Philanthropy Associate

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 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.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Federation Philanthropy Partners, a part of the Federation, works with donors on their own philanthropy and aims to inform, educate, inspire, and challenge philanthropy driven by Jewish values. Through the generosity of about 1,000 donors, this donor-advised philanthropy grants over $175 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 practice and our team will be growing in the coming years, and we are especially interested in candidates who inspire confidence, model positively for those around them, and have deep experience delivering client service. We are also especially interested in candidates who are forward- thinking, who have an entrepreneurial track record, are able to contribute to a growing business and who want to join a team working to build a new model of 21^st century and next generation Jewish philanthropy.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Philanthropy Associate will administer the supporting foundations, the college scholarship programs, and the awards programs of the Federation. In addition, the Philanthropy Associate will serve as a client concierge across the entire Philanthropy Advisory Practice, supporting incoming queries from current and potential clients, and triage clients to the right person, at the right time, across the practice. This is not a receptionist function, but a wayfinder for clients and potential clients, when they contact us and don’t quite know who to reach out to. Supporting foundations and Federation Philanthropy Partners is a growing practice with an anticipated opportunity to professionally develop and rise in the organization over time.

The Philanthropy Associate will also support the Director of Supporting Foundations and other colleagues in order to meet client and prospective client needs. The Philanthropy Associate will also be responsible for assisting with key projects in the development of the business of the philanthropy advisory practice at the Federation. This team support will be assigned depending on areas of expertise and need, and may include: supporting the development of client-centric service models, supporting the development of specific programs, and the delivery of specific events related to client experience, as well as supporting due diligence on new products, platforms, and services for our clients.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

• Under the guidance of the Philanthropy Advisors, researches current and prospective clients of Federation Philanthropy Partners, including background, history of grantmaking, and active issue areas
• Serves as Philanthropy Associate for a portfolio of key supporting foundation clients, assisting the delivery of client service and contact with the Philanthropy Advisors, including helping to set agendas for meetings, scheduling client meetings, performing key administrative tasks for clients in coordination with the Philanthropy Advisors
• Completes, with clients and colleagues, key meeting follow-ups so that clients receive caring, pro-active, competent service
• Documents outcomes of meetings in client customer relationship databases and assigns follow ups to Associates and Advisors
• Coordinates client meetings, including the production of agendas, timing and scheduling, electronic and paper documentation and delivery, and helps the Philanthropy Advisors set agendas for the family’s key philanthropy concerns and foundation agenda and issues across the year
• Administers the college scholarships and awards program of the Federation, working with the Philanthropy Advisors to proactively deliver a positive experience to donors, clients, applicants, and volunteer leaders. This includes administration for the College Scholarship Committee, the Diller Education Award, the Haas-Koshland award, and the Cowan awards, as well as others that may need administration
• Supports the delivery of the Academic Consortium
• Acts as a client concierge for clients and potential clients who do not have the right wayfinding for the client service that they need
• Supports and administers the delivery of opportunities for learning and meaningful connection for private funders on a variety of topics such as philanthropic strategy, objectives, and grantmaking, with the goal of developing more empowered, grounded, and strategic philanthropists in the Jewish community who grant to a variety of Jewish and non-Jewish causes
• Uses and occasionally administers database information for prospecting, client service, and events
• Runs reports for staff, board, and lay leadership, as requested
• Assists in the delivery of events for clients and prospects
• Is briefed and knowledgeable about the Federation’s priorities and funding areas, and can ably represent the Federation as a member of the larger team
• Participates as a member of Federation Philanthropy Partners for a specific group of projects designed to further develop and advance the business
• Communicates professionally with volunteer leadership, and provides professional support to these leaders
• Supports the management of a community catalogue of Jewish giving opportunities for internal and external programs, programmatic content, collaborative funding opportunities, and educational events as needed
• This position will require occasional attendance/participation at events in the evening or on weekends

EDUCATION OR TRAINING EQUIVALENT 

• Bachelor’s Degree required

QUALIFICATIONS (SKILLS, ABILITIES, LICENSES)

• 3-5 years of direct client service experience, in any multifaceted, complex environment
• Experience participating in the management of philanthropic grant programs preferred
• Exceptional organizational skills
• Intrapreneurial or entrepreneurial mindset and interest encouraged
• Knowledge of and appreciation for the Jewish community, its customs and practices
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with many constituencies
• Strong interpersonal skills and team approach
• Excellent written and verbal communication; experience producing de novo report formats preferred
• Must have a positive attitude that inspires confidence and action
• Demonstrated ability to establish and meet objectives and performance standards
• Ability/comfort level to work with a broad cross-section of individuals from the community
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite

TO APPLY

Please send a copy of your resume with a cover letter. 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.