Director of Advancement & Engagement

About Hebrew Union College

Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) is North America's premier institution of Jewish higher education and the center for professional leadership development within Reform Judaism.

As a multi-campus academic and spiritual community, HUC builds vibrant, progressive Judaism in North America, Israel, and around the globe by:

• Engaging the most pressing questions of Jewish life, history, and thought with an open, inclusive, and pluralistic approach
• Educating visionary clergy and professionals who inspire future generations
• Advancing the academic study of Judaism and Jewish culture at the highest levels of scholarship

Position Summary

The Director of Advancement and Engagement (DAE) is a frontline fundraising leader responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of approximately 150-200 high-capacity donors and prospects .

This role designs and executes strategic cultivation and solicitation efforts that generate five- and six-figure gifts in support of HUC's mission-including annual giving, endowment, special initiatives, and planned giving.

The DAE operates with a high degree of autonomy while partnering closely with senior leadership, faculty, and volunteer leaders. This individual brings both strategic discipline and emotional intelligence , with the ability to translate HUC's mission into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Fundraising & Portfolio Management

• Develop and implement individualized strategies for donor cultivation and solicitation
• Conduct 125-150 meaningful donor engagements annually (in-person and virtual)
• Identify and qualify new prospects to expand the major gifts pipeline
• Maintain accurate and strategic records within the donor CRM system

Cultivation & Solicitation

• Personally solicit and close major gifts at the $10,000+ level , including six-figure commitments
• Develop compelling proposals aligned with institutional priorities such as scholarships, faculty support, and innovation initiatives
• Engage senior leadership-including the President, Deans, and Board-in key fundraising efforts

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Design high-impact donor experiences (campus visits, academic briefings, student engagement)
• Ensure exceptional stewardship that demonstrates impact and builds long-term loyalty
• Identify opportunities to elevate donors into leadership and volunteer roles

Collaboration & Institutional Leadership

• Partner across Advancement functions (Annual Giving, Planned Giving, Alumni Relations, Prospect Research)
• Contribute to campaign strategy and long-term philanthropic planning
• Serve as an ambassador for HUC within Jewish and philanthropic communities

Education

• Bachelor's degree required
• Advanced degree preferred or equivalent experience

Experience

• Minimum 7+ years of progressive fundraising experience
• Proven success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts
• Experience in higher education, Jewish communal organizations, or mission-driven nonprofits strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expertise in major gift strategy and donor lifecycle management
• Strong executive presence with the ability to engage senior stakeholders and high-net-worth individuals
• Exceptional communication skills-written and verbal
• High emotional intelligence, discretion, and sound judgment
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative environment
• Familiarity with the Jewish community, particularly Reform Judaism, strongly preferred

Technology

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Experience with donor CRM systems and fundraising analytics tools

Employee Benefits

HUC recognizes employees as essential to its success and offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
• Retirement Savings Plan (403b)
• Generous paid time off, including national and Jewish holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition remission benefits
• Employee Assistance Program

Our Core Values

HUC employees are expected to model:

• Honesty and Integrity
• Kindness and Decency
• Openness and Transparency
• Responsible Empowerment
• Trust and Security
• Diversity and Inclusion

Additional Information

This position operates in a dynamic, multi-campus environment. Responsibilities may evolve based on institutional needs. Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with applicable laws.
Equal Opportunity Statement

Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and comply with all applicable ADA regulations.