Philanthropy Advisor

Description

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW  

As the largest funder of Jewish causes in California, the Jewish Federation Bay Area connects donors, changemakers, and community partners to build a thriving, resilient future. The Federation serves as a trusted partner and advisor for those seeking to make an impact today while shaping a better tomorrow. We invest in education, social services, and security while mobilizing crisis relief worldwide. With over a century of leadership, we empower individuals and families to give strategically, building a thriving and resilient future for generations to come. Whether strengthening Jewish life in the Bay Area, safeguarding communities worldwide, or ensuring a safe and democratic Israel, we empower people to take meaningful action that echoes for generations. 

The Federation is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual with a variety of skill sets who wants to join a team working to build a new model of 21st century and next generation Federation engagement. 

ROLE SUMMARY  

The Philanthropy Advisor plays a vital role in stewarding, soliciting and engaging donors through thoughtful communication, responsive service, and meaningful connection to the Jewish community. This position manages a portfolio of emerging and growing donor-advised fund holders and Annual Campaign donors giving under $10,000. Through proactive outreach, the Philanthropy Advisor cultivates meaningful connections and supports donors as they expand their engagement and impact within our community. 

This role is currently expected to be in the office 2 days a week and will report to one of the seasoned Philanthropy Advisors on the team. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  

Portfolio Management 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for donor questions related to grantmaking and portal navigation, Federation impact and programs, and giving logistics and timelines. 
• Manage and steward an assigned portfolio of donors while developing and executing targeted messaging and mass email campaigns to engage a larger donor base  
• Ensure donors, whether managed individually or reached through broad outreach, receive responsive, thoughtful, and accurate support regarding giving logistics and timelines. 

Strategic Engagement and Touchpoints 

• Develop and pilot creative engagement strategies for donors who are less likely to proactively reach out. 
• Identify opportunities to increase donor involvement through educational programs, Federation events, and giving opportunities aligned with donor interests. 
• Implement automated stewardship touchpoints, including: impact communications, holiday and gratitude messages, giving reminders and deadlines, and invitations to programs and events. 
• Personalize outreach where appropriate to deepen donor connection. 

Donor Retention and Growth 

• Monitor donor engagement and giving patterns to identify opportunities for increased annual support, donor-advised fund balance growth, and deeper engagement. 
• Partner closely with Philanthropy Advisors to transition donors as engagement, complexity, or giving increases. 
• Support donor retention and upgrades through thoughtful solicitation, gratitude, and ongoing engagement. 

Data, Systems and Collaboration 

• Track solicitation activity, donor interactions, stewardship touchpoints, and engagement outcomes. 
• Collaborate with multiple teams including philanthropy advisors, data and grants management, events and engagement, and marketing. 
• Support department-wide initiatives, campaigns, and events as needed. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES  

• Warm, professional, and donor-centric 
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort communicating with donors by phone, email, and Zoom 
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail 
• Strategic thinker with creativity around engagement 
• Data-informed and systems-savvy 
• Collaborative and team-oriented 
• Experience working with CRMs (Salesforce strongly preferred) 
• Understanding of donor-advised funds and philanthropic best practices a plus 
• Familiarity with Jewish communal life and values preferred, but not required 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit development, donor relations, customer success, or relationship management 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred 

Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits — medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick pay, holidays (including Jewish), and retirement plan. 

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES 

 The Federation views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a company culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible talent pool to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. The Jewish Federation Bay Area is an equal opportunity employer.