CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, JFCS

Organizational Overview

Jewish Family & Childrens Services of Northern New Jersey (JFCS) is a nonprofit, health and human services agency committed to improving the lives of individuals and families across our region. Rooted in Jewish values and tradition, we offer compassionate, professional support to all who turn to usregardless of background, faith, identity, or circumstance. OUR MISSION is to strengthen and enhance the well-being of the community by providing high-quality services that meet lifes many challenges.

Guided by a newly adopted strategic plan, we are focused on expanding our reach, deepening our community partnerships, and enhancing our long-term sustainability. At JFCS, you will join a passionate, mission-driven team that focuses on professional excellence while espousing belief in the power of dignity, empathy, and respect.

This is an exciting time to join JFCS, as we are poised for transformative growth.

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will play a central role by strengthening our development infrastructure, leading a dedicated team, and expanding our philanthropic reach.

Position Summary

JFCS is seeking a strategic and mission-driven Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead and continue to expand our fundraising and community engagement efforts. CDO will report to the CEO and work collaboratively with the senior leadership team and Board of Directors. Managing the development team, the CDO will oversee all aspects of fundraising, marketing, and communications. Accountable for results, the ideal candidate is an inspiring senior organizational leader and innovative fundraiser, with a strong track record in major gifts, donor engagement, and team management. The CDO will foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization and serve as a key partner in driving organizational growth through strong external and stakeholder relationships and donor stewardship.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy and Execution

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, annual campaigns, grants, corporate and foundation support, events.
• Drive the ongoing growth of the JFCSs Endowment Fund. With significant growth of the endowment indicated as a priority in our current strategic plan, the CDO will focus on cultivating legacy gifts as a central strategy for building long-term financial sustainability.
• Secure/steward $1.8MM+/yr through individual giving, family foundations, corporations, events.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward high-net-worth individuals and institutional funders.
• Oversee signature events (Ride to Fight Hunger; Celebration), increasing visibility and revenue.
• Strategically lead development team; partner with CEO to expand this already successful team.

Board and Community Engagement

• Partner with CEO to inspire and support the Board of Directors and Development Committee in major donor solicitations and broader fundraising efforts.
• Expand community awareness and engagement through strategic outreach to key constituencies, including donors, synagogues, businesses, clergy, and civic leaders.

Marketing and Communications

• With the Marketing Director as a direct report, the CDO will oversee and align marketing, branding, and promotional strategy at a leadership level, ensuring consistency and effectiveness across all donor and public-facing communications.
• Ensure consistent and compelling messaging across all donors and public-facing communications.
• Team Leadership and Operations
• Manage/mentor multidisciplinary Development team in fundraising, marketing, grants, events, and volunteer coordination. Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture aligned with JFCS values.
• Build systems and processes to improve donor management and cross-departmental collaboration.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree required.
• 7+ yrs progressive nonprofit Development exp, including major gifts, institutional fundraising.
• Experience building and managing high-performing, successful teams.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to turn vision into actionable plans.
• Experience with CRM systems (DonorPerfect preferred).
• Knowledge of, and connection to, the Jewish community is a big plus.
• Passion for the mission of JFCS and a deep commitment to social impact.