Philanthropy Officer, PJ Library - New York (Hybrid in New York office)



About PJ Library

PJ Library, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, is an internationally recognized, $45M+ 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), founded in 1991 by real estate 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 approximately 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 Director of Philanthropy, the Philanthropy Officer (PO) leads all major-gift fundraising activities and strategies across New York City (five boroughs), Long Island, Westchester, and Southern Connecticut. The PO will continually build and manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects to raise five- to seven-figure gifts and support PJ Library and its subscription and programmatic expansion. The Philanthropy Officer will help to build volunteer leadership in New York and grow presence in the New York area, creating a springboard from which to secure enduring committed support. This is a phenomenal opportunity for an entrepreneurial fundraiser eager to make a lasting impact.

A member of the national advancement team, the Philanthropy Officer will join PJ Library in its New York City midtown-east office. The Philanthropy Officer will work closely with colleagues on the PJ Library in New York team, advancement team and across the national PJ Library team.

Responsibilities:

  • Build and manage a portfolio of 100 to 120 active donors and prospects
    • Identify, qualify, and cultivate major gift prospects; meet activity metrics and revenue goals
    • Act as principal strategist for each prospect/donor in the portfolio, develop cultivation and solicitation plans; execute and modify as circumstances change
    • Activate lay leadership to identify new prospects; identify and partner with volunteers to host local donor cultivation outreach events
  • Secure major gift support for PJ Library
    • Solicit and secure five- to seven-figure gifts to support PJ Library in New York, nationally, and globally
    • Meet in person, via zoom, and by phone (aligned with supporter preference), completing meaningful touchpoints each month, achieving performance goals
    • Engage in donor-centric travel to build relationships throughout designated region
    • Lead prospect cultivation activities, utilizing senior PJ Library and HGF executives and trustees as natural partners in cultivating and soliciting gifts
  • Work with PJ Library program staff and grants manager to create exciting concepts/ proposals and compelling reports for donors
  • Provide high touch stewardship for donors and prospects in the portfolio
  • Secure endowment and legacy gifts
  • Track and report relationships management activity using Raisers Edge CRM
  • In partnership with the director of PJ Library in New York, cultivate and steward the New York Advisory Council as donors and connectors to expanded networks of philanthropic support

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of relevant education, certification,
  • training, and experience
  • Minimum 7 years of frontline fundraising experience and a proven track record of securing gifts at the $100,000+ level
  • Deep knowledge of and existing relationships with communal and philanthropic individuals and organizations throughout the region
  • A relationship builder committed to goal attainment, high degree of initiative, and proven ability to engage high-level donors
  • Entrepreneurial spirit able to think creatively and execute methodically who thrives with great autonomy and accountability
  • A high degree of discretion, particularly as it pertains to sensitive donor information
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and fundraising systems; proficiency in Raisers Edge/ NXT a plus
  • A passion for the mission of PJ Library

Physical Requirements:

  • Located in New York City or Westchester
  • Ability to travel across New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and southern Connecticut frequently; spend one week per year in Aspen, CO; and travel periodically to home office in Springfield, MA, and additional travel as needed.
  • Ability to staff evening and weekend events on occasion
Salary & Benefits:
  • Salary range: $150,000 – 170,000
  • Health insurance
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
  • Paid sick, holiday, vacation, and personal time
  • Flexible work policy with hybrid in-person/remote work

To Apply:

Email a letter of interest and resume to Brenda Wishart at 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.