Development Director

Hillel at Davis and Sacramento

Role Overview

The Development Director of Hillel at Davis and Sacramento will lead the planning and implementation of a comprehensive, multi-pronged fundraising strategy to support vibrant Jewish life across the region’s college campuses. 

The Development Director will serve as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director and a key member of the organization’s leadership team. Ideal candidates are professionals with 5+ years of development and leadership experience. This role will oversee and implement Hillel’s annual fundraising plan, including management of major gifts, grassroots fundraising campaigns, and donor-centered events. The Development Director will also help grow long-term philanthropic sustainability through endowment and legacy giving initiatives. 

Who We Are Looking For

• A relationship-driven fundraiser with experience across multiple fundraising strategies. 
• An individual passionate about strengthening Jewish life on campus and connecting donors to make a meaningful impact. 
• An engaging storyteller who inspires support across a diverse range of stakeholders. 
• A highly organized and detail-oriented professional with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while keeping long-term strategy in focus. 
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset, a commitment to excellence, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.  
• A highly organized and detail-oriented individual, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a long-term strategic focus 
• A collaborative professional who builds strong relationships with ease and approaches work with professionalism, warmth, and a deep commitment to advancing our mission 

What You’ll Do

Development Strategy & Management 

• Design and implement a comprehensive annual development plan that ensures the financial sustainability and growth of the organization. 
• Monitor progress toward fundraising goals and adjust strategies as needed. 
• Identify and cultivate new major gift prospects while deepening relationships with existing donors. 

Donor & Stakeholder Management 

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of donors throughout the Davis and Sacramento region, California, and beyond. 
• Work closely with the Executive Director to manage and expand major donor relationships. 
• Develop and implement thoughtful donor stewardship strategies that highlight the impact of philanthropic support. 

Board & Volunteer Engagement 

• Partner with the Board of Directors to strengthen fundraising efforts and expand philanthropic networks. 
• Support the work of the Fund Development Committee and help identify potential new board members and community partners. 

Campaigns & Communications 

• Oversee the strategy and implementation of annual campaigns including grassroots fundraising efforts such as digital appeals in partnership with Hillel International. 
• Utilize a range of communication channels including email, social media, phone outreach, and digital platforms to engage donors and supporters. 
• Oversee the production of donor communications and impact reports. 

Event Fundraising 

• Lead planning and execution of donor-focused events such as Hillel’s annual benefit, parlor meetings, alumni gatherings, and community engagement opportunities. 

Fiscal & Data Management 

• Analyze donor trends and campaign results to strengthen fundraising strategy. 
• Ensure donor records and engagement activity are accurately maintained in the organization’s CRM database. 
• Work closely with the leadership team to maintain strong coordination between development and financial operations. 
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities from foundations, federations, and other funding partners. 

Organizational Leadership 

• Serve as a member of the organization’s leadership team and contribute to strategic planning. 
• Represent Hillel at Davis and Sacramento with key stakeholders including community organizations, foundations, and university partners. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Attend select evening and weekend programs such as Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, and key student programs. 
• Travel as needed for donor meetings, community engagement events, and professional conferences. 

On a day to day basis you will

• Engage in outreach to parents and alumni, including meetings and support of the Hillel Alumni and parent groups. 
• Perform prospect research, solicitation and stewardship of a portfolio of major gift donors on behalf of Hillel at Davis and Sacramento.  
• Work with the Executive Director and other lay leaders to prepare, research and execute their own portfolio of major gifts. 
• Oversee the development database and ensure data entry and gift processing is precise. 
• Prepare grant proposals and reports for individual donors, philanthropic foundations, other funders, and the board. 
• Oversee all mail and internet‐based solicitations, including the design and production of marketing materials. 
• Advise Hillel staff and student leaders on sponsorship opportunities and fundraising initiatives, including recruiting, training and mobilizing students to partner in Hillel’s development efforts. 
• Develop and promote a culture of philanthropy throughout Hillel, including creativity, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. 
• Supervise the Development Intern to ensure development operations run smoothly. 

What You’ve Accomplished

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred. 
• Minimum of 5+ years of fundraising experience, preferably in higher education, Jewish communal organizations, or nonprofit development. 
• Demonstrated success managing fundraising campaigns, grant writing, and all aspects of donor engagement, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. 
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Passion for Jewish life, Israel, and the Jewish community. 
• Familiarity with Jewish traditions and the Jewish calendar. 
• Experience working with CRM systems and donor databases. 
• Knowledge of trends in philanthropy and the Jewish nonprofit sector. 

What You’ll Receive

• Annual salary: $90,000–$115,000 depending on experience 
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement contributions, life insurance, and long-term disability 
• Flexible spending plan and parental leave 
• Mileage reimbursement and cell phone stipend 
• Professional development opportunities, mentoring, and leadership growth 
• Opportunities to travel regionally and nationally through the Hillel network 

About Hillel at Davis and Sacramento

Hillel at Davis and Sacramento’s mission is to enrich the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. Everyday Hillel strives to do this through enhancing campus life, embodying Jewish values, engaging Jewish students, nurturing empowered leaders, and cultivating community. 

Hillel at Davis and Sacramento is the center of Jewish life for students across six campuses in the Sacramento region. Through Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, Israel engagement, leadership development, and social programs, Hillel creates welcoming spaces where Jewish students can explore identity, build community, and develop as leaders. 

Working closely with students, alumni, university partners, and the broader Jewish community, Hillel empowers students to build meaningful Jewish lives during college and beyond. 

Located in Northern California, Davis and nearby Sacramento offer the best of both worlds: a vibrant college-town atmosphere with bike-friendly streets and a strong sense of community, alongside a dynamic and growing capital city with a thriving food scene, cultural diversity, and easy access to the Bay Area, Napa Valley, and Lake Tahoe. 

Hillel at Davis and Sacramento is affiliated with Hillel International. Hillel International enriches the lives of Jewish students so they may enrich the Jewish people and the world, and envisions a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel.