Western Regional Director

Established in 1981 by visionary Holocaust survivors, the American Society for Yad Vashem (ASYV) promotes Yad Vashem’s mission of Holocaust education, research, documentation, and commemoration. We engage a broad community of caring individuals to learn about the Holocaust and keep its memory and lessons alive. With the support of our donors, ASYV strengthens the efforts of Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, which was established in 1953 by the Israeli parliament as the Jewish people’s memorial to the murdered six million Jews and to ensure that the voices of the survivors continue to resonate. Together we remember the past and shape the future.

THE POSITION

The Western Regional Director will be the senior professional and serve as the anchor for ASYV to further its footprint in the West.  A primary responsibility will be the continued growth and expansion in all aspects of development, (annual, capitol designated projects and legacy giving) as well as national and regional campaign planning.  In addition, the individual will be a key liaison for fostering education and awareness about the unique role that Yad Vashem brings to Holocaust education, remembrance, and commemoration. Working closely with the National Campaign Director, the individual will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, and building relationships with new and established donors in Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle as well as identifying new opportunities for engagement in other communities in the Western US (13 states). 

Supervised by the National Campaign Director and working with other ASYV development professionals, the Director will be a key contributor to national fundraising, branding strategy and results, as well as national and regional campaign planning.  Building on an existing base of meaningful giving, the Director will bring an entrepreneurial spirit and track-record of raising major gifts (6-7 figures) to the ASYV team. Equally important the Director will foster a strong sense of team and leadership and supervision for ASYV’s work in the West.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• In coordination with national office, develop, and implement (and course correct when necessary) a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the region focusing on major gifts, new major gift acquisition, and establishing ASYV’s presence in new communities.  
• Identify, build and cultivate a personal regional major donors’ portfolio for annual and legacy giving;
• Cultivate and maintain community relationships and community outreach; identify potential speakers for activities and/or events and build community presence;
• Identify potential major gifts donors from direct mail campaign results for cultivation and engagement;
• Analyze and present data for measuring results of local fundraising campaigns;
• Provide inspired leadership, supervision, mentoring and coaching to fundraising team;
• Supervise the creation and implementation of donor engagement opportunities, next generation giving and community building (e.g., fundraising events, education opportunities, engagements with Yad Vashem) for 2nd and 3rd generation Survivor families and; 
• Build an active lay leadership council to guide, partner and inspire ASYV’s work in the West.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of development experience (regional experience preferred);
• Proven track record of creating and executing effective fundraising strategies for diverse revenue streams, with success in soliciting and closing 6 and 7-figure gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations;
• Quantifiable success in building long-term, productive relationships with donors and philanthropic institutions;
• Experience partnering with lay leadership and launching fundraising initiatives in new territories and professional sectors.
• Entrepreneurial perspective and practice in donor identification and cultivation;
• Comfort and ability to engage key stakeholders, donors and partners in the US and Israel;
• Commitment to national team success while maintaining regional accountability and achieving regional goals;
• Ability to mentor, supervise and inspire professional staff;
• Comfort and ability to work closely with lay leadership and a collaborative spirit working with national team members;
• Willingness to travel both in the US and Israel and;
• Knowledge and interest in preserving Holocaust history.