Chief Advancement Officer

FUNCTION: The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) will serve as the strategic leader for all aspects of fundraising, overseeing the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of annual giving, major gifts, and planned gifts from individual donors, lay leaders, corporations, and foundations.

This leader will bring a deep passion for philanthropy paired with substantial expertise in development. Strategic thinking, creativity, and the ability to design and execute a long‑term vision are essential to advancing JFGD’s growth in reach, revenue, and community impact. As a key partner to the CEO and Senior Management Team, the CAO will model a positive, solutions‑oriented mindset and strong management skills to elevate the Federation’s visibility and central role in Jewish philanthropy across Dallas.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the CAO will collaborate closely with members of the Executive and Leadership Teams to shape organizational strategy with a focus on expanding engagement, leadership, and philanthropic investment among major donors. The CAO will also serve as a compelling ambassador for JFGD, clearly communicating the Federation’s strategic priorities and impact to inspire increased giving and long‑term donor commitment.

REPORTS TO:                CEO

SUPERVISES:                 Six direct reports

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

General Skills

• Direct experience soliciting and cultivating donors and creating and executing annual campaigns, and long-term affinity and alliance programs.

• Proven ability to lead, manage, and hold oneself and others accountable

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Proven understanding of data analytics, including applicable software and other

measurement tools

• Ability to thrive in a constantly evolving environment

Communications & Marketing

·      Works closely with Communications and Marketing teams to develop  a focused, multi-year marketing strategy designed to increase knowledge and awareness, including measurable short-, mid-, and long-term goals.

Ambassador Engagement

·      Recruit, retain, and train Ambassadors to serve as passionate advocates and peer fundraisers.

·      Develop leadership pipelines and engagement strategies to deepen Ambassador involvement in donor cultivation and stewardship.

Endowment Strategy

·      Define and communicate the organization’s endowment philosophy, emphasizing long-term sustainability and mission alignment.

·      Lead the planning and execution of endowment campaigns, including donor education, legacy giving, and investment oversight in collaboration with finance and board leadership.

Corporate Giving

·      Build and manage relationships with corporate partners to secure sponsorships, matching gifts, and strategic philanthropic investments.

·      Develop tailored engagement plans for corporate donors, aligning their interests with organizational impact areas.

Campaign Leadership

·      Design and implement integrated resource development plans, including annual campaigns, planned giving, and supplemental giving programs 

·      Cultivate and steward a portfolio of major donors in partnership with the CEO and lay leadership 

·      Oversee donor data systems, reporting, and customer service protocols to ensure high-quality donor experiences 

·      Team & Board Collaboration

·      Supervise and coach development staff, ensuring performance management and professional growth 

·      Collaborate with board and committee leadership to align fundraising strategies with governance priorities 

·      Partner with marketing to produce compelling campaign materials and donor communications 

Additional Characteristics

·      Proven track record in leading large-scale campaigns ($20M ).

·      Experience overseeing foundation and legacy work.

·      Strong managerial and leadership skills to build a high-performing team, including the ability to provide constructive feedback.

·      Ability to navigate lay-led organizations and work closely with volunteer leaders.

·      Entrepreneurial mindset to drive growth and change.

·      Deep knowledge of major gifts fundraising (experience with 6 and 7-figure gifts).

·      Strong community engagement skills.

·      Scrappy and adaptable—able to operate effectively in a fast-changing environment and rapid growth.

·      Passion for the Jewish community, Israel, and familiarity with the Jewish calendar and religious practice. Candidates should have experience in Jewish communal organizations or related fields.

·      Experience with  data management systems. Proficient in Excel and Microsoft suite.

·      An awareness of current trends in the Jewish community, rapid growth organizations, and philanthropy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts or business is required.             

Experience: 10 years development experience in a non-profit is required. Federation experience is preferred.

Other Requirements:

·      Proven ability to supervise, manage, lead, coach and develop a diverse group of professionals.

·      Direct experience with management and/or organizational change initiatives.

·      Demonstrated ability to think strategically and guide others in the strategic planning process.

·      Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality of work.

·      Creative, innovative, entrepreneurial and strategic inclinations.

·      Strong attention to detail. Ability to organize, prioritize and execute responsibilities in the face of conflicting priorities with a high level of discretion.

·      Proven ability to develop and maintain strong, productive relationships with donors, volunteers and constituents.

·      Ability to set and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

·      Excellent interpersonal communication skills including both verbal and written and strong public speaking skills.

·      Ability to manage statistical data in order to assess fundraising effectiveness and devise strategic plans.

·      PC literacy with strong competency in all Microsoft Office programs and CRM systems designed for non-profit organizations.

·      Ability to travel and work in off-site settings on a regular basis. Ability to work evenings, weekends or irregular hours as necessary to interact with donors and prospects and attend relevant meetings and events.

·      Ability to multi-task and handle stress.

·      Demonstrated awareness of contemporary trends within the Jewish community, rapidly growing organizations, and philanthropy. Familiarity with Israel, Jewish values, traditions, and the Jewish Federation system is considered an asset.