Associate Director of Development

Executive Search - Associate Director of Development , San Diego, CA

Sterling Search Inc. has been exclusively retained to recruit the new Associate Director of Development (ADoD) for Jewish Family Service of San Diego:


Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) is a people-centered, impact-driven organization working to create a stronger, healthier community where everyone can thrive. Founded in 1918, today JFS is considered one of San Diego's most impactful nonprofit human services agencies, providing compassionate care and supportive services to more than 40,000 people every year.


JFS helps people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds build more stable, secure, and connected lives. Its diverse network of staff, volunteers, supporters, and community partners are committed to the pursuit of one shared goal: helping individuals and families in our community move forward. JFS serves individuals across the gre

ater San Diego community through a variety of programs and services, including food assistance; services for older adults; Jewish connections; mental health services; refugee and immigration services; and services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.


With a century's worth of programs and services in the region, JFS has earned the trust and support of its donors and community at large as a leader in this space with the ability to pivot, when necessary, to meet the changing needs of their most vulnerable community members. It also recognizes that systemic change is a team effort and requires the attention and coordinated action of diverse organizations and people. That's why JFS actively creates broad community partnerships to identify, address, and advocate for collaborative and effective solutions to San Diego's most complex and pressing challenges.


CEO Dana Toppel, LCSW, MBA, is the visionary leader of JFS - a $65 million agency with nearly 400 employees serving San Diego, Orange, and Riverside Counties. Widely recognized across the San Diego community, she has shaped an organization defined by both scale and soul.


What truly sets JFS apart is its all-hands, all-heart culture, an ethos Dana has championed and modeled. JFS understands the need to operate with a high level of innovation, urgency, and responsiveness to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves. When a government program shuts down on a Thursday, this team is able to mobilize and respond within days.

It's an organization that can pivot on a dime, rallying every department to meet emerging needs immediately. That agility isn't accidental - it's the product of a mission-driven workforce that understands the stakes and shows up for the community without hesitation.


Advancement/Development

In April 2024, JFS welcomed Tanya Hackel as its new Chief Advancement Officer. Tanya brought more than 20 years of increasing responsibility and accomplishments across fundraising and marketing, with a track record of elevating revenue, brand, and engagement strategies. At JFS she oversees the development, marketing, and volunteer engagement departments, with a team of 30 bringing cohesion, discipline, and strategic vision to the organization's advancement work.

What Makes Development Different at JFS

JFS has been part of the San Diego community for more than 100 years, and that legacy shapes everything about how development operates. This is not a transactional fundraising shop. It's a place where retention, growth, and deepened connection matter far more than cold calls or volume metrics. Success is measured by how you inspire donors, strengthen their relationship to the mission, and elevate their giving over time.

Development at JFS is rooted in immersion and authenticity. New team members are orientated by participating in the programs - they have the opportunity to deliver a meal through JFS's Food Mobile program, volunteer alongside staff, and experience the work firsthand. You learn to 'speak JFS' by being in the community with the people we serve, by raising your hand to help solve problems, and showing up for the mission in ways big and small. Staff pitch in during crises and step up when the community needs them.

At JFS, development is about putting in the energy every day toward something bigger than yourself. It's fueled by curiosity, purpose, and the collective vigor that keeps the mission moving forward. This is a place where you don't just fundraise - you help repair the world.

If you wish to be an integral part of social justice, have the skills for the role, and want to use your talents to create real, immediate impact in people's lives, JFS is where your work becomes part of something larger - urgent, meaningful, and deeply human.

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Development at Jewish Family Service of San Diego plays a key role in advancing the organization's mission through effective fundraising and donor relationship management. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Development, Individual Giving, this position is responsible for managing a portfolio of 140-180 donors and prospects capable of making both major and annual gifts (minimum $1,200). The Associate Director is expected to cultivate strong donor relationships, inspire philanthropic support, and collaborate across departments to strategically advance donor engagement and giving. The role includes stewardship, solicitation, prospecting, and managing programs and events tailored to engage new supporters.

Responsibilities of the Job:

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual donors and prospects to secure both major and annual gifts.
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for assigned donors and prospects, driving engagement strategies to increase giving levels.
• Collaborate with Development team members and relevant program staff to align donor interests with organizational priorities.
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of JFS programs, strategic goals, and fundraising priorities to effectively communicate the case for support.
• Ensure all donor interactions are recorded and maintained in the donor database (Raiser's Edge).
• Lead the new donor stewardship series including strategy development, email communications, personalized outreach, and special invitations.
• Plan and execute new donor engagement events throughout the year that educate, inspire, and build long-term relationships with supporters.
• Assist in the development and execution of an annual giving plan that includes individualized cultivation, solicitation, and recognition strategies.
• Collaborate with volunteer leadership and key stakeholders to leverage peer networks and expand donor reach.
• Represent JFS at donor events and community activities; travel throughout Southern California as needed.

Required Experience, Knowledge, and/or Skills:

• Strong commitment to the mission and values of Jewish Family Service.
• Proven success in relationship management and donor engagement, particularly in securing individual gifts.
• Experience planning and executing donor events and engagement campaigns.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage cross-functional relationships.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities; ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Experience working with and supporting volunteer leadership in fundraising settings.
• Proficiency in donor database systems; experience with Raiser's Edge strongly preferred.

Required Formal Education and/or Licenses:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of fundraising and/or nonprofit development experience required.

Physical Demands of the Job (reasonable accommodations may be made, as appropriate) Physical Demands of the Job (reasonable accommodations may be made, as appropriate)

Must be able to:

• Ability and willingness to travel within Southern California.
• Access to reliable transportation is required.
• At times work weekends/evenings to support organizational needs and/or events.

The ideal candidate will be innately curious and energized by learning from others, thereby amplifying JFS's mission in an engaging and compelling manner while building lasting relationships with a variety of donors and community partners. The Associate Director of Development must embrace the vision and values of JFS and invest themselves in its mission and goals.


S alary

This position offers an annual salary of $90,000 to $100,000 plus comprehensive benefits, which include a 401k match, low cost health, dental and vision plans, generous vacation and sick time and 16 paid holidays.

TO APPLY, CONTACT:

• Katie Croskrey
• View email address on click.appcast.io
• View phone number on click.appcast.io

Direct all correspondence emails and telephone calls to Sterling Search, Inc. Any resumes sent or telephone calls made to Jewish Family Service of San Diego will be redirected to Sterling Search, Inc.