Executive Director, Midwest Region

Jobs at American Friends of The Hebrew University American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) seeks a creative, aspirational, and collaborative advancement professional to serve as the executive director for the Midwest Region. In this role, the executive director will lead and direct the fundraising efforts for the region, oversee the Midwest team, and engage and partner with a dedicated board of lay leaders to further elevate philanthropic success. Building upon the momentum of the recent conclusion of a $1 billion global campaign and the appointment of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s new president, Prof. Tamir Sheafer, AFHU is poised for continued growth and excellence with ambitious long‑term philanthropic objectives and the development of the university’s next global comprehensive campaign. Founded in 1925, AFHU is a national nonprofit headquartered in New York City that raises awareness and support for the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Through the philanthropic leadership of American friends throughout the US, AFHU helps the university recruit and retain outstanding faculty, build teaching and research facilities, provide scholarships and fellowships, and advance basic and applied research in many vital fields. Reporting to the chief development officer of AFHU, Alison Freed, the executive director is responsible for the fundraising strategy, leadership, and development of AFHU’s Midwest Region. Headquartered in Chicago, IL, the executive director will build donor pools and elevate presence and impact across the Midwest, expanding AFHU’s footprint in key cities including St. Louis, Madison, Cincinnati, Detroit, Cleveland, and Columbus. The executive director will build and empower a strong fundraising team, leading a staff of two, and will hire an associate executive director. As part of AFHU’s overall annual fundraising goal of $70 million, the executive director will be responsible for an annual regional fundraising goal of $5 million for fiscal year 2026 and will drive strategy to grow total fundraising in future years. Responsibilities Develop and execute the long‑term fundraising strategy for the Midwest Region in alignment with AFHU’s strategic priorities. Build and nurture a diversified donor base and cultivate major gift prospects within the region. Lead a fundraising team and provide coaching, performance management, and professional development. Collaborate closely with national colleagues, board of lay leaders, and the Hebrew University community to generate impact and support the university’s mission. Leverage data and systems to inform strategy, measure outcomes, and report progress to senior leadership. Represent AFHU and the Hebrew University at community events, conferences, and in media. Qualifications At least seven (7) years of successful fundraising experience, preferably within a Jewish communal, higher education, or nonprofit setting. Demonstrated success in the solicitation and stewardship of major gifts and the discovery, cultivation, and engagement of major‑gift donors. Strong knowledge of fundraising best practices, data‑driven strategy, and effective stewardship practices. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills with senior leaders, high‑level volunteers, and diverse constituencies. Senior‑level credibility, maturity, and sophistication to engage philanthropic leaders and donors. Alignment with and ability to articulate AFHU’s mission and values and the Hebrew University’s vision, including a deep understanding of Israel, its history, and current events. Bachelor’s degree is required. This is a permanent, full‑time position in Chicago, Illinois, with a salary range of $200,000 to $225,000. The wage/salary of the selected finalist will be set based on a variety of factors including qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. American Friends of the Hebrew University is an equal‑opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr American Friends of The Hebrew University