Director, Foundation & Strategic Partnerships

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with CPER leadership to identify new and compelling initiatives with strong potential for new or expanded philanthropic investment.
• Build and manage relationships with major gift prospects and mission-aligned foundations, from first outreach through long-term stewardship.
• Drive fundraising for emerging work, responsive/emergency grants, and strategic opportunities that arise outside of UJA’s annual allocations and standard committee processes.
• Develop and present compelling funding opportunities and proposals for targeted UJA initiatives and signature capital projects, aligning institutional priorities with donor and foundation interests while advancing strategic organizational goals.
• Maintain proactive communication with donors, foundations, and grantees, including regular updates, reports, and grant oversight for special initiatives.
• Coordinate fundraising and stewardship activities for the Community Security Initiative, UJA’s flagship partnership with JCRC-NY.
• Lead meeting preparation and follow-up for senior staff, including briefing materials, presentations, donor strategy memos, and correspondence.
• Plan and execute high-quality donor engagement opportunities — including site visits, convenings, and curated program experiences — designed to deepen foundation and major donor relationships and position UJA as a strategic philanthropic partner.
• Represent UJA in grant maker-focused spaces and identify opportunities for foundations to engage with UJA as a thought partner and philanthropic collaborator, including co-convenings and speaking opportunities at UJA events.
• Work closely with planning and program colleagues to develop initiative strategies, define impact metrics, and oversee reporting tied to targeted philanthropic investments.
• Support philanthropic ecosystem-building efforts that strengthen UJA’s agency and community partner network, including facilitating direct foundation support for aligned external partners when appropriate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in major gift fundraising, foundation relations, strategic philanthropy, or institutional partnerships, with a demonstrated track record of securing significant philanthropic investments.
• Experience with grantmaking, program strategy, or philanthropic advising preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience developing persuasive proposals and donor-facing materials.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage, advise, and inspire sophisticated donors, foundation leaders, and community stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of fundraising software and donor management systems.
• Ability to navigate both strategic planning and frontline fundraising responsibilities with discretion, flexibility, and sound judgment.
• Passion for UJA’s mission and a commitment to advancing its strategic priorities and community impact.

Salary Information

The salary range for this role is $167,000-$170,000; commensurate with experience and qualifications listed above.