Philanthropy Associate, Women of Reform JudaismAt Women of Reform Judaism

Location: Remote/Online/In person meetings, as needed

Organization: Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ)

Employment Type: Full Time, Benefits Eligible

Reporting to: Manager of Philanthropy

THE ROLE

Women of Reform Judaism’s (WRJ) Development department seeks a Philanthropy Associate to further its mission and philanthropic and fundraising efforts. The Philanthropy Associate will focus on WRJ’s philanthropy and grantee allocations and work closely with the marketing, engagement, and event teams. In collaboration with the entire WRJ team, the Philanthropy Associate will support WRJ’s mission to empower women and communities worldwide through the bonds of sisterhood, spirituality, and social justice.

WHAT YOU WILL DO 

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

DONOR RELATIONS 

• Support Manager of Philanthropy and assist in coordination of annual and special campaigns, including Board Giving and Board Alumni (Chai Society) campaigns.
• Contribute and collaborate on the creation and distribution of financial and narrative fundraising reports.
• Facilitate mid-year status reports and YES (Youth, Education, and Special Projects) Fund honors for WRJ’s women’s groups.

• Take a lead role in planning and implementing some of WRJ’s fundraising and donor events.
• Design outreach for planned giving (Ner Tamid Society).
• Assist in the research of current and potential donors and possible grants.

GRANTEE RELATIONS 

• Facilitate relationships with grantees. Record and share their stories for marketing and development purposes.
• Maintain correspondence and coordination with scholarship recipients, including maintaining records, facilitating grants, and managing key contacts.
• Coordinate grant allocation committee, made up of several lay leaders, and ensure annual grant process is successful
• Serve as liaison to HUC-JIR (Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion; Reform seminary). Coordinate with student scholarship recipients, student gifts of Women’s Torah Commentary, biennial faculty award, and facilitate WRJ representation at donor events.

ADMINISTRATIVE OVERSIGHT 

• Maintain pledge trackers, create reports and statements as necessary.
• Maintain fiscal year reports for auditor and facilitate collection of the necessary reports and backup requested by the auditor (with Administrative Assistants).
• Work with Administrative Assistants to maintain donor database, ensuring clean data and proper record keeping.
• Maintain awareness of entire administrative process to serve as backup as needed.

WHO YOU ARE & KEYS TO SUCCESS (THE MUST-HAVES): 

To be successful in this job, you excel in the following areas:

• Fundraising. 2-3 years fundraising and/or nonprofit organizational experience – including experience with Board, volunteer, and committee management.
• Communication. Effective and efficient written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, as well as a strong ability to edit and proofread documents.
• Technology. Strong computer and technology proficiency, including the Microsoft Office Suite, database management, content management systems, Zoom webinar/video conferencing management, social media, and electronic communications.

• Project Management. Ability to manage laterally and work across different departments. Organized multitasker, able to prioritize while working on multiple projects simultaneously and follow direction from multiple stakeholders with rigorous attention to detail
• Relationship Builder. People person. Appreciation for Women of Reform Judaism’s mission, including our commitment to women’s leadership. The desire to collaborate and build new streams of revenue and engage with donors in various settings.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience required
• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends, as needed

ABOUT US 

Founded in 1913, WRJ is the women’s affiliate of the Union for Reform Judaism, the central body of Reform Judaism in North America. WRJ is a network of Jewish women working together to empower women and communities worldwide through the bonds of sisterhood, spirituality, and social justice. WRJ’s work is to strengthen the voice of women and female identifying individuals worldwide and empower them to create caring communities, nurture congregations, cultivate personal and spiritual growth, and advocate for and promote Jewish values. WRJ educates and trains sisterhood and congregational leadership in the areas of membership, fundraising, leadership skills, advocacy for social justice, and innovative and spiritual programming. Through its YES Fund (Youth, Education, and Special Projects), WRJ provides financial support to the various institutions of Reform Judaism.

Reform Judaism provides vision and voice to build strong communities that, together, transform the way people connect to Judaism and change the world. We acknowledge that due to racism, ableism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression, that our communities are not whole until everyone experiences a sense of belonging within the Jewish community. As the largest Jewish movement in North America, we stand for a Judaism that is inclusive and reflective of a wide range of identities and accept the responsibility of dismantling oppression both inside and outside of our communities. WRJ creates opportunities for our communities to enhance their capacity to build and expand community, engage in meaningful and authentic Jewish life, deepen Jewish learning, energize worship, pursue social justice and develop inspired leadership. Together, our employees and stakeholders, are creating Reform Judaism of today.