Director of Advancement Events & Foundation Relations

About the role

The Director of Advancement Events & Foundation Relations plays a critical role in ensuring the successful execution of fundraising and engagement events, as well as foundation grant writing, proposals, and reporting that advance AJU's mission and philanthropic goals.

Responsibilities

• Manage event execution from planning through post-event follow-up and stewardship.
• Directly oversee all aspects and logistics of fundraising events, donor gatherings, and cultivation activities including venue coordination/management, registration process, timelines, and attendee communications.
• Cook up and monitor event budgets.
• Process and track invoices, contracts, and payments.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Write and submit grant proposals and reports to foundations and institutional funders.
• Collaborate with academic, programmatic and finance staff to gather information required for grant reports and proposals.
• Maintain reporting calendars and ensure timely compliance with grant requirements.
• Serve as a liaison with foundation representatives regarding reporting, documentation, and stewardship needs.
• Work in conjunction with grant writing consultant on more complex grant applications.
• Track grant fulfillment and follow-up with foundation as well as internal colleagues.
• Partner closely with the Vice President for Advancement on strategic initiatives and special projects as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising.
• Expertise in coordinating and overseeing fundraising and donor engagement events.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing effective proposals.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and donor database/CRM systems.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with donors, volunteers, community leaders, and colleagues.
• Resourceful, collaborative, and solutions-oriented.
• Flexibility to support evolving organizational priorities.
• Knowledge of and experience working within the Jewish community, Jewish nonprofit sector, or Jewish philanthropic landscape strongly preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising.
• Expertise in coordinating and overseeing fundraising and donor engagement events.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing effective proposals.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and donor database/CRM systems.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with donors, volunteers, community leaders, and colleagues.
• Resourceful, collaborative, and solutions-oriented.
• Flexibility to support evolving organizational priorities.
• Knowledge of and experience working within the Jewish community, Jewish nonprofit sector, or Jewish philanthropic landscape strongly preferred.

Skills

• Event planning and management.
• Grant writing and proposal development.
• Donor relations and engagement.
• Project management and organization.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Resourcefulness and collaboration.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, which may include health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plan participation; paid time off; and other employee benefits.
• Total compensation is designed to be competitive with peer institutions and reflective of the scope, complexity, and strategic impact of the role.

Pay

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $110,000 to $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated track record.

Schedule

American Jewish University offers a flexible schedule, with 4 days/week in person (Sherman Oaks) and 1 day remote on Fridays.