Vice President of Development, Western Region

BACKGROUND
Bar-Ilan University, founded in 1955, was one of Israel's first comprehensive research universities and will be celebrating its 70th anniversary next year. Its remarkable growth from 70 students to 21,000 and milestone achievements in the sciences and humanities have made an indelible imprint on the character of the State of Israel. BIU maintains eight faculties, four of which focus on STEM research and are active partners in national science and technology initiatives.

BIU's mission is about achieving excellence and making an impact that transcends boundaries. This transformative journey, catalyzed by a recent $260 million gift, is fueling the creation of challenge-driven research centers, innovative instructional methods, intensified global outreach, and broadened discourse and dialogue throughout Israel and the world. The future of BIU is not just bright; it's inspiring.

The University is home to a microcosm of Israeli society; Bar-Ilan University's student body includes religious and secular Jews, non-Jews, immigrants, and international visitors. The multicultural environment encourages free thought and open discussion while providing an education steeped in Jewish values. BIU's academic faculty and administrative staff are likewise multi-faceted, fostering a unique atmosphere for open exchange of ideas. This diversity and tolerance are not just values at BIU but also lived and breathed.

AMERICAN FRIENDS OF BAR-ILAN UNIVERSITY (AFBIU)

Established sixty years ago, AFBIU develops vital philanthropic support for this unique university. The generosity of its donors transforms dreams into realities. It funds state-of-the-art facilities and academic projects. It helps attract preeminent faculty. It also offers opportunities to support unparalleled academic advancements while promoting an appreciation of Jewish heritage and the Jewish state. This critical support has made Bar-Ilan University what it is today – a bastion of Jewish Studies and a world leader in Medicine, Cybersecurity, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

AFBIU's national and regional programs, events, and missions to Israel promote a greater appreciation of Bar-Ilan's breadth and scope of achievements and the University's pivotal role in educating leaders for the State of Israel and beyond. Moreover, by nurturing Israel's greatest natural resource—the intellectual strength of the nation's people—AFBIU helps Bar-Ilan improve human health, lead the way with agricultural innovation, spearhead the latest breakthroughs in brain sciences, and illuminate the world through the humanities.

Led by recently appointed CEO Jessica Feldan, AFBIU has a national staff of 14 and an aggressive recruitment strategy to grow the staff over the next couple of years significantly. With an endowment of over $15 million, AFBIU raises over $12 million a year and is growing. Further information on AFBIU can be found on its website: www.afbiu.org.

WESTERN REGION

The VP of the Western Region will report directly to the Chief Development Officer based in the national office in New York City. The Western Region, comprised of states west of the Mississippi and based in Los Angeles, had a director for over 20 years who made it AFBIU's top-performing region. Due to retirements and staff changes, the region will raise approximately $4 million this year through major individual gifts. However, banner years have raised $19-$24 million. There is excellent potential to grow this campaign by involving the second and third generations of the University's legacy donors, primarily based in Los Angeles. However, there is also great capacity in the northwest, from prospects and donors in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Seattle, as well as cities in the southwest, such as Dallas and Las Vegas. Bar Ilan University faculty and leadership are frequent visitors to the region for purposes of industry and academic conferences, and together with the BIU External Affairs team, there are many opportunities to arrange meetings/salons with existing and prospective donors.

POSITION SUMMARY

AFBIU seeks an exceptional front-line development executive who wants to join a dynamic team of professionals to work on a major gift-driven campaign. The new VP will have a unique opportunity to incorporate their diverse fundraising skills, from prospecting to cultivation and solicitation to stewardship, and will have administrative, prospect research, marketing, and communication support through the headquarters in NYC. It is anticipated that over time and depending on the campaign's growth, the Western Region would expand and include additional staff, as appropriate.

The ideal candidate will have a successful track record of soliciting major gifts and familiarity with the Jewish philanthropic community, particularly in Los Angeles. S/he should also possess a deep commitment to BIU's mission. Curiosity, familiarity with Israel, knowledge of best practices, data-informed decisions, and the ability to work effectively independently are all vital. The VP will be expected to expand the region's outreach and identify and forge new partnerships.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop regional strategic fundraising campaign plans;
  
• Develop and manage your portfolio of major ($25,000+) gift prospects across the region and design and implement strategies for their cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship;
• Identify opportunities to partner with new prospects to expand the donor base by drawing in the next generation of donors with major gift potential, as well as a relatively untapped alumni base;
• Collaborate effectively with the national staff to ensure maximum fundraising effectiveness to meet regional and national goals;
• Work strategically with lay leaders to encourage them to build bridges and utilize their networks to help develop stronger relationships with other lay leaders, prospects, and donors;
• Serve as an enthusiastic and well-informed spokesperson for AFBIU and Bar-Ilan. Continuously learn about university programs, research, and developments and share them with selected donors and prospects;
• Staff fundraising visits by university faculty and leaders in the region and help develop a variety of educational forums, visits, written communications, and one-on-one meetings to make the University relevant to donors and prospects;
• Ability to travel throughout the region as needed, especially in the first year of their tenure
• Travel to Israel when AFBIU deems it appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required;
• An advanced degree and experience in higher education are plusses;
• At least seven or more years of successful fundraising experience within a Jewish communal, higher education, or nonprofit setting;
• Significant experience identifying, cultivating, and soliciting six- to seven-figure gifts from individuals and family foundations;
• Outstanding interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills are a necessity—knowing what information to share and when to share it so that there are no surprises;
• The ability to present the BIU story convincingly and professionally that engages, inspires, and generates enthusiasm among prospects;
• Ability to work in a highly collegial manner within a complex national and international organizational culture;
• Be an ambitious and motivated development professional who values a results-driven and highly collaborative work environment;
• Be a determined and decisive problem-solver, exhibiting sound judgment, ingenuity, and grace under pressure;
• Be innovative, tenacious, and motivated to take on new challenges;
• A deep personal resonance with the mission of BIU and an unwavering commitment to AFBIU's goals and values; and
• Excellent computer skills; proficient in Microsoft Suite, Raiser's Edge, and other relevant programs, databases, and reporting systems.

A competitive compensation package will be offered to attract an outstanding candidate. The budgeted salary range is between $270K and $285K plus benefits; salary will be commensurate with experience. AFBIU is an equal employment employer.