The Louis S. Wolk Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester is located alongside the Erie Canal in Brighton and is a 200,000 square foot facility that houses our state-of-the-art fitness, wellness and recreation programming, an aquatics center, a Professional Theatre, Children's Center and our Camping Program.

We pride ourselves on providing our members with quality educational, cultural arts and social programming, and we are an inclusive community center that welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds, and ages.

The Development Director serves as the JCC's chief fundraising strategist and philanthropic leader. This role is responsible for securing $2M annually in unrestricted support and preparing the successful launch of a separate $4.5M two-year campaign. The Director will oversee a streamlined team focused on annual giving, data management, and donor stewardship. With the organization facing a $10M capital deficit and a $2.5M annual shortfall, this position is pivotal to the JCC's long-term sustainability and impact.

This is a unique opportunity for a bold, data-driven, and relationship-centered professional to lead transformational fundraising in a community with shifting donor dynamics and high expectations for excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

Develop and implement a 3-5 year comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes: Securing $1.5M+ annually in operating funds Launching and managing a $4.5M campaign over two years-separate from annual giving-focused on programmatic areas, capital, and mission-based investment Strengthening donor pipelines across individual, foundation, and institutional sources

Work closely with the CEO, Board, and senior team to align development efforts with organizational priorities Define and track performance metrics to monitor progress and report to leadership Major Gifts & Donor Stewardship Personally manage a portfolio of 50-75 top prospects and donors giving at the $2,500+ level. Secure $350-$500k annually in major gifts, building toward multi-year and legacy commitments Lead donor engagement strategies, including: Customized cultivation and stewardship plans Executive-level solicitations with support from the CEO and Board Quarterly touchpoints, briefings, and exclusive donor experiences

Design and manage a Donor Recognition Program: Tiered levels for annual and campaign gifts Naming opportunities, private events, and personalized acknowledgments Recognition across digital, print, and on-site platforms

Grant Strategy & Oversight Lead the identification, cultivation, and submission of foundation, government, and corporate grants Maintain a pipeline of 15+ active opportunities per quarter Secure $500K+ annually in restricted and unrestricted grant funding

Oversee the grant lifecycle: research, writing, budget alignment, compliance, and reporting Team Management, Data Oversight & Infrastructure Supervise one or more direct reports and provide guidance, training and support. Qualifications 3-5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, with emphasis on major gifts Proven ability to secure major gifts and manage high-value donor relationships Strategic thinker with experience managing multi-year campaigns and complex portfolios Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to mentor staff and collaborate cross-functionally Exceptional written and verbal communication skills Familiarity with donor management software (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge) Understanding of Jewish communal values and a deep respect for diverse community traditions preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Non-Profit Administration, Business Administration, Communications or similar field. Master's Degree in fundraising is a plus.

Benefits Health, Dental and Vision Retirement Plan, Life and Disability Insurance Employee Assistance Program Free membership to our Fitness and Aquatics Center