Director, Philanthropy Strategy

Position Summary

The Director of Philanthropy Strategy serves as a key member of the Development team, responsible for designing and executing a data-driven fundraising strategy that integrates prospect development, portfolio management, and operational excellence. The role unifies prospect strategy and development operations to drive measurable growth across Annual Campaign, Leadership Giving, Major Gifts, Meyer Community Foundation, and Capital Campaign initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Portfolio & Moves Management: Percentage of Time: 40%
• Lead the design and oversight of a comprehensive prospect management and moves management system for Jewish Palm Beach households, in partnership with PER leadership.
• Own portfolio strategy and health, including segmentation, tiering, coverage, and ongoing rebalancing to ensure optimal pipeline performance.
• Establish and oversee the systems and norms that guide frontline portfolio management, including assignments, activity expectations (meetings, solicitations, follow-up), and defined next steps for all $25,000+ donors and prospects.
• Leverage internal data, wealth screenings, and external research to expand and strengthen the prospect pipeline.
• Manage relationships and workflows with external research vendors and screening partners.
• Recommend and facilitate movement of prospects across portfolios and fundraising channels.
• Serve as CRM subject matter expert for prospect management, ensuring consistent use, strong data integrity, and continuous system improvement.
• Oversee tracking of prospect research, portfolio activity, and donor movement with CRM.
• Prospecting, Research & Data Management: Percentage of Time: 20%
• Identify and evaluate prospects across Annual Campaign, Leadership Giving, Major Gifts, and Meyer Community Foundation, and Capital Campaign, ensuring portfolios are accurate, current, and aligned to fundraising goals.
• Leverage internal data, wealth screenings, and external research to expand and strengthen the prospect pipeline.
• Manage relationships and workflows with external research vendors and screening partners.
• Recommend and facilitate movement of prospects across portfolios and fundraising channels.
• Serve as CRM subject matter expert for prospect management, ensuring consistent use, strong data integrity, and continuous system improvement.
• Oversee tracking of prospect research, portfolio activity, and donor movement with CRM.
• Performance Management, Reporting & Process Improvement: Percentage of Time: 40%
• Define and monitor KPIs and benchmarks to assess pipeline health, portfolio performance, donor progression, and fundraiser effectiveness.
• Lead the development of reporting frameworks and tools, including dashboards, gift tables, and performance scorecards, to drive decision-making and transparency.
• Partner with the CRM and reporting teams to deliver actionable insights and analysis.
• Align systems, processes, and data to support scalable, high-performing fundraising operations.
• Contribute to campaign planning, goal setting, and overall fundraising strategy.
• Serve as a thought partner to senior leadership on growth opportunities and innovation, including the use of AI and predictive modeling.
• Collaborate with internal teams, agencies, and stakeholders to align priorities and enhance donor engagement.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Model a donor-centered, mission-driven approach to fundraising.

Qualifications and Success Factors

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5+ years of prospect research, prospect management, or nonprofit fundraising (or related) experience.
• Experience working with frontline fundraisers and proven skills in producing actionable results for gift officers, including developing reports to analyze portfolio and proposal pipeline performance;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with frontline fundraisers, executive staff, and other colleagues.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with business technology and fundraising databases (CRM).
• Passion for the Jewish community, Israel and familiarity with Jewish calendar and lifecycle

Work Environment

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County is committed to creating a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and connected to our mission. Our offices are located in a beautiful facility in West Palm Beach, providing a professional and welcoming environment for both staff and visitors. The building is secured during business hours with dedicated safety personnel to help ensure a safe and supportive workplace.

Federation prioritizes employee well-being and professional growth through a collaborative culture and a dedicated employee wellness program that promotes physical, mental, and emotional health. Employees also benefit from a wide range of professional development opportunities, including in-house courses through Federation University, cross-departmental trainings, conference participation, professional certifications, and involvement in fellowships and leadership cohorts.

Employees of the Federation also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial security, and work-life balance, including: Health & Wellness Benefits • Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans • Disability and life insurance coverage • A dedicated employee wellness program focused on overall well-being