Director of Institutional Advancement, RIETS & CJF

Position Summary:      

The Director of Advancement for RIETS will work as part of a team of fundraisers. This person will focus on individual gifts, and will in particular deal with prospects starting at $25,000 and including larger six and seven figure gifts. This person will be responsible for the recruitment and cultivation of new prospects; the continued cultivation of existing prospects; and the stewardship of existing donors from board members, alumni, parents and other prospects for RIETS and CJF.

The Director of Advancement will be responsible for the stewardship of all prospects in his/her portfolio, making sure that all appropriate communications and reports are provided and that donor needs are met. This person will work with colleagues to create collaborative gifts, will support all IA events and use them as cultivation opportunities.

Position Responsibilities:

• Cultivate and solicit gifts from Board members, alumni, parents and other prospects for RIETS and CJF all over the country


• Coordinate all aspects of all development functions related to RIETS and CJF. These include dinners, luncheons and receptions (catering, invitations, journals, follow-up, seating, etc.)


• Be responsible for interfacing with the RIETS Roshei Yeshiva, the Dean of RIETS, as well as the RIETS Board


• Work with the Deans and Roshei Yeshiva of RIETS to identify, cultivate and solicit donors


• Identify new members for the RIETS board


• Work with YU Office of Alumni Affairs re: solicitation letters to contributors and rabbinic alumni


• Organize and coordinate RIETS dinner

Experience & Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s Degree


• Minimum of five years of experience in front-line fundraising for institution of higher education or other non-profit


• Familiarity with RIETS, similar theological seminary and/or modern orthodox culture.


• Proven track record of securing substantial gifts

Skills & Competencies:

• Outstanding ability to work effectively in teams of diverse people and organizations


• Experience working with a contact database and Excel


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills


• Highly self-motivated and directed


• Proven ability to work well with high-level prospects and donors


• Self-starter with the ability to work independently, yet collaboratively, as an effective member of the IA department, in a goal oriented, team environment


• High level of personal motivation, initiative and creativity

About Us:       

Founded in 1886, Yeshiva University (YU) has a strong tradition of combining Jewish scholarship with academic excellence and achievement in the liberal arts, sciences, medicine, law, business, social work, Jewish studies, education, psychology, and more. 

We are a leading global educational institution that employs 2,000 people across our various campus locations -- Wilf Campus, Beren Campus, Brookdale Center, Resnick Campus in the Bronx, the Gruss Institute in Jerusalem, the Boys High School in Manhattan and the Girls High School in Queens. From the distinguished faculty who teach here, to the dedicated staff, we work to fulfill our mission through all that we teach, by all that we do and for all those we serve.  We seek to attract and retain engaged and committed individuals who contribute to an exciting working environment, where there is a sense of community and belonging, balanced with a significant cross section of people from diverse backgrounds working and studying together.

The University offers an excellent compensation package, and a broad range of employee benefit plans, including immediate participation in the University’s retirement plan. Staff members are typically eligible for four weeks paid vacation each year and have access to a shuttle to nearby subway locations.

Equal Employment Opportunity:           

Yeshiva University is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.