Ben-Gurion University (BGU) of the Negev, with campuses in Beer-Sheva, Sede Boqer and Eilat, is internationally recognized for its unique pioneering spirit that combines outstanding academics and research with a commitment to the local community and development of the region. BGU has become a world leader in interdisciplinary research in groundbreaking fields that range from desert studies to nanotechnology and biotechnology, from Hebrew literature to international medicine.
Established in 1969, today BGU is a major center of education and research in Israel and has become a central force in the development of the Negev. The University has played a leading role in raising the level of education for the entire region, improving its social and economic conditions and spurring agricultural and industrial growth. BGU participates in community life, supporting the region’s large immigrant population and improving medical care in the Negev. The University continues to grow, with plans for a new campus over the next decade that will double the University’s footprint in Beer-Sheva. For more information, visit http://www.aabgu.org/about-bgu/
American Associates, Ben-Gurion University (AABGU)
Founded in 1972, American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) is a nonprofit corporation with headquarters in New York City and nine regional offices throughout the United States. AABGU plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion’s vision, creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert. AABGU fulfills its mission by raising funds and awareness for the University across the United States, showcasing BGU’s academic excellence and cutting-edge research from the desert for the world.
AABGU contributes nearly 75% of all the private funds BGU receives, filling the gaps in funding not met by the Israeli government, tuition, grants, and other income. Two thirds of the University’s $400M endowment comes from AABGU. In 2016, AABGU received the largest single charitable gift in Israel’s history—$400 million.
The Northeast Region is one of nine AABGU regions and is responsible for raising approximately $14.5M annually towards the $42M National fundraising goal for fiscal year 2016. Headquartered in New York City, the region covers all of New York, central and northern New Jersey, Connecticut, and New England. The Northeast team works very collaboratively and fosters a very friendly and professional work environment.To learn more about AABGU, please visit http://www.aabgu.org
THE POSITION
Reporting to the Executive Director of the Northeast Region and working collaboratively with the Northeast team, the Assistant Director will be responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of major-gift prospects capable of making gifts to AABGU in five and six figure range. S/he will motivate and engage both lay and professional leadership and assist in the development and implementation of an effective major gifts program.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Donor Cultivation and Relations
·Develop and manage a portfolio of potential major gift donors at the five and six figure level. ·Identify, research, steward and solicit potential new and existing major gift donors. ·Maintain ongoing contact with donors and prospects through events, visits, written communications and face-to-face meetings. ·Assist in organizing cultivation and fundraising events, identify regional event honorees, and track progress made toward fundraising goals. ·Cultivate the “next generation” of donors who have major gift potential by providing them with further leadership development opportunities where appropriate (i.e. Zin Fellows). ·Recognize longtime donors and cultivate them towards planned gifts.
Event Planning and Implementation
·Assist in developing outstanding programs, projects, and activities that help bring new major donors to AABGU and move current contributors along a moves management strategy. ·Assist in organizing periodic events and programs. Create forums that provide optimum exposure for visiting BGU professors and VIPs. ·Support regional donor participation in events including dinners, forums, parlor meetings and general Regional events.
Communications and Public Relations
·Increase awareness of BGU research, programs and needs among donors and prospects as well as throughout the broader regional community. ·Use effective techniques to articulate clear and compelling cases for supporting BGU’s transformative mission. ·Serve as an enthusiastic and well-informed spokesperson for AABGU and the University. ·Promote national as well as regional programs, and promote BGU Israel experiences (missions) to the University (regional and national). ·Enhance community awareness of AABGU and the University through by utilizing memberships in professional organizations and participation in various local organizations.
Ongoing Professional Development
·Maintain professional knowledge by reading literature, attending educational and professional seminars and establishing personal networks. ·Continually learn about BGU, its offerings and activities, and share new developments with selected donors and prospects. ·Maintain a reliable knowledge of the community. The Assistant Director is expected to be conversant on issues related to Israel and must exhibit enthusiasm and passion for BGU’s mission and programs.
QUALIFICATIONS
·A proven track record of success in the cultivation, stewardship, and closing gifts from individual major donors and foundations at the five and six figure levels. ·At least 5-7 years of professional experience with a minimum of 3 years’ experience working with major gift donors.Experience in a university setting and/or associated organization preferred ·Experience working with high-net-worth prospects and donors, and closing five and six figure gifts. ·Familiarity with the region’s Jewish and non-Jewish philanthropic community, and conversance with issues relevant to Israel and AABGU. Knowledge of the high net-worth community is highly desired. ·Demonstrated ability to motivate and engage both lay and professional leadership in the development and implementation of an effective major gifts program ·Intelligence, commitment, temperament and experience necessary to build and maintain long-term relationship with lay leaders and donors. ·Ability to engage various groups within the region’s Jewish community — geographically and denominationally. ·Experience in and knowledge of contemporary fundraising strategies, such as Moves Management, as related to endowment, major and planned gifts, foundation grants. ·A solid understanding of the technology necessary to support the operational, administrative and financial goals of the Region. ·Demonstrated knowledge of creative e-philanthropy and philanthropic social networking strategies and tools. ·Ability to work in a highly collegial manner within a complex, national and international organizational culture. Experience working with organizations in Israel preferred ·Interest and ability to advance professionally within a growing organization and to assume additional leadership responsibilities as necessary. ·Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. ·A good listener and proactive communicator with high integrity, good judgment, sensitivity and common sense. ·Entrepreneurial spirit with a high energy level, accustomed to and comfortable within a lean work environment. ·Self-starter with the confidence to express opinions, forge ahead when appropriate and hold back when necessary, as well as work well in a team-driven environment. ·A commitment to the AABGU mission ·Flexibility and willingness to travel as needed.
·Undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
COMPENSATION
An attractive and competitive package, commensurate with level of experience is available.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Jill Sarah Moscowitz, Recruiter
DRG – Executive Search Consultants
275 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016
TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and cover letter
Email: aabgu-ny@drgnyc.com
Website: www.drgnyc.com
This position description is based upon materials provided by American Associates, Ben-Gurion University.
American Associates, Ben-Gurion University is an equal opportunity employer.