Development Operations Manager

Our Vision:

Central Synagogue is one of the leading and largest Reform congregations in the country. Located in Midtown Manhattan, Central’s reach includes more than 3,600 member families, a livestream community numbering in the hundreds of thousands, and more than 800 students in our nursery and religious schools. Central has long played a significant role in the Reform movement and is known for its innovation and leadership in worship, leading to a greatly expanded audience over the last two decades. Central Synagogue works toward a world in which Judaism is core to the lives of Central members and Jews everywhere and is a profound and positive force for humanity. Central continually redefines what it means to be Jewish today, both within the Synagogue community and far beyond our Synagogue’s walls. Our diverse clergy and professional team partner with lay leadership to build deep and enduring relationships among Central members, creating a caring, dynamic, and joyful community.

Central Synagogue is inclusive and welcoming. We encourage participation from all who seek a connection to Jewish life and want to be part of our sacred community, regardless of religious background, race, ethnicity, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Central is committed to being an open tent, a place that welcomes all people, including those who have been historically and institutionally marginalized or excluded from the Jewish community.

The Synagogue is well-resourced, has more than 100 staff, and is governed by a 31-member Board of Trustees. To learn more, please visit:

Job Summary/Objective:

Central Synagogue is seeking a highly organized, analytical, and strategic Development Operations Manager to support and strengthen all aspects of our fundraising efforts. This role sits at the center of the Development team’s work, ensuring that our systems, data, and processes are optimized to drive effective fundraising across annual giving, major gifts, and special initiatives.

The Development Operations Manager will oversee Salesforce and data systems, lead donor analysis and reporting, support campaign execution, and partner closely with department leadership to translate strategy into action. This role is ideal for someone who is both detail-oriented and forward-thinking, with a strong ability to connect data to decision-making.

This individual must be comfortable in a fast-paced environment, able to work independently, and capable of working with a high level of attention to detail. They will regularly interface with members of our congregation. Outlined below is a more detailed list of key responsibilities. Given the nature of synagogue life, a great deal of flexibility and a “can-do” attitude are essential qualities as we work to address the needs of our large community. To be successful, the person in this role must always approach their work with the understanding that serving our donors well is a top priority.

Why This Role Matters:

This role is essential to the success of Central Synagogue’s fundraising efforts. By ensuring that our data, systems, and processes are strong, the Development Operations Manager will help empower our team to build relationships with the donors who sustain the programs and community that define our synagogue.

Reports To: Chief Development Officer

Department: Development

Date: May 2026

Hours: Full-time; Exempt, not eligible for OT

General hours are 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

Hybrid Schedule: One day remote on Monday and four days in the office

This position will be expected to work during the High Holy Days (4-6 days) and during other special events and programs from time to time.

Essential Duties/Key Responsibilities:

Salesforce & Data Systems

• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing optimization of Development systems in Salesforce
• Oversee data hygiene to ensure records are accurate, up-to-date, and duplicate-free
• Establish and maintain data governance policies, documentation, and best practices
• Monitor Salesforce usage and ensure consistent data entry standards
• Manage integrations with fundraising tools and platforms

Data Analysis, Reporting & Forecasting

• Analyze, synthesize, and present fundraising data for leadership, trustees, and committees
• Develop dashboards and reports to track progress toward fundraising goals
• Monitor revenue, pledges, and pipeline activity; provide projections and identify risks and opportunities
• Evaluate campaign performance and recommend data-driven improvements

Campaigns & Mass Solicitation

• Manage segmentation and donor lists to ensure the right message reaches the right audience
• Execute logistics for mass solicitations, including the Yom Kippur Appeal and other campaigns
• Partner with the Development team on campaign planning, timelines, and strategy
• Monitor performance and help optimize campaigns mid-stream to improve results

Donor Strategy & Moves Management

• Support donor segmentation strategies across lifecycle stages (new, renewing, upgrading, lapsed)
• Maintain and enhance moves management tracking in Salesforce
• Build tools and dashboards to support the Development team in managing portfolios
• Identify opportunities for donor growth, retention, and re-engagement

Prospect Research

• Lead donor and prospect research using DonorAtlas to identify new major gift prospects
• Partner with the rest of the Development team to inform cultivation and solicitation strategies
• Maintain and track a pipeline of prospective donors

Digital Fundraising

• Serve as the point person for donation pages and Development-related web content
• Optimize the online giving experience, including donation forms and user flow
• Evaluate and implement new digital fundraising tools when appropriate

Gift Processing & Acknowledgments

• Oversee and support the Development Coordinator’s gift processing and acknowledgment work
• Ensure timely and accurate gift entry and donor recognition
• Interface with the Finance Department to ensure pledges are billed appropriately and efficiently

Donor Recognition

• Manage donor recognition efforts, including listings, plaques, and acknowledgment materials
• Ensure accuracy and alignment with donor preferences

Cross-Department Collaboration & Administration

• Partner with the Communications, Finance, and Program teams to align fundraising efforts
• Communicate with external vendors, including printers and mailing houses
• Support Development events, including guest tracking and follow-up

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 3-5+ years of experience in development operations, fundraising, or a related field
• Strong experience with Salesforce (experience with Nonprofit Success Pack preferred)
• Excellent analytical skills and experience with reporting and data visualization
• High level of organization and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams
• Experience in a nonprofit or synagogue setting is a plus

Core Competencies:

• Strong attention to detail: Consistently accurate with the ability to execute tasks effectively
• Analytical and interpersonal skills: Demonstrates the ability to analyze complex information and build strong relationships
• Proactive: A self-starter who takes ownership of responsibilities with minimal oversight
• Results-oriented: Achieves goals while maintaining a focus on delivering excellent customer service
• Exceptional communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Technologically proficient: Highly computer literate, with expertise in Salesforce and proficiency in Microsoft Office, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams
• Adaptable and flexible: Thrives in changing environments, using sound judgment to make decisions under pressure
• Organized and efficient: Demonstrated time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously

Other Duties:

Please note that the above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.

Compensation & Benefits:

The expected annual salary range for this position is $70,000 - $90,000. Central Synagogue offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community. The salary is commensurate with experience based on severalfactors, including, but not limitedto, skills, knowledge, training, education, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience. The above salary range represents the Synagogue’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation range at the time of posting.

Due to Central’s hiring policy, we are not able to consider members of the synagogue for staff roles.