Assistant Director of Development, Events & Cultivation

Our Vision:

Central Synagogue is one of the leading and largest Reform congregations in the country. Located in Midtown Manhattan, Central’s reach includes more than 2,800 member families, a livestream community numbering in the hundreds of thousands, and more than 800 students, from birth to twelfth grade, in the Nursery and Religious schools.  It has long played a significant role in the national Reform movement and is known for its innovation and leadership in worship, leading to a greatly expanded audience over the last two decades.

Central Synagogue works toward a world in which Judaism is core to the lives of Central members and Jews everywhere and is a profound and positive force for humanity. Central continually redefines what it means to be Jewish today, both within the Synagogue community and far beyond the Synagogue’s walls. The diverse clergy and professional team work hard, in collaboration with lay leadership, to build deep and enduring relationships among Central members, creating a caring, dynamic, and joyful community.  

Central Synagogue is an inclusive and welcoming community. The Synagogue encourages participation from all who seek a connection to Jewish life and want to be part of its sacred community regardless of religious background, race, ethnicity, gender, ability, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Central is committed to being an open tent, a place that welcomes all people, including those who have been historically and institutionally marginalized or excluded from the Jewish community.   

 The Synagogue is well resourced, has over 100 staff, and is governed by a 29-member Board of Trustees.  To learn more, please visit: https://www.centralsynagogue.org/.  

Job Summary/Objective:

The Assistant Director of Development, Events & Cultivation’s primary areas of responsibility include a focus on events, trips, and mid-level giving and will play a crucial role in Central Synagogue’s fundraising efforts by working with the Chief Development Officer and others to steward Central’s contributors. This role’s primary task (70%) is the planning, coordination, and execution of the synagogue’s frequent fundraising events and trips. In addition, the Asst Director will develop relationships with and solicit Central’s mid-level donors contributing $2,500 to $9,999 annually (30%).

This individual must be comfortable in a fast-paced environment, able to work independently, and capable of working with a high level of attention to detail.  They will regularly interface with senior staff, the board, committee members, and members of our congregation, particularly our donors.  Outlined below is a more detailed list of key responsibilities.  Given the nature of synagogue life, a great deal of flexibility and a ‘can-do’ attitude are essential qualities as we work to address the needs of our large community. The person in this role must always approach their work with the understanding that donor engagement is a top priority in order to be successful. 

Reports to:  Chief Development Officer

Department Hours:

• Full-time, Exempt and not eligible for overtime.
• Required to work the Jewish High Holy Days (Erev Rosh Hashanah, Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidrei, and Yom Kippur) and other special events/programs from time to time.
• Given the nature of this work, availability after hours, on weekends, and on holidays is sometimes required.

Key Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Successfully produces events and trips of the highest quality that support donor stewardship and engagement.
• Collaborates with the Chief Development Officer, other Development colleagues, other departments, and lay leadership to help develop events and trips.
• Builds and maintains an internal calendar of Development events and trips.
• Collaborating with colleagues, produces event and trip budgets, timelines, invitations, invitation lists, mailings, and production schedules.
• Meets all deadlines to ensure the smooth execution of events and trips.
• Serves as the primary point person for every element of event and trip production, including location selection, contracting, food, programming, décor, entertainment, A/V, and post-event and trip follow-up.
• Acts as the main internal point of contact for outside event or trip planning companies and other outside vendors.
• Communicates with the rest of the Development team on strategies for further engagement of event and trip attendees.
• Effectively engages (via email, phone, and in-person) mid-level donors (those contributing $2,500 to $9,999 annually), solicits their continued support, and successfully encourages them to contribute at a higher level.

Core Competencies:

• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills
• Self-starter, that takes initiative and brings together every component of a project, including resources or planning, that are needed to complete in a timely manner
• Results driven that achieves goals while providing excellent customer service
• Consensus-building skills for working with other departments and lay leaders
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively to various audiences
• A high level of computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, familiarity with CRMs (experience with Salesforce a plus), and knowledge of Zoom and Microsoft Teams
• Flexibility, adaptability to changing priorities, and the ability to use independent judgment under pressure
• Demonstrated time management and organizational skills, including the ability to multi-task

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Master’s degree preferred
• 7+ years of fundraising event or trip production experience
• Experience personally engaging and soliciting donors
  

Other Duties:
Please note that the above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

The expected salary range for this position is $90,000 to $115,000.  Central Synagogue offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.  The salary is commensurate with experience based on several factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience.  The above salary range represents the Synagogue’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation range at the time of posting.

Additional Information: 
Central Synagogue requires all staff members (full-time AND part-time) to (a) provide proof of vaccination and booster against COVID-19 or (b) obtain an approved exemption as an accommodation.  If you are offered employment this requirement must be met by your hire date unless a reasonable accommodation for exemption is received and approved. 

Hybrid Schedule:  One day remote on either Monday or Friday and four days in the office. 

Application Process:

• To apply, please submit a resume, along with a cover letter including how your experience relates to this position opening and three references, to jobs@censyn.org.
• Please reference “Assistant Director of Development, Events & Cultivation” in the subject line of your email. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.