What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Development position at Merraine Group, Inc.?
Our client is a premier yeshiva day school in Northern New Jersey, serving approximately 500 students from Early Childhood through eighth grade. Founded in 2001, it offers a fully integrated General and Judaic Studies curriculum in a warm, nurturing, and vibrant Modern Orthodox environment.
The school fosters Torah values, academic excellence, Hebrew fluency, and a love for mitzvot, while preparing students to engage confidently and compassionately in both the Jewish and general world. Families from across Bergen County and beyond reflect the richness of the larger Jewish community, united by a shared vision: raising the next generation of curious, committed, and compassionate Jewish leaders.
The Director of Development will design, lead, and execute all fundraising initiatives to advance the school’s mission. Partnering with the Head of School, Associate Head of School, Board of Trustees, and key departments, this role ensures alignment of development goals, donor engagement, and revenue targets. Reporting to the Associate Head of School, the Director is supported by volunteers, committees, and lay leaders. The ideal candidate is a mission-driven, collaborative professional with strong organizational and relationship-building skills.
This position plays a central role in strengthening donor relationships, growing philanthropic support, and amplifying the school’s impact.
- Reports to: Associate Head of School
- Schedule: Occasional evenings/weekends for events and community functions
You are:
- Experienced in fundraising and events (5 years)
- Skilled in project management and able to juggle multiple priorities
- A strong communicator and team player
- Passionate about philanthropy and Jewish education
- Detail-oriented and systems-minded
- Knowledgeable about fundraising best practices and reporting
- Flexible, proactive, and eager to grow with the organization
Leadership & Strategy
- Lead all fundraising programs: annual campaign, corporate giving, capital and endowment campaigns, and legacy giving
- Develop and implement the school’s annual development plan
- Ensure best practices in donor stewardship, reporting, and data management
- Partner with Marketing & Communications to highlight philanthropy in school messaging
- Collaborate with Finance to track performance and maintain transparency
Event Planning & Management
- Oversee two major annual fundraising events: the annual dinner and spring celebration
- Manage event budgets, timelines, and logistics (venue, vendors, catering, décor, A/V, staffing)
- Produce compelling event materials and follow-up with Marketing & Communications
- Track event outcomes, sponsorships, and implement improvements
- Support donor cultivation events, alumni programs, and community initiatives
Volunteer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Recruit, train, and guide event volunteers and committee members
- Liaise with event and campaign committees to align on fundraising goals
- Support the Major Gifts Committee in identifying and cultivating prospects
Salary : $85,000 - $105,000