Senior Director, Planned Giving & Foundation Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Organization Summary

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that mobilizes the community to care for those in need, activate Jewish life, safeguard the people of Israel, and combat antisemitism and hatred locally and in more than 70 countries worldwide. Each year, Federation engages thousands of donors and volunteers to generate tens of millions of dollars in philanthropic support, sustaining a network that delivers critical services, builds community, and responds to urgent challenges. Staff play a direct role in advancing this work across the Palm Beaches and beyond.

The Opportunity

The Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County seeks a seasoned leader to help drive and operationalize the William A. Meyer Jewish Community Foundation (Meyer JCF).

The Meyer JCF manages approximately $150 million in assets, an additional $90 million in documented legacy commitments, and approximately 110 donor-advised funds, serving one of the most dynamic Jewish communities in the country.

This is a senior, high-impact role for someone who excels at running the operational engine of a sophisticated foundation platform — building and refining the systems, processes, and infrastructure that let a complex giving program scale — and who brings planned giving and endowment experience to inform that work as the platform enters its next phase of growth.

The Senior Director reports to the Executive Director, who is primarily externally focused. This role owns day-to-day leadership, execution, and infrastructure, and plays a key role in driving and operationalizing strategy.

What You Will Own

Foundation Operations, Process & Systems Leadership

• Own and continuously improve Foundation operating infrastructure — workflows, approval processes, documentation standards, and CRM systems (Dynamics and related platforms)
• Design, implement, and refine standard operating procedures for gift processing, disbursements, grantee due diligence, and cash receipts
• Serve as administrative approver for disbursements and new grantee organizations, ensuring consistent, well-documented review processes
• Build and maintain gift agreement workflows — drafting, approvals, execution, and recordkeeping — with an eye toward scalability and audit-readiness
• Ensure financial accuracy, strong internal controls, and fiduciary compliance across all Foundation activity
• Lead budget preparation and ongoing review in partnership with Finance

Governance & Board Operations

• Manage all Board and governance operations, including agenda development, materials preparation, presentations, and communications
• Oversee administrative support for affiliated supporting organizations, including board management, documentation, and follow-up
• Serve as liaison to Women's Philanthropy leadership to align processes and reporting across programs

Grants & Stewardship Administration

• Oversee grantmaking and stewardship processes across all funds
• Support the philanthropic advisory practice (Generational Philanthropy Services) with well-organized reporting, proposal tracking, and impact documentation
• Ensure donor communications and impact materials are accurate, timely, and data-driven

External & Marketing Coordination

• Serve as primary liaison to marketing for materials, website updates, and stewardship content
• Manage donor recognition programs and societies, including operational planning for key events (e.g., the Comiter Gratitude Event)

Donor Strategy & Complex Gifts (supporting function)

• Support the organization's planned giving and endowment strategy through strong operational execution
• Coordinate estate and trust administration processes and serve as a point of contact for donors and their advisors
• Maintain the Professional Advisor Program — communications, events, and continuing education logistics — as a structured, repeatable initiative

Professional Advisor & External Engagement

• Create and lead the Professional Advisor Program, including communications, meetings, events, and continuing education
• Serve as a credible partner to attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors

Team & Cross-Functional Management

• Supervise and develop administrative staff, building capacity and clear role definition
• Partner across development, finance, and marketing to ensure seamless execution and consistent handoffs between teams
• Act as a central point of coordination for multiple concurrent workstreams, keeping projects on schedule and stakeholders aligned

Who You Are

• 10+ years of experience in operations, program management, or administrative leadership within a nonprofit, foundation, or financial/professional services setting
• Proven ability to design and implement processes, systems, and controls that scale
• Experience managing teams and coordinating across multiple departments or functions
• Comfortable managing complexity, competing priorities, and detailed compliance requirements
• Strong project management skills — able to lead multiple workstreams with clarity, discipline, and sound judgment
• Credible communicator with donors, advisors, and senior leadership; planned giving or gift administration exposure is a plus but not required

Work Environment

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County is committed to creating a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and connected to our mission. Our offices are located in a beautiful facility in West Palm Beach, providing a professional and welcoming environment for both staff and visitors. The building is secured during business hours with dedicated safety personnel to help ensure a safe and supportive workplace.

Federation prioritizes employee well-being and professional growth through a collaborative culture and a dedicated employee wellness program that promotes physical, mental, and emotional health. Employees also benefit from a wide range of professional development opportunities, including in-house courses through Federation University, cross-departmental trainings, conference participation, professional certifications, and involvement in fellowships and leadership cohorts.

Employees of the Federation also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial security, and work-life balance, including:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans

• Disability and life insurance coverage

• A dedicated employee wellness program focused on overall well-being

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off

• Paid Jewish and U.S. holidays

• Early office closings on Fridays in observance of Shabbat

• Early closings on many holiday eves

Financial Benefits

• 401 (k) retirement plan with employer contribution

• pre-tax benefits including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Pay Rate

We benchmark our salary ranges for new hires in relation to the role, level, and role location; however, we consider a multitude of factors, to include relevant experience, skills, and education/training, to determine compensation within the identified range.

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time at Federation’s discretion. Employment is at-will, and this job description is not an employment contract. Nothing herein shall be deemed to create in any way whatsoever an employment contract.

Requirements: