Director of Development

Amos and Celia Heilicher Jewish Day School

Development Director

Position Description

Job Summary

Amos and Celia Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School is the Twin Cities' K-8

independent school of choice for families who want academic excellence in a nurturing

Jewish environment.

Amos and Celia Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School (Heilicher), is seeking a

Director of Development. The Director of Development is responsible for planning,

organizing, and implementing all of Heilicher’s fundraising, including the major gifts

program, annual fund, planned giving, alumni relations, and other campaigns as

necessary. The Director works closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees in

all development and fundraising endeavors. This year-round, full-time position reports to

the Head of School and supervises the Development Coordinator and Marketing

Associate.

Heilicher has a robust fundraising program with a strong donor base of parents and

community members. The new Director of Development will build on this success and

have the opportunity to develop new strategies for the future.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and CV to hr@hmjds.org.

Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree

● 5 or more years of experience in professional fundraising, ideally in an

independent school or other nonprofit

● Demonstrated initiative, discipline, and ability to perform under pressure and

meet deadlines

● Enthusiasm for the school’s mission and ability to share that excitement with

others.

● Excellent written and verbal communication

● Desire to build and manage a highly motivated volunteer team that can help meet

the financial vision of the school

● Budget management

● Proficiency in computer skills and using Microsoft Office programs

● Proficiency in database management (experience with Bloomerang or similar

software preferred)

● Familiarity with the Minneapolis Jewish community is preferred but not required

Responsibilities

● Cultivate a culture of giving and gratitude across all constituencies.

● Establish and execute forward-thinking development/advancement and strategic

programs that optimally grow the annual, major gifts, and capital campaigns;

legacy gifts; and planned giving.

● Oversee all aspects of the development program, including leading the annual

giving program, guiding the endowment capital campaign, soliciting corporate

and foundation grants, planning and managing special development events,

donor stewardship, and reporting.

● Enhance existing relationships while building new relationships, systems, and

programs that further tap into the generosity and resources of the community.

● Nurture and maintain a highly collaborative relationship with the head of school,

leadership team, and individual board members, supporting them in all their

fundraising responsibilities and accompanying them on donor visits when

appropriate.

● Work occasional evenings and weekends, as needed.

● Lead and execute fundraising and all related events, activities, and reporting, as

well as oversee the Advancement Leadership Committee.

● Serve in leadership as a member of the school’s administrative team.

● Assist with public relations initiatives and the production of fundraising-related

communication materials to expand and enhance the school’s visibility and

reputation.

● Assist with Alumni Relations and strengthen relationships with the school’s

alumni and alumni parents and further develop alumni programming.

● Maintain a database of all contributors and provide development reports as required.