About the position American Friends of Tel Aviv University (AFTAU) works in the US to raise awareness and funds to support Tel Aviv University, and advance its three-part mission of education, research and community building. AFTAU shares the innovative work the University contributes to the world and builds bridges between the US and Israel. AFTAU raises an average of \$24-45 million per year, with an operating budget of ~6M. As a national non-profit, AFTAU is headquartered in New York City with offices currently in Florida, Los Angeles and Northern California - and more expansion planned. Tel Aviv University (TAU) is a globally top-ranked university, a leading research institution, and a center of discovery. As Israel’s largest public institution of higher learning, TAU is home to 30,000 students, including 2100 international students from over 100 countries. Among its many rankings and accolades, TAU has been named a Reuters “Top 100 Innovation University” and a Top 100 “Most International Universities in the World”. The University encompasses 9 faculties, 35 schools, 400 labs, 18 performing arts centers, and 17 affiliated hospitals in its network. AFTAU seeks a dynamic, results-oriented foundation and relationship specialist to lead and scale a comprehensive fundraising campaign plan targeting local and national foundations, corporations, family offices and family foundations in alignment with TAU’s broad range of programs and initiatives. The successful candidate will be a sophisticated and innovative fundraiser and team player, with deep knowledge of institutional and family foundation best practices and will be excited to lead, build and drive a multi-faceted and progressive national foundation fundraising program. The AFTAU portfolio currently exceeds 10M.

Responsibilities

• Works with the CEO and development team leaders to create a foundation strategic plan that establishes annual and multiyear measurable goals from foundations and other relevant institutions.
• Operationalizes the overall strategy by creating detailed goals, tactics and measurable benchmarks.
• Carries a portfolio of at least 50 foundations.
• Work closely with leadership to identify, research, qualify, set strategies for, and solicit new foundation prospects; stewards existing foundation donors to increase financial support; ensures prioritization of key stakeholder relationships and opportunities.
• Serves as national expert and consultant for a team of the full development team.
• Collaborates with the development team leaders and regional fundraisers to strategize and write reports and proposals for local foundations;
• Builds compelling partnerships around key priorities to gain brand visibility and awareness
• Manage annual recurring proposals and grant reports, develops letters of intent and white papers, ensures donor intent agreements are documented and donor contacts are input into the CRM in a timely manner;
• Develops and oversees an effective system for tracking LOI’s, grant renewals and reports;
• Contributes to fundraising events and activities as required/ needed and performs other relevant duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred;
• A minimum of 7-10 years of proven fundraising success, with a recent focus on foundations and institutional giving;
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills and the ability to motivate and inspire new prospects and existing donors, proven ability to write LOI’s, grant reports and proposals;
• Self-motivated, organized, and detail-oriented, with the capacity to independently set goals, manage priorities, and use time and resources effectively;
• Strong organization and project management skills, ability to manage many tasks simultaneously;
• Fluent in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Raiser’s Edge; NXT, Foundation Directory, RelSci;
• Proven ability to leverage donor management and research systems to maximize fundraising results;
• Knowledgeable of the Jewish philanthropic community;
• A passion for and familiarity with Israel, higher education and commitment to promoting the mission of Tel Aviv University;
• Flexible: able to work evenings, weekends and travel as necessary;
• Applicants must be based in the NYC metro area.