Chief Development Officer (Oakland)

Chief Development Officer

The Jewish Community Center of the East Bay (JCCEB) is dedicated to fostering Jewish life and community through programs for all ages. In 2026, the organization will open a new flagship campus in Oakland, offering expanded educational and cultural opportunities.

Position Summary

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) reports to the CEO and is a key member of the executive team. The CDO shapes and drives JCCEB’s comprehensive fundraising strategy, leads the $125M capital campaign, and manages the annual fundraising program. The role requires a visionary fundraiser who can cultivate deep partnerships, inspire generosity, and build a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Capital Campaign Leadership & Growth Strategy
  • Lead and execute the $125M capital campaign, including planning, donor pipeline development, solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship.
  • Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to drive campaign strategy, prospect development, and gift closure.
  • Build and manage a robust capital campaign pipeline, including principal, major, foundation, and institutional prospects.
  • Lead campaign messaging and case development in collaboration with executive and marketing leadership.
  • Develop and implement campaign systems, benchmarks, and accountability structures to ensure progress toward milestones and goals.
  • Recruit, support, and mobilize campaign volunteers and lay leaders to expand reach and peer-to-peer fundraising effectiveness.
  • Integrate campaign strategy with annual and major gifts fundraising to ensure continued growth of unrestricted and programmatic support.
  • Oversee and grow the development team to meet increasing organizational fundraising goals in the coming years.
  • Ensure strong coordination between campaign fundraising and ongoing donor stewardship and engagement efforts.
• Strategic Leadership & Fundraising Planning
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with JCCEB’s mission and strategic goals.
  • Establish and monitor fundraising goals, benchmarks, and evaluation systems, continuously assessing their effectiveness and impact.
  • Collaborate with key leadership on resource allocation, long-term planning, and integrating fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.
  • Stay informed on trends in philanthropic giving, particularly within the Jewish community, and incorporate best practices into fundraising strategies.
  • Lead the Development Committee of the Board of Directors, engaging them in fundraising efforts and providing regular updates on progress, challenges, and opportunities.
  • Create and manage the budget for the development department, ensuring efficient use of resources and maximum return on investment.
• Major Gifts & Donor Relations
  • Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects, developing tailored strategies for each donor.
  • Manage a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects, maintaining regular communication and engagement.
  • Oversee the creation and implementation of donor recognition and stewardship programs.
  • Collaborate with program directors to identify funding needs and create compelling case statements for support.
  • Develop and manage a planned giving program to secure long-term financial stability for the organization.
• Annual Campaign & Special Events
  • Work with the Director of Development to develop and execute the annual campaign, setting goals and strategies for each constituency.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of special fundraising events, working closely with the Director of Marketing to ensure alignment with JCCEB’s brand.
  • Work with the marketing team to create compelling fundraising materials and communications.
  • Implement strategies to increase donor retention and upgrade giving levels.
  • Collaborate with lay leaders and volunteers to expand the reach and impact of fundraising efforts.
• Grants & Foundation Relations
  • Identify and pursue grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government sources.
  • Oversee the grant writing process, ensuring high-quality proposals that align with funder priorities and JCCEB programs.
  • Manage relationships with current and prospective foundation funders.
  • Ensure timely and accurate grant reporting and compliance with funder requirements.
• Team Management
  • Lead, mentor, and manage the development team, including the Director of Development, fostering a collaborative culture, setting clear goals and performance metrics, and supporting professional growth.
  • Collaborate with other departments to ensure a cohesive approach to fundraising across the organization.
  • Oversee the management of the donor database to ensure accurate record-keeping and data analysis.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a track record of securing major gifts and exceeding fundraising goals.
• Proven experience in creating and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Creative and strategic thinker, able to develop innovative approaches to fundraising challenges.
• Experience leading capital campaigns of similar size and scope preferred.
• CFRE certification welcomed.
• Strong knowledge of and passion for Jewish culture, heritage, traditions, community, and Israel.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining relationships with high‑net‑worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Experience with fundraising databases and data analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google applications, donor management/CRM software, and comfort with technology.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collaborative leadership style and ability to work effectively with staff, board members, and volunteers.
• Experience supervising and mentoring development professionals.
• High level of integrity and strong ethical standards.
• Adaptable and resilient, thriving in a dynamic nonprofit environment.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends for events and meetings.

Benefits

• Salary: $200,000 – $225,000 annually (based on experience)
• Medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick pay, and holidays (including Jewish holidays)

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The JCC East Bay is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. The organization prohibits unlawful discrimination in compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. The JCC East Bay is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities and will provide accommodations during the application and interview process upon request.

We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, even if they do not meet every qualification listed. We value diverse perspectives and strong commitment to our mission.