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 grown into an internationally recognized, $44M 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.
The Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) was founded in 1991 by real estate entrepreneur and businessman, Harold Grinspoon. Based in Agawam, MA, and with over 150 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 Chief Philanthropy Officer, this position will lead a team to cultivate, steward, and renew major gifts critical to the financial sustainability of PJ Library. Over time, major gift revenue will be the engine for PJ Library’s growth, such that the Director of Philanthropy will ultimately secure directly, enable, or support more than half of annual revenue. The Director will be a strategic thought leader to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, manage a team of experienced front-line fundraisers (Philanthropy Officers) and partner closely with the Director of Advancement Communications, the Director of Advancement Operations, and cross-team colleagues.
Responsibilities:
Lead the development and execution of a robust major gifts program that delivers $10M+ in in-year and multi-year commitments now, growing far beyond in future years
- Coach, manage, and mentor team of five Philanthropy Officers to secure major gifts
- Secure five-figure-plus gifts; hold a portfolio of 35-50 major gift donors and prospects
- Support President and other senior staff in cultivating and stewarding top donors
- Working closely with the Chief Philanthropy Officer, develop the strategic donor engagement, recognition, and funding opportunities to support front-line efforts
- Build and maintain relationships with PJ Library implementing-partner executives and development directors to ensure coordination of and mutual benefit from fundraising; coach and support Philanthropy Officers to do the same
As the major gift program matures, grow portfolio to lead PJ Library endowment fundraising and pursue new revenue sources, such as corporate giving
Work across team to strengthen fundraising practices
- Regularly review KPIs to ensure progress to goal
- Provide input on donor recognition and stewardship frameworks
- Develop Philanthropy Officer team to ensure individual and collective professional growth
- Establish cadence of reporting on fundraising performance to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, organizational leadership, and the Board of Trustees as appropriate
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in leading development strategy and managing teams to fundraising success
- Demonstrated success in major gift solicitations and portfolio management
- Experience in Jewish organizations a plus; experience in federated organizations a plus
- Ability to speak persuasively on the mission of PJ Library and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation
- Intense achievement orientation: sets ambitious, data-based goals and exceeds them
- Relationship builder with a track record of forging trusted partnerships and driving impact through influence
- Brings rigor and discipline; gets creative when the situation requires it
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize responsibilities effectively
- Exceptional written and verbal communication; Able to represent the Harold Grinspoon Foundation with excellence at all times
- Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of programs, experience in Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce a plus
Compensation / Benefits:
- Competitive annual salary
- Opportunity to work a remote or hybrid work schedule
- Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- Flexible Spending Plan
- Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
- 401K Plan with Employer Match
- Paid Sick, Holiday and Vacation Time
To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume to Brenda_Wishart@aspensquare.com.
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.