage a minimum of 80 donors/prospects.
Serve as the relationship manager for each assigned prospect, ensuring that their development plan encompasses the broad spectrum of Federation activity and giving opportunities and the highest level of customer service.
Work collaboratively with other members of the Federation staff, volunteers, professional advisors, and community agencies and organizations to ensure the best outcome for the donor and the community.
Maintain interaction reports and other appropriate, accurate records of donor activity.
Conduct prospect research as necessary.
The SDO will lead the Law Professionals and Medical Professionals networks, cultivating meaningful relationships with donors and volunteers while guiding engagement strategies and programming. In addition to stewarding these key communities, the SDO may also support staffing needs across other professional networks, increasing engagement and ensuring a cohesive and mission‑driven experience for all contributors.
Participate in special events, recognition, and stewardship programs, as appropriate.
Qualifications
5+ years of successful fundraising experience, ideally in annual and/or planned giving within a nonprofit environment.
A demonstrated track record of closing significant gifts, including $100,000+ commitments.
Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, donor cultivation, and stewardship best practices.
Excellent relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills.
High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and professionalism when working with donors and volunteers.
Comfort operating independently, managing competing priorities, and exercising discretion in donor strategy.
Familiarity with CRM databases and Microsoft Excel.
Knowledge of Jewish community culture and practices strongly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE or CAP certification a plus.
Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license required; PA child protection clearances required.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range:
$65,000 – $92,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh offers a people-centered work environment, including:
Excellent health care and retirement benefits
Generous paid time off
Hybrid work arrangement
Paid parental leave
Ongoing professional development opportunities, including access to the JPRO Network
To Apply:
Qualified individuals may apply by sending
a cover letter
and resume to Human Resources at employment@jfedpgh.org.
STATEMENT OF EEO AND INCLUSION
The Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any genetic information.
Inclusion of people of all abilities is a core value of Jewish Pittsburgh. For accommodations for disabilities in the application or interviewing process, please contact us at employment@jfedpgh.org.