Associate DoD

Executive Search - Associate Director of DevelopmentSan 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: 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 Diegos most impactful nonprofit human services agencies providing compassionate care and supportive services to more than 40000 people every year.

JFS helps people of all ages faiths and backgroundsbuild 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 centurys 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. Thats why JFS actively creates broad community partnerships to identify address and advocate for collaborative and effective solutions to San Diegos 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.

Its an organization that can pivot on a dime rallying every department to meet emerging needs immediately. That agility isnt accidental its 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 organizations 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. Its 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 JFSs 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. Its fueled by curiosity purpose and the collective vigor that keeps the mission moving forward. This is a place where you dont just fundraise you help repair the world.

If you wish to be an integral part of social justicehave the skills for the role and want to use your talents to create real immediate impact in peoples 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 organizations 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 140180 donors and prospects capable of making both major and annual gifts (minimum $1200). 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 (Raisers 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 Raisers Edge strongly preferred.

Required Formal Education and/or Licenses:

• Bachelors 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 JFSs 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.

Salary

This position offers an annual salary of $90000 to $100000 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
• k
• 760

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.

Required Experience:

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