Director, Affinity Groups

OVERVIEW

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is a fundraising organization transforming the lives of the men and women of the IDF - Israel’s future leaders and society builders. We are fast-paced, big-thinking, and performance-driven, and attract the brightest and most passionate who are professionally driven, personally motivated, and eager to make an impact. Whether energized by making a difference in the lives of Israel’s soldiers, wounded veterans, and bereaved families, or by providing hope and life‑changing support to a population of diverse ethnicities, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds, FIDF is for you!

POSITION SUMMARY

FIDF is currently seeking a full‑time Director for Affinity Groups, reporting to the VP, Northeast Region to support and expand the strategies to grow the donor base in sub‑markets of the community; including Women’s Brigade, Real Estate Professionals, Financial Services Sector, and others.

The focus of this job is making connections with people, motivating and inspiring them to achieve fundraising results. Poise and an engaging, empathetic communication style based on natural warmth and enthusiasm is the key to achieving the goals of this job.

The work involves driving toward results by enrolling the commitment and buy‑in of others, both colleagues and local Board members. While the job requires strong initiative and self-direction, results are only achieved with and through people; and built by fundraising through individuals, Foundations and Planned Giving.

This role has variety of tasks and is dynamic and changing; and requires regularly meeting and pro‑actively establishing relationships with existing and new groups. The ability to understand, quickly react and motivate others to adapt to the changing organization environment is a critical key to success.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Leadership & Fundraising Strategy Across Affinity Groups

• Work with the team to lead, develop, implement, and manage short- and long‑term giving goals and strategies for the affinity groups in alignment with FIDF’s mission and fundraising priorities.
• Create annual work plans, set measurable goals, and implement donor stewardship strategies in accordance with expectations set by manager(s) and the national team.
• Support and help advance potential Women’s Mission trips as part of engagement and fundraising strategy.
• Achieve assigned fundraising and engagement goals through donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Donor Relations & Prospect Management

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for an assigned portfolio of donors.
• Research, identify, and develop new prospects; cultivate and steward donors at all giving levels.
• Design and implement customized stewardship plans, including donor recognition and engagement activities.
• Maintain accurate prospect and donor information using FIDF’s prospect management database.

Volunteer & Lay Leadership Engagement

• Identify, recruit, and partner with lay leaders, organizations, businesses, and firms to strengthen the Affinity Groups’ initiatives.
• Build community support for FIDF by maintaining relationships with partner organizations, businesses, and individuals.
• Work closely with volunteer leadership to support peer‑to‑peer fundraising and engagement efforts.

Events & Programming

• Coordinate and support regional events, including Affinity group dinners, parlor meetings, community events, and the Women’s Annual Luncheon.
• Manage the planning and implementation of special events focused on donor recognition, stewardship, and fundraising.
• Create and maintain an annual calendar of Affinity Group events.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to ensure events align with FIDF branding, messaging, and operational standards.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work effectively with FIDF colleagues across National departments and Northeast Regional staff to provide support and value to the team.
• Collaborate on campaign‑related materials, including donor communications, billing, acknowledgments, and event materials, ensuring accuracy and consistency of messaging.
• Represent FIDF professionally at events and community engagements.

Leadership, Reporting & Administration

• Mentor, train, and support the professional development of direct report(s).
• Provide requested reports and updates; collaborate closely with manager(s) and the regional team on progress and strategy.
• Ensure compliance with FIDF policies, procedures, and development best practices.
• Assume other responsibilities as requested.

Lay Leadership

• Maintain clear, consistent communication with lay leaders, ensuring they have the information and support needed for the Chapter’s success.
• Create / partner a local Board which will serve as a key resource in donor / prospect cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Provide timely, accurate reporting to the Regional Vice President and lay leaders to support strategic decision‑making.
• Have a sincere and genuine commitment to FIDF’s mission - supporting the soldiers, families, and veterans of the Israel Defense Forces - is essential to success in the Chapter Director role.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Fundraising goal determined upon hire.
• Develop and maintain approximately 120 portfolio donor relationships.
• Develop and maintain approximately 200 additional donor relationships.
• Cultivate new and steward existing donors >$5,000.
• Find and secure new donors >$1,800.
• Collaborate with the Planned Giving and Foundations Department to refer a minimum amount of planned giving and foundation prospects to support the Chapter’s goals. The amount is determined when setting annual goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university.
• Minimum 5-7 years sales or fundraising experience.
• History of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving fundraising results.
• Understanding of local Jewish community not required, but preferred.
• Excellent written, oral, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 applications required and experience using CRM tools, with Raisers Edge experience preferred.
• Ability to travel locally required. Occasional international travel to Israel as well as evening and working on Sunday required.

JOB QUALITIES

• Manage multiple initiatives occurring simultaneously.
• Sense of urgency for goal achievement within a fast‑paced environment.
• High focus on people and relationships.
• Enthusiastic communicator, persuasive “selling” style through a collaborative approach.
• Leadership based on ability to motivate others.
• Strong commitment to results.
• Delegate authority readily.

BENEFITS

Medical, Dental, Vision, Early dismissal for Shabbat, 403b with employer matching, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, FSA, Jewish and Federal paid holidays, sick days and vacation. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

FIDF is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.