Manager of Venture Philanthropy and Giving Circles

ORGANIZATIONAL VISION, MISSION, AND FUNCTION:

The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund (the Federation) of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties is a philanthropic catalyst, connecting Bay Area Jews – of all ages, backgrounds, and perspectives – to the power we have as a community to improve the world. We partner with donors, organizations, and foundations to address the pressing issues facing our community, and develop innovative strategies that result in deep and lasting impact.

Our vision is a vibrant, connected, and enduring Jewish community that is a force for good locally, in Israel, and around the world. Our work is guided by the timeless Jewish values of kehilla (community), tzedakah (giving with just intention), and tikkun olam (repairing the world).

The Federation is looking for highly motivated and qualified individuals with a variety of skill sets who want to join a team working to build a new model of 21st century and next generation Federation engagement. We are especially interested in candidates who are committed to excellence, forward-thinking, open-minded, willing to take risks, and model a positive attitude that inspires confidence.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Manager of Venture Philanthropy and Giving Circles will organize, manage, and direct a variety of established and new venture philanthropy opportunities including the Jewish women’s fund, LGBT alliance fund, next generation giving circles, impacting investing forum, as well as other collaborative giving opportunities. This new position is designed to provide a platform for strategic planning and implementation of flexible models of philanthropy. This position is also designed to engage with members of the Jewish community, prospects, and donors looking for a more hands-on philanthropic experience. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

• Design and facilitate year-round giving circles, curriculum development, grantmaking and programs that offer members of the Jewish community the opportunity to participate in meaningful, impactful philanthropy and connect them to the work of the Federation and endowment fund
• Cultivate and solicit giving circle participants internally (working with the development team, philanthropic advisors, and the Donor Advised Fund team) and externally (which might include current Federation donors, prospects, and fund holders, as well as those who do not currently participate in Federation activities)
• Identify and work in partnership with lay chair members
• Collaborate with the Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) and Chief Finance and Investment Officer (CFIO) to develop our work in impact investing through small forums designed to complement philanthropic grantmaking or serve as an entry point for individuals who may be more motivated to participate using alternative philanthropic vehicles (PRI’s, MRI’s) to advance the work of the Federation
• Serve as a donor relations manager and participate in regular development (solicitation, stewarding, prospecting) efforts for any individuals taking part in these experiences on behalf of the Federation
• Align the work of the giving circles with the Federation
• Provide overall strategic direction on giving circle goals and their potential impact on the community
• Help giving circle participants think about their philanthropy in a larger context, and inform them about other Federation activities and opportunities
• Communicate regularly with the Community Impact (CI) team to ensure that giving circle priorities and grantmaking commensurate with best practices and other grant related work at the Federation
• Work in partnership with CI program officers on a variety of local, national, and international Jewish and non-Jewish organizations to coordinate learning opportunities, speakers, site visits, and grantmaking opportunities.
• Represent the Federation at relevant local and national meetings, events and conferences.
• This position may require occasional attendance/participation at events in the evening or on weekends

EDUCATION OR TRAINING EQUIVALENT TO:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree in relevant field preferred
• Have at least five years of practical direct or equivalent experience in nonprofit management

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS (SKILLS, ABILITIES, LICENSE):

• Must have knowledge and experience working with or participating in giving circles or other, similar venture philanthropy models
• Must have proven experience cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donor and prospect relationships
• Proven ability to provide executive leadership with excellent verbal and written skills
• Facilitate meetings, group dynamics and steer participants to consensus decision-making
• Develop relevant and varied curriculum
• Familiar with best practices in grantmaking including requesting and evaluating grant proposals and budgets
• Knowledge of Jewish issues, women’s issues and LGBT issues desired
• Experience building strong lay leadership partnerships
• Comfortable and able to work with a broad cross-section of individuals of all ages, from the community of varying degrees of wealth and including high net worth individuals
• Must work well in teams and be individually motivated

​We offer:

Excellent benefits — medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick pay, holidays (including Jewish), and retirement plan