Chief Development Officer

Purple Unicorn, on behalf of the Mandel JCC, is hiring a Chief Development Officer (CDO), a dynamic results-driven fundraising professional with a passion for building community and increasing philanthropy. This innovative, high-energy leader applies a relationship-focused strategy to foster connections with new donors and nurture existing relationships. In partnership with colleagues and volunteers, the CDO creates personalized solicitation strategies, stewardship plans and ambassador assignments for top-tier donors. The integral role also works closely with programming staff to secure corporate sponsorships designated for key agency activities.

The CDO will also lead the effort to measure the impact of the agency and its programs. This includes developing data collection systems, training staff on best practices, analyzing and reporting on data, and translating results into marketing materials to further development efforts.

How You'll Contribute

Strategic Planning & Leadership

• Collaborates with Mandel JCC professional and lay leadership to establish and implement fundraising goals and development plans, fostering a unified, relationship driven approach to achieving organizational objectives.
• Provides dedicated support to leaders and ambassadors managing $1,000+ donor relationships, including coordinating solicitation assignments, stewardship plans, and status updates on donor activity and relevant initiatives.
• Meets regularly with C-level leaders to strategize and implement stewardship plans for major donors in their portfolios, ensuring a personalized and effective engagement strategy.
• Develops and implements comprehensive role descriptions, meeting agendas, donor assignments, development reports and fundraising activities for Development Committee chairs and members. This includes creating a structured framework for fundraising activities.
• Engages in strategic long-term planning for capital and endowment development aimed at growth and stability of the Mandel JCC. Collaborates with Mandel JCC CEO to formulate a comprehensive fundraising strategy including donor recognition programs, major donor cultivation, grants, and community outreach. Coordinates with the JCC marketing team to create impactful campaign communication strategies.
  
  

Fundraising & Revenue Generation

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts (6- to 7-figure scale).
• Oversee annual giving programs, campaigns, and special events.
• Develop and manage capital campaigns, endowment/planned giving, grants, and corporate/foundation partnerships.
• Identify new sources of revenue—foundations, grants, corporate sponsorships, planned giving vehicles.
• Fosters a culture of philanthropy across both sites.
  
  

Donor Relationship Management & Stewardship

• Build and maintain relationships with existing and prospective donors.
• Ensure prompt recognition, reporting, and follow-up.
• Work with board members, lay leaders, and volunteers to engage them in fundraising, solicitations, and stewardship.
• Oversee donor data, CRM systems, tracking, and reporting on fundraising performance and donor metrics.
  
  

Budget & Operations

• Develop, monitor, and manage the development department budget.
• Oversee cost-effective use of resources (events, donor cultivation, communications).
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards, fundraising regulations, financial reporting, and audit requirements.
  
  

Communications & External Relations

• Collaborate with marketing/communications to produce compelling cases for support, annual reports, digital campaigns, and donor materials.
• Serve as spokesperson at fundraising events, public forums, and in the community.
• Build partnerships with local business, community organizations, and other Jewish institutions.
  
  

What You'll Bring

• Experience: 7+ years in fundraising / development, with significant experience in major gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, and grant writing; ideally experience working in Jewish communal nonprofits or community centers.
• Strong knowledge of basic office computing, including MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), Zoom and basic database skills required.
• In-depth proficiency using management-level functions of donor databases and CRM systems.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage multi-site or multi-unit development functions.
• Proven Track Record: History of meeting and exceeding fundraising goals, securing large gifts, running successful campaigns.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication; strong relationship-building skills with donors, board members, staff, and volunteers.
• Demonstrated capacity to work both independently and collaboratively with senior leaders, volunteers, and team members.
• Focused on building and maintaining strong meaningful relationships with donors, leaders, and stakeholders.
• Strategic Thinking & Innovation: Ability to develop strategy and pivot when needed; use data to inform decisions.
• Operational Acumen: Ability to manage budgets and operations.
• Proactive and adaptable self-starter with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Acute attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficient in analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking, and planning skills.
• Strong project planning and management skills.
• Capable of interpreting reports, identifying trends, and setting realistic goals and projections
• Develops and utilizes systems to organize information and track deliverables effectively.
• Demonstrates sound judgment in priority setting and time management.
• Cultural & Community Fit: Understanding of Jewish values, calendar, traditions, community dynamics; sensitivity to and engagement with diverse constituencies.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; preference for master’s degree or greater
  

Work Environment And Culture

The desired leader is expected to divide their time and operate from three distinct locations: Mandel JCC-Palm Beach Gardens, Mandel JCC-Boynton Beach, and the Jewish Federation, West Palm Beach office.

• Full-time senior position, with some evenings, weekends for events, donor meetings etc.
• Travel within South Florida (and occasional travel elsewhere as needed).
• High level of professionalism, ethics, confidentiality.
  
  

SUCCESS METRICS / KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Total funds raised annually, by category (major gifts, campaigns, events, grants)
• Growth of major donor portfolio (number of donors, gift size)
• Donor retention and donor satisfaction metrics
• Fundraising overhead vs. revenue (efficiency)
• Number of new funding sources established
• Progress towards capital campaign targets (if applicable)
• Board & volunteer engagement in development activities
  
  

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN A JCC?

Jewish Community Centers are multi-service community agencies that provide a wide array of programs, courses, and activities for people of all ages. In addition to stimulating and rewarding work, you'll enjoy a friendly family-like atmosphere that values your mental and physical well-being. JCC employees can use the on-site fitness facilities and take part in all of the programs available. Competitive salaries and

generous holiday, vacation, and healthcare plans underscore your importance to the JCC. In a recent survey of JCC employee satisfaction, more than 90 percent of professionals reported enjoying their jobs!

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN OUR JCC?

Culture

The Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches is committed to a passionate, member and community-centric culture where team members are encouraged to contribute and collaborate leading to a highly engaged JCC family.

Opportunities for growth

Internal mobility is highly encouraged and fully supported.

Benefits

• Health Benefits
• Life, ADD, Short Term Disability
• PTO: Vacation, Sick and Personal Days
• Staff Discount on our Programs
  
  

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches does not discriminate against employees or clients on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status or any other characteristic protected by Federal and State law. A non-discrimination clause concerning employment opportunity is incorporated in the Personnel Manual. The Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.