Director of Advancement & Engagement

Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) is North America’s premier institution of Jewish higher education and the center for professional leadership development within Reform Judaism.

As a multi-campus academic and spiritual community, HUC builds vibrant, progressive Judaism in North America, Israel, and around the globe by:

• Engaging the most pressing questions of Jewish life, history, and thought with an open, inclusive, and pluralistic approach

• Educating visionary clergy and professionals who inspire future generations

• Advancing the academic study of Judaism and Jewish culture at the highest levels of scholarship

The Director of Advancement and Engagement (DAE) is a frontline fundraising leader responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of approximately 150–200 high-capacity donors and prospects.

This role designs and executes strategic cultivation and solicitation efforts that generate five- and six-figure gifts in support of HUC’s mission—including annual giving, endowment, special initiatives, and planned giving.

The DAE operates with a high degree of autonomy while partnering closely with senior leadership, faculty, and volunteer leaders. This individual brings both strategic discipline and emotional intelligence, with the ability to translate HUC’s mission into compelling philanthropic opportunities.

• Develop and implement individualized strategies for donor cultivation and solicitation

• Conduct 125–150 meaningful donor engagements annually (in-person and virtual)

• Identify and qualify new prospects to expand the major gifts pipeline

• Maintain accurate and strategic records within the donor CRM system

• Personally solicit and close major gifts at the $10,000+ level, including six-figure commitments

• Develop compelling proposals aligned with institutional priorities such as scholarships, faculty support, and innovation initiatives

• Engage senior leadership—including the President, Deans, and Board—in key fundraising efforts

• Design high-impact donor experiences (campus visits, academic briefings, student engagement)

• Ensure exceptional stewardship that demonstrates impact and builds long-term loyalty

• Identify opportunities to elevate donors into leadership and volunteer roles

• Partner across Advancement functions (Annual Giving, Planned Giving, Alumni Relations, Prospect Research)

• Contribute to campaign strategy and long-term philanthropic planning

• Serve as an ambassador for HUC within Jewish and philanthropic communities