Director, Capital Gifts and Special Initiatives

Job Title: Director, Capital Gifts and Special Initiatives

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)

Department: Institutional Advancement

Reports To: Chief Institutional Advancement Officer

Job Type: Full-time

About Us:

The Orthodox Union (OU) is the largest Orthodox Jewish organization in the United States. Founded in 1898, the OU supports a network of synagogues, youth programs, Jewish and Religious Zionist advocacy programs, programs for the disabled, localized religious study programs, and international units. The OU maintains a kosher certification service, whose circled U symbol is found on the labels of many kosher commercial and consumer food products.

Position Overview

The Orthodox Union (OU) is seeking an experienced and passionate Fundraiser to lead and execute critical fundraising initiatives focused on securing major gifts for our capital campaigns and special projects. This position will play an essential role in supporting the OU’s growth, enabling the expansion of our programs and services for the Jewish community, while furthering our mission to strengthen Jewish life and promote Torah values across North America and beyond.

The ideal candidate will bring a track record of successful capital campaign management, exceptional donor relations, and a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape. As part of the OU Development team, this person will work closely with leadership, lay leaders, and key stakeholders to advance significant fundraising priorities that impact the organization’s long-term sustainability.

Duties, Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Capital Campaign Leadership:

• Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of major capital campaigns to support the OU’s national and local initiatives, including physical expansion and infrastructure projects.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, the Board of Directors, and lay leaders to establish campaign objectives, timelines, and fundraising targets.
• Develop, together with Marketing, and deliver compelling case statements, campaign materials, and proposals that reflect the OU’s mission and vision.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, including high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners, to meet campaign goals.
• Partner with Planned Giving on the strategy, planning, and execution of major capital campaigns to support the OU’s endowment-building efforts.
• Provide regular updates and strategic guidance to leadership regarding campaign progress and key milestones.

Special Fundraising Projects:

• Oversee the planning and execution of special fundraising initiatives, such as one-time events and high-impact programs (e.g., Jewish education or social services).
• Work closely with Marketing and Communications team to develop outreach materials that promote OU’s special fundraising efforts and maximize donor engagement.
• Establish clear, measurable objectives for each special fundraising initiative and ensure those objectives are met or exceeded.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:

• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with major donors, engaging them with tailored communications, exclusive events, and personalized stewardship efforts.
• Ensure consistent and thoughtful follow-up with donors, including donor visits, recognition events, and regular updates on the impact of their giving.
• Work with the leadership team to create customized donor recognition strategies that align with OU’s values and provide meaningful acknowledgment of contributions.

Collaboration and Team Leadership:

• Collaborate with the OU programmatic development teams to integrate capital and special fundraising efforts into broader organizational goals and initiatives.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior fundraising staff, volunteers, and lay leaders, ensuring that campaigns are executed efficiently and effectively.
• Partner with program leaders, regional representatives, and other OU departments to align fundraising initiatives with programmatic goals.
• Present on capital gifts and special initiatives at Fundraising Forum, the OU’s monthly professional development training program.

Grant Writing and Proposal Development:

• Research and identify funding opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government sources that align with OU’s mission and capital needs.
• Write and submit high-quality grant proposals and funding requests for capital campaigns and special projects, ensuring full compliance with funders’ requirements.
• Ensure timely reporting and communication with funders on the outcomes of funded projects, demonstrating transparency and accountability.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Track and maintain accurate records of donor contributions, outreach efforts, and campaign progress using OU’s donor management systems.
• Provide regular reports on fundraising progress, trends, and emerging opportunities to the Chief Institutional Advancement Officer, Executive Leadership, and Board of Directors.
• Analyze campaign performance and provide recommendations for future fundraising initiatives based on data and feedback.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 10 years of experience in fundraising, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing capital campaigns or major gifts.
• Proven track record of success in securing significant gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations in a nonprofit or community-based environment.
• Experience in leading capital campaigns and major fundraising events, with a deep understanding of both strategy and execution.
• Strong understanding of fundraising strategies, major gift solicitation, and donor cultivation within a Jewish communal or religious setting.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals and presentations that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Familiarity with Jewish values and the Orthodox community is a plus.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $240,000-$275,000, commensurate with experience. 

We offer employee sponsored healthcare, dental and vision plans.

Other benefits include:

• Paid sick days 
• Paid vacation days
• Paid Jewish and most Federal holidays
• Short Fridays to accommodate for Sabbath
• Free life and disability insurance 
• 403(b) retirement plan which the OU will contribute 5% of your wage towards retirement savings after you contribute at least 2% (only eligible after 3 years of continuous service)