Vice President, Philanthropy Strategies

Brief Description

Summary:

Passion. Purpose. Impact. CJP is at the heart of Greater Boston's Jewish community, but our reach is felt around the world. Ranked by BBJ as Massachusetts’ largest non-profit organization – CJP is a philanthropic investor and mobilizer of people, resources, and skills that make a bigger difference locally and globally.

Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) seeks a Lead Fundraiser to direct a transformative comprehensive campaign, providing strategic leadership throughout all phases of this ambitious fundraising initiative. This senior position requires an exceptional strategist with extensive major gift and campaign experience who can inspire and mobilize stakeholders toward a shared philanthropic vision.

About The Opportunity

We seek a dynamic and strategic fundraising leader to serve as Vice President, Philanthropy during a transformative period in our community foundation's history. As we embark on an ambitious 9-figure comprehensive campaign (2025-2032), the VP, Philanthropy will play a pivotal role in securing the transformational gifts that will shape our community's future.

Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the VP, Philanthropy will lead all Major, Principal, and Planned Giving initiatives while personally managing a portfolio of 50 high-capacity prospects capable of 7-figure commitments in partnership with the Executive Vice President and the Chief Philanthropy Officer. This role offers an exceptional leader the opportunity to build lasting relationships with our community's most generous philanthropists and mentor a talented team of fundraising professionals.

Essential Responsibilities

Fundraising Leadership

• Drive strategic thinking and practice in Major, Principal, and Planned giving programs.
• Develop and execute sophisticated cultivation and solicitation strategies that result in transformational commitments to campaign priorities
• Lead strategy for successful Moves Management and ensure a healthy prospect pipeline in close collaboration through deep cross-team collaboration
• Partner with the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President, Chief Philanthropy Officer, CEO, and Board leadership to maximize their effectiveness in donor engagement
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 50 high-capacity prospects and donors capable of gifts of $1 million or more in partnership with EVP and CPO
• Lead monthly cross-functional Prospect Strategy meeting for entire Philanthropy Team
• Collaborate actively with AVP, Annual Campaign, VP, Principal Gift Stewardship, and AVP, Philanthropy Operations to ensure a team atmosphere of curiosity, congeniality, creativity, and optimism
  
  

Strategic Prospect Management

• Design and oversee the foundation's comprehensive prospect management system for major and principal gift prospects in partnership with fellow leaders of Philanthropy Team
• Lead regular prospect strategy sessions with gift officers to identify, qualify, and advance high-capacity prospects
• Develop and implement metrics and benchmarks to track pipeline health, prospect progression, and gift officer effectiveness
• Create innovative approaches to donor identification and qualification that expand the foundation's network of leadership supporters
• Ensure coordination and strategic alignment across all major, principal, and planned gift activity
  
  

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of six development professionals including major gift officers and planned giving staff
• Establish clear, ambitious individual goals and metrics for each team member; provide regular coaching and performance feedback
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and team sessions to drive accountability, share best practices, and celebrate progress
• Create a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team
• Recruit, hire, and onboard new team members as the campaign scales
• Implement professional development opportunities that enhance fundraising skills and outcomes
  
  

Campaign Execution

• Serve as a key strategic partner to the Chief Philanthropy Officer in executing the comprehensive campaign plan
• Develop and refine the case for support for major and principal gift prospects, tailoring messaging to individual donor interests and capacity
• Partner with marketing and communications to create compelling proposals, recognition materials, and donor communications
• Track and report on campaign progress against goals, providing regular analysis to leadership
• Elevate and integrate planned giving and legacy gift strategies into the comprehensive campaign framework
  
  

Organizational Partnership

• Develop deep knowledge of the community foundation's mission, programs, impact, and funding priorities
• Collaborate effectively with program staff, finance, and leadership to understand funding needs and create compelling funding opportunities
• Work closely with the Chief Philanthropy Officer on campaign strategy, volunteer engagement, and high-level donor cultivation
• Represent the foundation at community events, donor gatherings, and professional forums
• Model the foundation's values in all interactions with donors, volunteers, staff, and community partners
  
  

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. We are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid Work Schedule: CJP staff follow a hybrid work model. On-site work is required on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, while remote work is an option on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays with occasional in-person meetings on those days.
• Physical Requirements: This role involves remaining in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods, primarily working at a computer. Staff need to be able to carry a laptop and bag to and from the office.
• Inclusivity: We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for individuals of all abilities and backgrounds.
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, professional development opportunities, and generous paid time off.

Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's degree required
• 15 years of progressive development experience with demonstrated success in major, planned, and principal gift fundraising
• Proven track record of success leading major fundraising campaigns
• 5 years of experience managing and developing high-performing fundraising teams
• 5 years of experience with comprehensive campaigning strategy
• Proven track record of personally soliciting and closing gifts of $1 million or more
• Expertise in prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, and solicitation strategies
• Experience working in a complex nonprofit environment with diverse stakeholders
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with ability to engage donors across all backgrounds and capacities
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including ability to craft compelling cases for support
• Strong analytical skills and experience using data to drive fundraising strategy and decision-making
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and with senior leadership and volunteers
• High level of discretion when handling confidential donor information
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency with CRM systems and donor databases
  
  

Preferred

• Experience in community foundation or similar philanthropic environment
• Comprehensive campaign experience, particularly in leadership or planning phases
• Knowledge of planned giving vehicles and strategies
• Familiarity with donor-advised funds and endowment giving
• CFRE or similar professional credential
  
  

Key Competencies

Strategic Thinking - Able to see the big picture while executing tactical plans; develops creative approaches to complex fundraising challenges

Relationship Builder - Genuine ability to connect with people, build trust, and inspire philanthropic investment; demonstrates emotional intelligence and cultural competency

Results Orientation - Driven to achieve ambitious goals; persistent and resilient in pursuing major gifts over extended timeframes

Leadership & Team Development - Inspires and motivates others; provides clear direction while empowering team members to excel

Judgment & Decision-Making - Makes sound decisions quickly and decisively; knows when to seek guidance and when to act independently

Adaptability - Thrives in a dynamic environment; remains flexible and solutions-oriented when facing obstacles or changing priorities

Integrity - Operates with highest ethical standards; builds credibility through authenticity and follow-through

Summary

CJP provides a unique opportunity to leverage your skills, talents, and experience to benefit the greater good while fostering your professional growth. You will work in a dynamic environment with a diverse group of individuals who share your commitment and enthusiasm. Together, we make a difference for both Jews and non-Jews in Greater Boston and worldwide. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive, family-friendly work environment.

CJP Core Commitments

CJP is guided by our Core Values— Respect, Caring, Collaboration, Integrity, and Innovation— that ground our work and shape the culture we create together.

For more information about CJP, visit www.cjp.org and https://www.cjp.org/about-us/careers/find-a-job

Equal Opportunity Statement

CJP is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Accommodation Disclaimer

CJP is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for individuals of all abilities and backgrounds. We provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

CJP conducts background checks as part of the hiring process.