Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) is North America’s premier institution of Jewish higher education and the center for professional leadership development within Reform Judaism.
As a multi-campus academic and spiritual community, HUC builds vibrant, progressive Judaism in North America, Israel, and around the globe by:
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Engaging the most pressing questions of Jewish life, history, and thought with an open, inclusive, and pluralistic approach
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Educating visionary clergy and professionals who inspire future generations
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Advancing the academic study of Judaism and Jewish culture at the highest levels of scholarship
The Director of Advancement and Engagement (DAE) is a frontline fundraising leader responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of approximately 150–200 high-capacity donors and prospects.
This role designs and executes strategic cultivation and solicitation efforts that generate five- and six-figure gifts in support of HUC’s mission—including annual giving, endowment, special initiatives, and planned giving.
The DAE operates with a high degree of autonomy while partnering closely with senior leadership, faculty, and volunteer leaders. This individual brings both strategic discipline and emotional intelligence, with the ability to translate HUC’s mission into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Fundraising & Portfolio Management-
Develop and implement individualized strategies for donor cultivation and solicitation
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Conduct 125–150 meaningful donor engagements annually (in-person and virtual)
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Identify and qualify new prospects to expand the major gifts pipeline
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Maintain accurate and strategic records within the donor CRM system
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Personally solicit and close major gifts at the $10,000+ level, including six-figure commitments
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Develop compelling proposals aligned with institutional priorities such as scholarships, faculty support, and innovation initiatives
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Engage senior leadership—including the President, Deans, and Board—in key fundraising efforts
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Design high-impact donor experiences (campus visits, academic briefings, student engagement)
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Ensure exceptional stewardship that demonstrates impact and builds long-term loyalty
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Identify opportunities to elevate donors into leadership and volunteer roles
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Partner across Advancement functions (Annual Giving, Planned Giving, Alumni Relations, Prospect Research)
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Contribute to campaign strategy and long-term philanthropic planning
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Serve as an ambassador for HUC within Jewish and philanthropic communities
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Bachelor’s degree required
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Advanced degree preferred or equivalent experience
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Minimum 7+ years of progressive fundraising experience
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Proven success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts
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Experience in higher education, Jewish communal organizations, or mission-driven nonprofits strongly preferred
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Expertise in major gift strategy and donor lifecycle management
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Strong executive presence with the ability to engage senior stakeholders and high-net-worth individuals
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Exceptional communication skills—written and verbal
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High emotional intelligence, discretion, and sound judgment
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Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative environment
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Familiarity with the Jewish community, particularly Reform Judaism, strongly preferred
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
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Experience with donor CRM systems and fundraising analytics tools
HUC recognizes employees as essential to its success and offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:
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Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
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Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
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Retirement Savings Plan (403b)
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Generous paid time off, including national and Jewish holidays
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Paid parental leave
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Tuition remission benefits
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Employee Assistance Program
HUC employees are expected to model:
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Honesty and Integrity
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Kindness and Decency
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Openness and Transparency
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Responsible Empowerment
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Trust and Security
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Diversity and Inclusion
This position operates in a dynamic, multi-campus environment. Responsibilities may evolve based on institutional needs. Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with applicable laws.
Equal Opportunity StatementHebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and comply with all applicable ADA regulations.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- Advanced degree or equivalent experience
- Minimum 7+ years of progressive fundraising experience
- Proven success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts
- Experience in higher education, Jewish communal organizations, or mission-driven nonprofits
- Expertise in major gift strategy and donor lifecycle management
- Strong executive presence and ability to engage senior stakeholders and high-net-worth individuals
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- High emotional intelligence, discretion, and sound judgment
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
- Experience with donor CRM systems and fundraising analytics tools
- Familiarity with the Jewish community, particularly Reform Judaism
What We Do
Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) is an institution of higher Jewish education and the academic, spiritual, and professional leadership development center of Reform Judaism. As the seminary for the Reform Movement, it prepares leaders for the largest Jewish denomination in North America, as well as Reform communities in Israel and the global Jewish people.
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