Director of Development and Strategic Growth

About the Organization

The Elie Wiesel Foundation (EWF) is undergoing a pivotal transformation, blending Elie Wiesel’s enduring legacy with a new generation’s innovation mindset. Since being founded in 1986 by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Elie Wiesel and his wife, Marion, EWF has promoted ethical dialogue through global conferences, supported Ethiopian immigrants through the Beit Tzipora centers in Israel, and inspired young thinkers with the annual Prize in Ethics essay contest. Now, under the leadership of their son, Elisha Wiesel, EWF has ambitious plans to celebrate Elie Wiesel’s many roles—human rights activist, teacher, Zionist, and journalist—while tackling contemporary issues. Achieving these goals requires dynamic leadership, and EWF is actively seeking a Director of Development and Strategic Growth to ensure Elie Wiesel’s ethical vision continues to inspire future generations.

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Chairman of the Board, the Director of Development and Strategic Growth is a critical member of the senior leadership team, responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies to grow us to $5mm+ in annual receipts. The ideal candidate will have experience nurturing current donor relationships and forging new transformative partnerships with corporations, individuals, and other foundations.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Develop and execute EWF’s multi-year fundraising plan that includes individual giving, corporate sponsorships, online grant applications, foundation grants, and special events
• Research the landscape analysis of our target impact areas, and who funds them
• Work closely with program and communications staff to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities

Donor Relationships & Stewardship

• Build and maintain strong, lasting relationships with donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations
• Develop an international presence for EWF

Campaign & Event Management

• Plan and execute capital campaigns, annual appeals, and special fundraising initiatives

Data & Financial Oversight

• Oversee donor database management to ensure accurate record-keeping and reporting
• Track, analyze and report on fundraising metrics to inform strategy and measure success
• Develop and manage the annual development budget

Qualifications

• Passion for Mission: commitment to the vision and goals of the EWF
• Experience: Established track record (5-7y) in development with proven leadership in campaign creation and execution, and securing of major (six and seven-figure) gifts
• Leadership: Strong interpersonal, time management, and communication (both speaking and writing) skills to inspire and motivate donors, board members and staff
• Strategic Vision: Ability to think creatively and strategically, with an entrepreneurial mindset
• Technical Skills: Highly competent with modern CRM systems and other relevant workplace tools to support fundraising best practices

Compensation

Position is mostly remote, with concentrated periods of in-office work and donor visits. Salary range $175k-250k commensurate with experience. 401k, health, dental, and vision insurance provided by EWF. Must be based in the New York City area.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

EWF encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds to apply.