Director, Foundation & Strategic Partnerships

Director, Foundation & Strategic Partnerships

UJA-Federation of New York seeks a Director, Foundation & Strategic Partnerships to build and manage a portfolio of foundation and major donor relationships in support of UJA's highest-priority initiatives and emerging areas of work. The Director will identify and develop targeted capital and programmatic philanthropic opportunities that align donor and foundation interests with UJA's strategic goals, serving as a key bridge between institutional priorities, program innovation, and external funding partners.

Sitting within the Community Planning & External Relations (CPER) and FRD (Financial Resources Development) divisions, this role uniquely bridges UJA's programmatic expertise with its fundraising strategy — positioning the Director to translate organizational priorities into compelling philanthropic investments for foundations and major donors. This role offers unparalleled access to senior leadership, cutting-edge community initiatives, and a robust network of philanthropic partners and institutional funders.

The Director will lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for targeted initiatives, including UJA's flagship Community Security Initiative (CSI) while also driving responsive fundraising for time-sensitive and emerging opportunities across the organization. This position reports to the SVP, Community Organizing and External Relations and the VP, Capital Gifts and Special Initiatives, and requires a strategic relationship builder who can move fluidly between program strategy, philanthropic advising, and donor engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with CPER leadership to identify new and compelling initiatives with strong potential for new or expanded philanthropic investment.
• Build and manage relationships with major gift prospects and mission-aligned foundations, from first outreach through long-term stewardship.
• Drive fundraising for emerging work, responsive/emergency grants, and strategic opportunities that arise outside of UJA's annual allocations and standard committee processes.
• Develop and present compelling funding opportunities and proposals for targeted UJA initiatives and signature capital projects such as Upward NY aligning institutional priorities with donor and foundation interests while advancing strategic organizational goals.
• Maintain proactive communication with donors, foundations, and grantees, including regular updates, reports, and grant oversight for special initiatives.
• Coordinate fundraising and stewardship activities for the Community Security Initiative, UJA's flagship partnership with JCRC-NY.
• Lead meeting preparation and follow-up for senior staff, including briefing materials, presentations, donor strategy memos, and correspondence.
• Plan and execute high-quality donor engagement opportunities — including site visits, convenings, and curated program experiences — designed to deepen foundation and major donor relationships and position UJA as a strategic philanthropic partner.
• Represent UJA in grant maker-focused spaces and identify opportunities for foundations to engage with UJA as a thought partner and philanthropic collaborator, including co-convenings and speaking opportunities at UJA events.
• Work closely with planning and program colleagues to develop initiative strategies, define impact metrics, and oversee reporting tied to targeted philanthropic investments.
• Support philanthropic ecosystem-building efforts that strengthen UJA's agency and community partner network, including facilitating direct foundation support for aligned external partners when appropriate.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in major gift fundraising, foundation relations, strategic philanthropy, or institutional partnerships, with a demonstrated track record of securing significant philanthropic investments.
• Experience with grantmaking, program strategy, or philanthropic advising preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience developing persuasive proposals and donor-facing materials.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage, advise, and inspire sophisticated donors, foundation leaders, and community stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of fundraising software and donor management systems.
• Ability to navigate both strategic planning and frontline fundraising responsibilities with discretion, flexibility, and sound judgment.
• Passion for UJA's mission and a commitment to advancing its strategic priorities and community impact.

Salary Information:

The salary range for this role is $167,000-$170,000; commensurate with experience and qualifications listed above.

Reports to: SVP, Community Organizing and External Relations and the VP, Capital Gifts and Special Initiatives

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