Major Gift Officer, Capital Gifts & Special Initiatives

UJA-Federation of New York is one of the world’s leading philanthropic organizations, mobilizing communities to care for people in need, respond to crises close to home and far away, and shape our Jewish future.

Capital Gifts & Special Initiatives raises philanthropic investments that bring UJA-Federation’s most important priorities to life. The department partners with colleagues, lay leaders, and partner organizations to advance capital projects, strategic initiatives, programmatic endowments, and other designated giving opportunities in New York, Israel, and around the world. Through a highly individualized approach, the team connects donors’ interests and values to meaningful communal needs and creates opportunities for lasting impact. The department works across UJA to identify compelling opportunities, shape cases for support, and steward investments from initial concept through implementation.

Position Summary

This is a creative, relationship-driven fundraising and leadership role for a professional who wants to touch and feel the work of UJA. The Major Gift Officer will join a collaborative team and build meaningful relationships with donors, UJA partner organizations, and grantees. The successful candidate will translate donors’ philanthropic interests into thoughtful, high-impact investments; bring donors close to people and projects that their giving supports; and help to create distinctly personal experiences. The role also offers the opportunity to contribute to the department’s strategy, culture, and day-to-day effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary fundraiser for the Brooklyn Hub, advancing its annual $2 million fundraising goal by building internal awareness of the opportunity; identifying ways to feature the Hub in donor meetings, briefings, and events; and organize donor site visits, volunteer experiences, and other opportunities to experience the Hub.
• Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors and prospects, leading all aspects of cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, renewal, and tailored follow-up. Build trusted relationships with donors, families, advisors, volunteer leaders, and prospective supporters through meetings, calls, site visits, and events.
• Identify and qualify prospects whose philanthropic interests align with UJA’s capital projects, special initiatives, and broader strategic priorities.
• Partner with UJA colleagues, partner organizations, and Israeli partners to identify fundable opportunities; develop compelling cases for support; communicate project progress; and create meaningful donor connections and site visits.
• Advocate internally for priority projects requiring strategic philanthropic investment, while serving as a donor advocate to ensure that commitments, timelines, and stewardship expectations are met.
• Serve as the CGSI liaison to the Caring Department, ensuring effective information sharing between fundraising and planning/grant making teams and coordinating stewardship for donors serving as volunteer committee members.
• Serve as CGSI liaison to designated fundraising departments, partnering with annual campaign colleagues to identify, cultivate, and engage in capital gift prospects.
• Serve as a content expert and spokesperson in committee meetings, donor meetings, staff briefings, and other internal forums.
• Collaborate across UJA divisions and departments to develop high-quality donor experiences, including site visits and staff learning opportunities. 

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in major-gift fundraising, donor development, philanthropy, or a closely related relationship-management role; capital campaign experience is strongly preferred.
• Exceptional ability to build authentic, long-term relationships with high-capacity donors, lay leaders, partner organizations, and colleagues.
• Strong judgement, including the ability to identify donor interests, develop strategy, make a compelling case, and move opportunities toward solicitation.
• Creative, entrepreneurial approach to connecting donor passions with evolving community needs and philanthropic opportunities.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex programs and projects clearly and persuasively.
• Deeply collaborative approach.
• Strong project management skills.
• Sound judgement, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with Jewish communal life, Israel, and the non-profit service sector.
• Deep commitment to UJA’s mission and the power of philanthropy to strengthen communities and change lives.

Salary Information 

The salary range for this role is $100,000 to $128,000; commensurate with experience and qualifications listed above.  

Reporting Information 

This role reports to the Vice President for Capital Gifts & Special Initiatives