Director of Development

Since its founding in 1861, Chicago Sinai Congregation is a pioneering Reform synagogue serving a diverse and vibrant Chicago community. Located in the city’s center, Sinai offers a welcoming space to pray, learn, and volunteer, with programs spanning preschool, religious school, adult learning, and social action. This fully inclusive congregation embraces non-Jewish partners and their families in all aspects of communal life, from Shabbat services to B’nei Mitzvah and other lifecycle events.

This is an exciting period of growth for Sinai, now at more than 600 member households. Momentum continues following the installation of their first female senior rabbi, Rabbi Amanda Greene, in 2024, and the arrival of their first cantor, Cantor Rosalie Will, in 2025. Their Annual Campaign and Foundation initiatives have also seen strong results through the work of their inaugural Development Committee.

Chicago Sinai now seeks an experienced Director of Development to partner with the clergy, Board President, Executive Director, and lay leaders to strengthen stewardship and drive all fundraising efforts. This leader will cultivate deeper donor relationships, execute strategic campaigns that support expanding programs, and ensure the financial sustainability of Sinai’s mission. The ideal candidate is both a strategic advisor and a hands-on builder, energized by the opportunity to shape Sinai’s development program and make a lasting impact on the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of fundraising campaigns, including annual, gala, and foundation appeals, major gift solicitations, and special initiatives
• Oversee and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies in collaboration with the Development Committee, Board, clergy, and Executive Director
• Manage logistics and communications for fundraising events, donor meetings, and community engagement opportunities
• Develop, update, and adapt collateral and materials for all development activities
• Maintain and optimize Sinai's donor database and information systems
• Provide regular development reports to the Executive Director, Senior Rabbi, Board President, and Board of Trustees
• Monitor and evaluate development goals and ensure measurable outcomes aligned Chicago Sinai’s mission
• Represent Chicago Sinai at community-wide and organizational events

Qualifications & Skills

• 5 years of success in annual giving campaigns with strong donor management skills
• Creative, proactive thinker who works well on teams and takes independent initiative
• Excellent verbal and written communicator able to tailor messages to diverse audiences
• Proficient with social media and digital communications
• Warm, perceptive professional with strong emotional intelligence and active listening skills
• Proficient in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Zoom, and Google Workspace
• Experienced with donor management systems, reporting, and relationship tracking
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusted relationships with staff, congregants, and partners
• Deep understanding of Jewish values, traditions, Israel, and congregational life
• Event planning and volunteer management experience preferred