Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer

The Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford seeks an accomplished, strategic, and relationship-driven Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer (SVP & CDO) to lead its philanthropic enterprise into its next phase of growth. Reporting to the President & CEO and serving as a member of Federation's senior leadership team, the SVP & CDO will set the strategic direction for Federation's philanthropic enterprise, driving revenue growth, deepening donor engagement, expanding and diversifying the donor base, and strengthening the people, systems, and practices needed for sustained success. The role provides strategic leadership across Federation's full development portfolio, including the Annual Campaign, major and principal gifts, Women's and Men's Philanthropy, real estate and corporate partnerships, sponsorships, planned and legacy giving, endowment (including the Now & Forever Endowment Campaign), and development operations, data, and CRM. This is a full-time, exempt position based in West Hartford, Connecticut. The role requires significant in-person donor and community engagement, regular attendance at meetings and events, occasional evening and weekend commitments, and periodic travel.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop the Development team, establishing clear roles, goals, portfolios, performance expectations, and accountability; Foster a collaborative, results-oriented team culture; Establish performance metrics, revenue projections, and regular reporting practices; Strengthen collaboration across Development and with Marketing & Communications, Finance, Impact, Technology, and other areas of Federation; Serve as a trusted strategic partner to the CEO and senior leadership team; Drive growth in the Annual Campaign; Develop and execute major and principal gift strategies, including personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding significant donors and prospects; Identify, cultivate, and engage new donors and next-generation philanthropists; Integrate annual giving, major gifts, planned and legacy giving, and endowment strategies; Advance the Now & Forever Endowment Campaign in collaboration with the Jewish Community Foundation; Create meaningful opportunities for donors to connect with Federation's mission; Leverage data, technology, and disciplined portfolio and pipeline management; Introduce creative and innovative approaches to fundraising; Serve as a highly visible and trusted representative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford; Partner closely with the Board, Development Chair, campaign chairs, and other volunteer leaders; Build and sustain relationships with synagogues, agencies, schools, businesses, foundations, and community organizations; Inspire donors, volunteers, and community partners through a compelling articulation of Federation's mission, impact, and vision

Requirements

Progressively responsible fundraising experience, including leadership of a development function, comprehensive fundraising program, or complex campaign; Demonstrated track record of personally securing significant major gifts, including six-figure commitments, and developing long-term donor relationships; Experience leading, coaching, and developing high-performing fundraising teams; Broad experience across multiple fundraising disciplines, with demonstrated expertise in major gifts, donor cultivation and stewardship, and comprehensive development strategy; Familiarity with annual giving, endowment, planned and legacy giving, and volunteer-driven philanthropy is highly desirable; Strong strategic planning, forecasting, budgeting, and financial management skills, including the ability to establish measurable goals and evaluate fundraising performance; Experience leveraging CRM systems, moves management, data, and development operations to support fundraising effectiveness; Demonstrated ability to build trust and strong working relationships with donors, volunteers, boards, CEOs, colleagues, and community partners; Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, including the ability to inspire donors and articulate a compelling philanthropic vision; Strong emotional intelligence, sound judgment, resilience, discretion, and the ability to navigate complex organizational and interpersonal dynamics; The ability to translate broad philanthropic strategy into clear priorities, disciplined execution, and measurable results; A deep appreciation for Jewish values, Jewish community, Israel, and the diversity of Jewish life, along with a commitment to Federation's mission; A bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience is preferred

Nice to have

Experience in Jewish communal organizations or the Federation system is strongly preferred; Accomplished candidates from other mission-driven philanthropic environments who demonstrate a strong connection to Jewish communal values are also encouraged to apply; Advanced education or relevant professional credentials are valued

Benefits

Health care; Dental care; Disability insurance; Life insurance; Vision insurance; 403b; Gym membership; On-site parking; Paid time off; Statutory and Jewish holidays off