Philanthropy Advisor (Business Development)

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

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 a 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 seeks highly motivated individuals with a variety of skill sets to build the next generation of Federation engagement. We are especially interested in forward-thinking, collaborative, and open-minded candidates who are willing to take risks, possess a high level of integrity, and model a positive attitude that inspires confidence.

FEDERATION PHILANTHROPY PARTNERS PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Federation helps donors make their philanthropy more effective. Through the generosity of about 1,000 donors, the Federation grants over $200 million a year, both locally and globally, to a variety of secular and Jewish causes. Federation Philanthropy Partners works with these clients, who all have unique situations and varying degrees of need for our guidance. Our aim is to be a trusted advisor, and to inform, educate, inspire, and challenge philanthropy driven by Jewish values, and the philanthropists in our communities.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Philanthropy Advisor will develop a wide referral portfolio (of professional advisors, donors, and agencies) in San Francisco and Marin principally by leading business development activities with those who are in a position to refer their members and clients to us for their philanthropic needs. The Philanthropy Advisor will, in coordination with other team members, develop, prospect, and close new client business, under the guidance of the Senior Philanthropy Advisor based in San Francisco, and in close coordination with the philanthropy advisory team, known as Federation Philanthropy Partners. This will involve tight coordination with other members of the FPP team, as well as communication and coordination with our Planned Giving and Endowments team. A key piece of this role is the engagement of Jewish agencies and professional advisors in discussions on how our team can help serve their community and clients’ philanthropic goals-both individually and through workshops. In this way, the Philanthropy Advisor will also support the delivery of collaborative, interactive educational and community-building opportunities for like-minded donors.

This professional will show leadership and initiative in business development and educational and community-building opportunities with 1) prospective FPP donors, working through existing donor referrals and other referral networks to connect to prospects that matter; 2) professional advisors such as wealth managers, trust & estate attorneys, and tax advisors who refer their clients to FPP, and 3) providing value-added introductions for FPP to provide critical expertise and learning to agencies and their constituents so that we are known regionally as a go-to resource for philanthropic education and inspiration with a Jewish point of view. These capabilities are critical as the Federation and Endowment Fund sets out to become a pre-eminent philanthropy advisory practice in the Jewish world, a trusted advisor to generations of Jewish philanthropists, and a pacesetter in philanthropy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

• Under the direction of our Senior Philanthropy Advisor in San Francisco, serves as a key relationship for a portfolio of key prospective donors, professional advisors, and community agencies, carrying responsibility for coordinating the relationship between FPP and these entities, and, leading to success in meetings that matter, educational opportunities that matter, referrals, and business growth
• Drives the development of donor relationships, sources new leads and closes on advisory service agreements to these donors.  This includes engagement scope development, philanthropic vehicle selection, fee proposal and negotiation, and where appropriate setting expectations for service delivery by our team of experienced senior advisors
• Keeps detailed donor notes and briefs team members on donor needs and any deliverables associated with advisory service agreements
• Supports the ongoing development of Federation Philanthropy Partners, supporting under the direction of the Senior Philanthropy Advisor and the rest of the San Francisco/Marin service team, to further build-out of a center of gravity for Jewish philanthropy in the Bay Area
• Provides support to the team regarding opportunities for new partnerships and collaboration
• Is briefed and knowledgeable about Federation’s priorities and funding areas, and can ably represent the Federation as a member of the larger team
• Coordinates closely with Development to steward multifaceted donor relationships where there is often a direct fundraising relationship that the donors hold as donors to Federation as well as donor advisors
• Participates in a specific group of projects design to further develop and advance Federation Philanthropy Partners
• This position will require occasional attendance/participation at events in the evening or on weekends

EDUCATION OR TRAINING EQUIVALENT

• Proven business development skills and track record: the ability to creating strategies to cultivate prospects and channel client engagement, and to close
• Successful advisory or fundraising experience that includes counsel on financial matters around which donors also have a lot of passion
• Experience in a multi-faceted client service environment related to philanthropy and/or fundraising (donor-advised vehicles, foundations, major gifts, planned gifts)
• Intrapreneurial or entrepreneurial track record required
• Knowledge of and appreciation for the Jewish community, its customs, and practices
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and disciplines to deliver projects focused on delivering excellence to clients
• Must have a positive attitude that inspires confidence and action
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to establish and meet objectives and performance standards
• Experience working with lay leaders and in creating and maintaining healthy lay/professional relationships
• Ability/comfort level to work with a broad cross-section of individuals from the community
• Knowledge of giving circles, planned giving vehicles preferred
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, and various electronic communication tools
• Bachelor’s Degree required, master’s degree in Business and/or the field of Jewish Communal Service (or comparable field) desired, or the equivalent

QUALIFICATIONS (SKILLS, ABILITIES, LICENSES)

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Intrapreneurial or entrepreneurial mindset and interest
• Knowledge of and appreciation for the Jewish community, its customs, and practices
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with coworkers
• Comfort level with working with a broad range of individuals of different backgrounds, preferences, and personality types
• Strong interpersonal skills and team approach
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A positive attitude that inspires confidence and action
• Demonstrated ability to establish and meet objectives and performance standards
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite

TO APPLY

Please send a copy of your resume with a cover letter to hr@sfjcf.org. All applications and inquiries will receive a response and will be kept strictly confidential.

Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits — medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick pay, holidays (including Jewish), and retirement plan.