Director, Donor Engagement
The Director, Donor Engagement will develop and execute a donor strategy that focuses on major, lead and planned gifts in support of Bethlehem University Foundation. Reporting to the Executive Director of the Foundation, you will be responsible for providing strategic philanthropic insight, developing, and executing tailored donor strategies. You will be responsible for strategic management of a portfolio of donors to support Bethlehem University’s programs and advance Bethlehem University Foundation’s revenue goals.
Who You Are
- Experienced Donor Partner. Proven success in building and leading non-profit major gift programs, including securing multi-year and annual five, six and seven-figure gifts. Demonstrated success identifying and cultivating new prospects, managing, partnering, and personally soliciting major gifts, as well as guiding volunteer leaders.
- Relationship Building & Management. Track record of building effective and proactive relationships with others, internally and externally and at all levels, incorporating relationship building and partnership as fundamental to success. Demonstrated ability to explain complex concepts in a way that everyone can understand.
- Collaborator. Demonstrated ability to communicate ideas clearly – both written and verbal – for internal and external audiences. Proven collaborator who approaches all work and interactions with empathy and inclusion. Proven ability to listen and respond to develop mutual understanding and trust. Experienced in fostering an environment where different opinions and approaches can be entertained, considered, and appreciated while working as a team to find a resolution.
- Adaptable but Focused. Demonstrates a commitment to outstanding internal and external service to colleagues, partners, donors, and all those with whom we interact. Proven focus on proactive and inclusive issue resolution and continuous improvement for all systems and processes. Demonstrated flexibility amid change, being able to successfully juggle multiple deliverables, and adapting to new situations with fresh ideas or innovative approaches.
- Data and Results Driven. Has succeeded in roles with clear and concrete goals. Demonstrated experience in proactively collecting and making data-based decisions to advance efforts.
- Mission and Culture Aligned: Demonstrates awareness and support for Bethlehem University’s mission to serve Palestinian young people in the Holy Land.
- Past experience with Middle East fundraising and/or higher education environments is highly preferred.
What You’ll Do
- Create and oversee a major gift fundraising strategy for Bethlehem University Foundation.
- Manage a portfolio (100-140 donors) and lead relationships with some of Bethlehem University Foundation’s most committed donors and prospects, including building strategies, developing approaches, and identifying new opportunities.
- Set new, ambitious, but attainable goals, to significantly increase the numbers and size of major gifts.
- In collaboration with Bethlehem University, identify mission-focused opportunities to increase meaningful involvement and partnership for current and prospective donors.
- Support the Executive Director in managing Board of Director fundraising relationships, opportunities, solicitations, and engagement.
- Contribute to building an evolving fundraising model at Bethlehem University Foundation. Serve as a thought leader for our team, bringing new ideas and ways to build, scale, and manage philanthropic relationships.
- Ensure current major donor processes/systems are aligned with our goals, and help build new processes/systems that meet our needs as our team.
- Develop compelling proposals tracking impact against our goals in collaboration with internal stakeholders
- Other relevant tasks, duties, or special projects as assigned.
Preference is given for candidates located in the Washington, DC/Baltimore metropolitan area who can work in a hybrid work environment. Consideration will also be given for qualified individuals located in the DC-Boston corridor who can be present for predetermined in-person meetings. Domestic and international travel is estimated at 25%. Salary range: $105,000 – $120,000. Health, vision, dental benefits, + 403(b) contribution.
About Bethlehem University/Bethlehem University Foundation
Bethlehem University Foundation is the U.S. registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization entrusted with a focus to assist Bethlehem University in the Holy Land in achieving its mission. Bethlehem University is a Catholic co-educational institution in the Lasallian tradition whose mission is to provide quality higher education to the people of Palestine and to serve them in its role as a center for the advancement, sharing and use of knowledge.
To Apply
Bethlehem University Foundation has partnered with Higher Talent to assist in this recruitment. Please contact President, Mindy Cohen to share your resume and cover letter via email at [email protected].