DoD

Executive Search -Director of DevelopmentSan Diego CA

Sterling Search Inc. has been exclusively retained to recruit the new Director of Development (DoD) 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 serves individuals across the greater San Diego community through a variety of programs and services including food assistance; services for older adults; Jeish 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 regionJFS has earned the trustand 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 justice have 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 Director of Development serves as a key leader within the Development department at Jewish Family Service of San Diego. This role is focused on cultivating meaningful relationships with donors and prospects with an emphasis on securing major and blended gifts. The Director is responsible for managing a portfolio of high-capacity individuals who are capable of making annual contributions of $25000 or more while also playing a collaborative role in advancing the organizations overall fundraising strategy. This position works cross-functionally with colleagues in Development and Program leadership to align donor interests with organizational priorities.

Responsibilities of the Job:

• Proactively build and manage a portfolio of 120150 major donors and prospects serving as the primary relationship manager for each.
• Cultivate relationships through one-on-one engagement strategic communication and personalized stewardship strategies.
• Identify qualify and engage new prospects to grow the donor base and deepen support.
• Work collaboratively within the Development team and across relevant program areas to align donor interests with JFS initiatives and funding priorities.
• Maintain an in-depth understanding of JFSs strategic plan and current fundraising priorities to effectively communicate impact and opportunities for support.
• Craft and deliver a compelling case for support that connects donor values with JFSs mission and services. Record all donor interactions contact reports and action steps in Raisers Edge to ensure accurate and up-to-date records of engagement and activity.

Required Experience Knowledge and/or Skills:

• Minimum of 57 years of progressive experience in fundraising with a strong track record of securing major gifts ($25000).
• Demonstrated experience managing a robust donor portfolio and meeting or exceeding revenue goals.
• Deep understanding of donor lifecycle cultivation strategies and solicitation techniques particularly for major and blended gifts.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust and rapport with donors prospects and internal stakeholders.
• Strong collaboration skills; able to work across departments to develop integrated donor strategies.
• Working knowledge of planned giving principles is strongly preferred.
• Experience using donor management systems preferably Raisers Edge to track and manage donor activity.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining a donor-centered focus.
• Commitment to the mission vision and values of Jewish Family Service of San Diego.

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 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 $115000 to $135000 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.