Development Manager

Since its founding in 1825, B’nai Jeshurun (BJ) has been at the forefront of the American Jewish experience. Entering its third century, BJ’s vision is centered on the spiritual work of transformation and the creation of a Jewish path that is authentic, profound, and supports all members in seeking and living their purpose to the fullest.

BJ’s spiritual leaders and more than 1,900 member families are dedicated to fostering a diverse, dynamic, and inclusive community that offers multiple avenues for Jewish religious life while providing mutual support in spiritual growth. The congregation is committed to honoring tradition while continuously re-imagining and innovating practices and programs to create a vibrant, contemporary, and relevant Jewish experience. The expansion of remote programming during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly expanded BJ’s reach, bringing in thousands of additional individuals and families from across the country and beyond who now regularly participate in prayer and learning. 

In 2025, as BJ celebrates a historic bicentennial, the organization will be honoring its legacy, lifting up the stories of those who have shaped the present, and securing the future of this community, ensuring that the next 200 years are as transformative as the first.

BJ is led by Rabbi Rolando Matalon and Rabbi Felicia Sol, overseeing all programs, and Executive Director Steven Melzer, who is responsible for advancement, communications, finance and administration, and operations. The organization has an annual operating budget of $12m (with approximately 80% from contributed revenue) and staff of approximately 50 full-time and 10 part-time employees.

Position Overview

The Development Manager is a highly organized, detail-oriented, and discreet professional who reports to the Director of Advancement and provides essential support for development and membership activities. This fast-paced role manages data and communications related to donor cultivation and fundraising campaigns, especially the annual Kol Nidre Partnership Appeal. The ideal candidate excels in database management, donor communications, and administrative coordination, and thrives in collaboration with clergy, lay leaders, and cross-departmental teams.

Key Responsibilities

Campaign and Solicitor Support

• Assist in managing the annual Kol Nidre Partnership Appeal, including tracking solicitor confirmations, supporting solicitor training logistics, and preparing individualized prospect lists.
• Collaborate with team members to keep prospect sheets up to date, including membership status and pledge information, updating as gifts come in.
• Support outreach efforts by preparing and sending mail merges and reminders for outstanding pledges and donations.
• Assist with communications strategy by drafting, proofreading, and distributing emails and print materials related to fundraising appeals.
  

Database Management and Reporting

• Maintain and update donor and membership data in Salesforce and other databases, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Pull reports for gift processing, campaign progress, and donor acknowledgment tracking.
• Assist with gift entry, coding in check logs, and reconciliation of pledge payments.
• Support preparation and distribution of tax acknowledgment letters, annual donor statements, and other stewardship materials.
  

Administrative and Communications Support

• Prepare correspondence, acknowledgments, and thank-you notes for donors, coordinating timing with campaign and fiscal calendars.
• Manage scheduling and communication logistics for meetings involving clergy, lay leaders, and solicitors.
• Assist with fundraising event planning, including maintaining guest lists, assembling materials, and supporting volunteer committees.
• Provide general administrative support to the Advancement team, including calendar management, expense processing, and document preparation.
• Provide support for fundraising events.
  

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work closely with the Director of Advancement, Membership Services Manager, Communications team, and Finance department to ensure coordinated messaging and accurate data flow.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience.
• 3-5 years of administrative or development experience, preferably in a nonprofit fundraising or membership environment.
• Strong proficiency with Salesforce or similar CRM systems; familiarity with donor databases and reporting tools required.
• High level of comfort with Microsoft Office and G Suite applications; experience with data analysis and mail merges.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a professional demeanor.
• Discretion and the ability to handle sensitive donor and membership information confidentially.
• Service-oriented mindset with the ability to engage warmly with donors and community members over the phone and via email.
• Ability to work flexible hours during peak campaign seasons, including evenings and weekends if necessary.
• Knowledge of Jewish culture and community is a plus but not required.
  

Work Environment

The BJ campus includes the Sanctuary building on 257 West 88th Street and the Community House on 270 West 89th Street, which are connected at the ground level. 

Staff schedules are hybrid, with 3-4 in-office days per week. This position will occasionally require evening or weekend work during select periods of the year, depending on team needs and organizational priorities.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time exempt position with a salary of $72,000. BJ offers highly subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance policies, as well as vacation and sick days, over 20 paid (National and Jewish) holidays, a 403b retirement plan and many other benefits.

To Apply

Please complete the job application and attach a brief cover letter and resume.

In your cover letter, highlight your experience with CRM systems, data accuracy and reporting, and coordinating personalized donor communications. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

B’nai Jeshurun is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in recognition of its values, commitment to social justice, and responsibility to its spiritual leaders and staff, congregants, and the communities within which it lives and works. It strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQIA+ applicants.