Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis
Senior Director, Planned Giving and Endowment

Background

The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis (JFGI) is the central fundraising and community planning organization for the Indianapolis Jewish Community. With an Annual Campaign of $3.9 million dollars and an Endowment of $80 million, the Federation supports and enriches the lives of Jews locally, nationally, in Israel, and around the world. This very special Jewish community has a long tradition of philanthropy; having just completed the 4th year of the Life & Legacy program the community looks forward to stewarding more than 600 legacy donors.  Our future is bright with more than 50M in expectancies; 300 Funds that represent 50 of our largest donors and DAF- allocations annually to more than 250 local & national organizations.

We provide funding to a number of local and regional agencies, many national and overseas partners, and numerous independent programs that provide deeper connection and create Jewish community in Central Indiana. The Federation resides on and manages the operations of a 40-acre campus, and programs funded by the Federation create life-sustaining and life-changing impact, while inspiring and engaging members of the Indianapolis Jewish Community.  For more information about the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis: https://www.jewishindianapolis.org/about-jfgi

Locals love how surprised and impressed visitors are by Indianapolis.   Other reasons to love this Midwest city? Indianapolis is a very affordable place to live. There is a vibrant and growing Jewish community in Indianapolis, with a wide variety of congregations, Jewish organizations and Jewish camps several of which reside on the Max & Mae Simon Jewish Community Campus.  Indianapolis is also home to the Hasten Hebrew Academy, which provides education to students in early childhood through eighth grade. If you are a sports fan, Indianapolis is home to 6 professional sports teams and of course, the Indianapolis 500.

 Summary

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director has the primary responsibility for implementing a clear and compelling vision for growing the Endowment and Planned Giving program as well as being the lead fundraising officer for the Endowment.  The Director will develop and execute a comprehensive Endowment Fundraising Plan, which will include leading all endowment efforts, including operations, programs, activities, staff, and committees. In addition, the Director will work collaboratively with the development team to create major gift fundraising strategies designed to match donor intentions with Federation needs.   The Director will maintain and enhance relationships with current 50 major donors as well as identify and cultivate new planned giving, endowment and Federation donors.  This includes engagement and cultivation of donors to the current Comprehensive Capital Campaign which includes a significant endowment building component.  Interact at the highest levels with members of the planned giving community from the Indianapolis area as well as local and national foundations. The Director is expected to instill a heightened and broader focus on the importance of making planned giving and participatory philanthropy an essential aspect of JFGI’s total financial resource development strategy.

Qualifications

A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in financial resource development, including donor development and major gift solicitation. A minimum of 4 years of experience leading a development team is desired, along with the following qualifications: 

  • Ability to cultivate, solicit and steward donors
  • Must be a strong relationship builder with demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating and soliciting major donors
  • Experience in leading and managing a team with a strong organizational skills and the ability to collaborative within and across teams
  • Ability to maintain a strong working relationship with management team and a variety of external stakeholders, including cultivating current and prospective partners and volunteers
  • Experience working with Planned Giving and Endowment programs
  • Jewish Federation, Jewish community foundation or similar agency experience preferred
  • Knowledge of endowment vehicles and mode of operation
  • Excellent listening, communication, presentation and writing skills as well as the ability to effectively articulate JFGI’s mission to all relevant constituencies
  • Ability to work independently with limited supervision (oversight); take initiative and be a self-starter while at the same time leading as a team player
  • Strong project management skills; ability to manage and complete multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Demonstrated ability to succeed under pressure in a dynamic environment and comfortable with change and working in undefined situations
  • Strong technology, statistical and financial management skills

For more information or to apply, please contact Carin Maher at Sageview Consulting
Carin@sageviewconsulting.com