Job Description

Senior Director Development, Palm Beach County (On-site/Hybrid)

AFBIU at American Friends of Bar-Ilan University

Reports to: Chief Development Officer, based in New York City

Travel: Occasional international and domestic travel

Position Summary

AFBIU seeks a dynamic, entrepreneurial Senior Director of Development (SDD) to lead major gift fundraising efforts in Palm Beach County. As a key member of our national team, the SDD will build and manage a robust pipeline of major gift prospects ($25,000+), steward current donors, and engage new supporters with a particular focus on high-net-worth individuals and families in the Jewish philanthropic community.

This role requires a front-line fundraiser with a proven track record in major gifts, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to work independently in a donor-centric, metrics-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a Palm Beach County fundraising plan that supports AFBIUs national strategy.
• Manage a portfolio of 75125 major gift prospects and donors; develop tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Engage existing donors and expand outreach to alumni, next-gen donors, and untapped networks.
• Collaborate closely with the Miami-based SDD and national team on events, strategy, and donor engagement.
• Serve as a visible, informed, and enthusiastic ambassador of AFBIU and Bar-Ilan University in the community.
• Support visits from Bar-Ilan faculty and leadership; plan and execute parlor meetings and small events.
• Maintain accurate records in Raiser's Edge and provide regular progress updates.
• Participate in travel to Israel, including staff orientation (Nov 26, 2025).

Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum 7 years of frontline fundraising experience, with a successful track record of securing five- to seven-figure gifts.
• Deep familiarity with the Jewish philanthropic landscape, especially in Palm Beach County.
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently and remotely.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM platforms, preferably Raiser's Edge.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree or experience in higher education fundraising.
• Familiarity with Israeli society and higher education institutions.

Compensation

A competitive compensation package, including salary and benefits, will be offered commensurate with experience. For roles of this scope, AFBIU generally budgets $175,000$225,000 in base salary.

To Apply

Contact: 212-906-3905

Equal opportunity statement: American Friends of Bar-Ilan University (AFBIU) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, marital status, or veteran status. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds who are committed to AFBIUs mission and values.

Bar-Ilan University, founded in 1955, was one of Israel's first comprehensive research universities and will be celebrating its 70th anniversary next year. Its remarkable growth from 70 students to 21,000 and milestone achievements in the sciences and humanities have made an indelible imprint on the character of the State of Israel. BIU maintains eight faculties, four of which focus on STEM research and are active partners in national science and technology initiatives.

BIU's mission is about achieving excellence and making an impact that transcends boundaries. This transformative journey, catalyzed by a recent $260 million gift, is fueling the creation of challenge-driven research centers, innovative instructional methods, intensified global outreach, and broadened discourse and dialogue throughout Israel and the world. The future of BIU is not just bright; it's inspiring.

The University is home to a microcosm of Israeli society; Bar-Ilan University's student body includes religious and secular Jews, non-Jews, immigrants, and international visitors. The multicultural environment encourages free thought and open discussion while providing an education steeped in Jewish values. BIU's academic faculty and administrative staff are likewise multi-faceted, fostering a unique atmosphere for open exchange of ideas. This diversity and tolerance are not just values at BIU but also lived and breathed.

Established sixty years ago, AFBIU develops vital philanthropic support for this unique university. The generosity of its donors transforms dreams into realities. It funds state-of-the-art facilities and academic projects. It helps attract preeminent faculty. It also offers opportunities to support unparalleled academic advancements while promoting an appreciation of Jewish heritage and the Jewish state. This critical support has made Bar-Ilan University what it is today a bastion of Jewish Studies and a world leader in Medicine, Cybersecurity, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

AFBIU's national and regional programs, events, and missions to Israel promote a greater appreciation of Bar-Ilan's breadth and scope of achievements and the University's pivotal role in educating leaders for the State of Israel and beyond. Moreover, by nurturing Israel's greatest natural resourcethe intellectual strength of the nation's peopleAFBIU helps Bar-Ilan improve human health, lead the way with agricultural innovation, spearhead the latest breakthroughs in brain sciences, and illuminate the world through the humanities.

Led by recently appointed CEO Jessica Feldan, AFBIU has a national staff of 14 and an aggressive recruitment strategy to grow the staff over the next couple of years significantly. AFBIU is on track to significantly exceed its fiscal year goal of $15 million and is poised for accelerated growth. Further information on AFBIU can be found on its website:

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Other

Industries

• Higher Education

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