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Development Director at University of Michigan Hillel

Hillel International

Development Director

University of Michigan Hillel

Role Overview

The Development Director at the University of Michigan Hillel Foundation in Ann Arbor, MI, will direct the planning and implementation of a multi-pronged fundraising strategy for one of the premier Hillels in the nation, striving to support the Jewish experience of 6,500 students on campus. U-M Hillel enhances the lives of Jewish students through diverse Jewish religious and cultural programming and robust Israel engagement. The Development Director will be a strategic thought partner to the CEO, serve as a senior leadership team member, and supervise the development staff, including the Development Manager and Database Manager. The primary responsibilities of the Development Director will be to oversee and direct our multi-million dollar annual fundraising campaign including management of our major gifts, implement our grassroots fundraising channels, and special events as needed. The Development Director will also play a critical role in launching a Centennial campaign effort. 

Who We Are Looking For

You have a passion for sustaining vibrant Jewish life on campus. Your enthusiasm and storytelling ability have a way of capturing the imagination and support of your diverse audience. Colleagues and friends recognize you as a highly detailed and organized individual – you prioritize and execute responsibilities as well as manage multiple projects simultaneously. You bring a get-to-yes mentality, a commitment to excellence, a determination to succeed, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting. You have strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to develop excellent relationships and approach your work with a collaborative mindset, bringing kindness and empathy, and a desire to see your colleagues succeed.

What You’ll Do

Development Strategy & Management

  • Design and implement a comprehensive annual development plan that maintains the fiscal health of the organization.
  • Exercise daily oversight of progress toward fundraising goals.
  • Strategically focus on the identification of new major gift prospects and cultivation of major gift donors. 

Donor & Stakeholder Management

  • Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of mid-level donors throughout Southeast Michigan and nationally.
  • Curate a portfolio of major donors for the Chief Executive Officer.
  • Develop and implement stewardship plans for all donors.
  • Cultivate relationships with current parents and, along with the CEO, serve as a primary point of contact for parents – communications through Facebook, WhatsApp groups, phone calls, emails, etc.

Board & Volunteer Management

  • Serve as the professional coordinator of the activities of the Board of Trustees.
  • Establish, convene, and staff the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees.
  • Assist in identifying prospective board members.

Mass Solicitation & Communication

  • Oversee the strategy and implementation of the annual campaign through the management of our grassroots fundraising efforts which include direct mail and digital appeals. 
  • Creatively deploy a mix of mass-solicitation tools like email, text messaging, social media, and snail mail campaigns.
  • Oversee Hillel Annual Report.

Event Management

  • Direct Hillel’s annual parent events, including Move-In Week Dinner for Parents, and Parents’ Weekend, each attracting some 250 families.
  • Convene parlor meetings, alumni gatherings, breakfasts, and other niche events as needed.
  • Coordinate efforts leading up to and during our 2026 centennial. 

Fiscal & Data Management

  • Ensure donor data and interactions are accurately captured in the Little Green Light (LGL) database.
  • Work with the finance team to ascertain congruous record-keeping across the development and financial operations.
  • Serve as lead for alternative gift vehicles such as matching gifts, payroll giving, and donor-advised funds.
  • Research donor and foundation prospects.
  • Systematically manage lists for special attention by the CEO, members of the Board of Trustees, and the Development Committee.

Organizational Leadership

  • Serve on the senior leadership team of U-M Hillel. 
  • Contribute to organization-wide strategy.
  • Represent the organization to key stakeholders including Federations, Foundations, and University development departments. 

Additional Responsibilities

  • Attend Hillel programs on evenings and weekends as necessary, such as select Friday night Shabbat dinners, High Holiday events, Parents’ Weekend, Homecoming Weekend, etc.
  • Travel as necessary for donor meetings, cultivation events, conferences, etc.

Who You Are

  • A bachelor’s degree is required; a relevant master’s degree is preferred, and CFRE is a plus.
  • A minimum of 6+ years of fundraising experience in higher education and/or the Jewish community.
  • Successful track record managing multiple fundraising campaigns, one-on-one solicitation, grant writing, and reporting.
  • Supervisory experience including the ability to provide constructive feedback.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficient in Excel and Microsoft suite.
  • Experience with CRM and data management; LGL experience is ideal.
  • Passion for the Jewish community, Israel, and familiarity with the Jewish calendar and religious practice.
  • An awareness of current trends in the Jewish community and philanthropy.

What You’ll Receive

  • Competitive salary in the non-profit marketplace. Salary range of $85,000-$95,000 commensurate with experience.
  • Health insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability (LTD), vacation/sick time, and generous parental leave.
  • Paid opportunities for professional development, peer engagement, mentoring, and skill-building.
  • A supportive and committed board of lay leaders and a passionate alumni base.
  • Travel regionally and nationally for work.

About the University of Michigan Hillel

Hillel at the University of Michigan was the third Hillel Foundation in North America, established in 1926. Michigan Hillel’s history matches the remarkable changes in the University and the times of the nation during its more than nine decades on campus. From its earliest days, Hillel played a significant role in campus life, serving not only the religious needs of the campus Jewish community but also providing a center for social, political, and artistic expression. In 1937, The Hillel Players produced the first play of an undergraduate named Arthur Miller. During the Vietnam War years, Hillel was the locus of much of the campus debate and political action. In the 1980s, Hillel began to play a major role in the intellectual and cultural life of the university with the launch of programs like Consider Magazine, Residence Hall Repertory Theater Company, and the Golden Apple Award. In 2012, the TAMID Israel Investment Group incubated through Michigan Hillel and launched as a national organization with an international presence.

Today, the University of Michigan is widely regarded as one of the best schools in the country for Jewish students, and our Hillel has played a significant role in this national reputation. With our emphasis on student leadership and student-driven initiatives, Michigan Hillel has grown to house and support 30+ student groups and fellowships.

About Hillel International

In 1923, Rabbi Benjamin Frankel started Hillel with humble means, a noble mission and a breathtaking vision: to convey Jewish civilization to a new generation. Today, Hillel International continues to enrich the lives of Jewish students and is the largest Jewish campus organization in the world at more than 550 colleges and universities across North America and around the world. As Hillel evolves as an organization, the mission remains steadfast: to create lasting connections with every Jewish student that foster an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel and train them to become the next Jewish leaders.

Hillel is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an accepting and inclusive environment for all.

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Confirmed 19 hours ago. Posted 3 days ago.

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