About PJ Library
PJ Library, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, was launched with a humble beginning in 2005, sending books to children in western MA about Jewish holidays, culture, and values. Today, PJ Library has exploded into an internationally recognized, $36M global cultural literacy venture that partners with philanthropists and Jewish communities around the world to provide families raising Jewish children with the gift of free, high-quality children's books and resources that foster deeper engagement with Jewish life.
Every month, PJ Library sends award-winning, age-appropriate Jewish-themed books to 680,000 children across the globe. With the support of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, national philanthropists, and local supporters, families receive PJ Library books and resources free of charge, and we are committed to keeping PJ Library free.
The Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF), founded in 1991 by real estate guru and businessman, Harold Grinspoon, is one of the most entrepreneurial and business-oriented non-profits in the nation. Based in the Springfield, MA area, and with over 130 employees, HGF is committed to enhancing global Jewish life. The Foundation offers the stability of a thirty-year established organization; the creative, exciting and fast-paced nature of a start-up; and the long-term growth opportunities of an endowed Foundation committed to its mission for decades to come.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy, the Advancement Officer (AO) for the Western US will lead all major gift fundraising activity and strategy in their assigned U.S. region. The AO will be expected to build and manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects to support PJ Library and its subscription and programmatic expansion. Major gift revenue is a priority area for PJ Library and will be the engine for its continued growth. This is a position which will require an entrepreneurial mindset to build a robust regional major gift program. As needed, the AO will liaise with western regions' implementing partner leadership on key donor and prospect opportunities and to address fundraising- related questions.
The AO will bring an accomplished track record of establishing and growing major giving programs and will contribute to PJ Library’s goal to increase the organization’s annual revenue and continue to bring books and engagement to Jewish families around the world.
Responsibilities:
- Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects that meet activity metrics and revenue goals.
- Build and manage an active portfolio of 120-150 donors and prospects utilizing senior PJ Library and HGF executives and trustees as natural partners in cultivating and soliciting gifts.
- Provide high touch stewardship for donors/prospects in the portfolio.
- Act as principal donor strategist for each prospect/donor in the portfolio, developing a written donor strategy and keeping the CRM updated.
- Identify and partner with volunteers to host local donor cultivation outreach events.
- Serve as a key member of the Advancement team influencing and driving strategy, relationships and best practices; represent Advancement with HGF colleagues to promote a culture of philanthropy and partnership to accomplish region financial goals.
- Represent HGF and articulate the vision for PJ Library’s mission to a variety of audiences, including volunteers, donors, community leaders and partners.
- Partner strategically with implementing partners to identify donors/prospects for joint solicitations.
- In consult with the regional Engagement Officer(s), provide high-level fundraising guidance to partner organizations when requested or in need; materials, training, statistics and language –for local partners to raise program funds.
- As requested, represent PJ Library at local implementing partner events
Requirements
- Remote position based in either Los Angeles or San Francisco Bay Area
- Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of relevant education, certification, training, and experience
- Minimum 5 years of frontline fundraising experience or comparable experience and a proven track record of cultivating, soliciting and closing five- and six-figure+ gifts from individuals
- A deep understanding of the region’s philanthropic market; experience in the Jewish sector preferred
- A relationship builder with a track record of building and maintaining a portfolio of individual- donor prospects; comfort speaking with a diverse population
- Entrepreneurial spirit able to think creatively and execute methodically
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent attention to detail and a sense of pride in work
- Demonstrated experience in project management and/or implementation of cultivation events
- Ability to remain highly organized in a multi-faceted organization and drive towards goals
- A high degree of discretion, particularly as it pertains to sensitive donor information
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and fundraising systems, Raisers Edge/ NXT preferred
- A passion for the mission of PJ Library
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to travel 25% - 40% of the time
- Ability to staff evening and weekend events on occasion
Benefits:
- Salary commensurate with experience
- Health insurance
- Dental and vision insurance
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
- Paid sick, holiday, vacation, and personal time
To Apply:
Apply Here
*Vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment. The selected candidate will be required to provide proof of vaccination to Human Resources prior to start date.
The Harold Grinspoon Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are invited to apply. For more information about the foundation and its programs, visit www.hgf.org.