Senior Director of Development at Columbia/Barnard Hillel

The Senior Director of Development at Columbia/Barnard Hillel is responsible for overseeing the strategy and implementation of the annual development plan, cultivating donor relationships, managing the Development and Communications team, and ensuring a cohesive message across all communication channels. With a focus on raising $2.6 million in FY25, this role also includes liaising with the Board of Directors and managing family engagement efforts.

To qualify for the Senior Director of Development role at Columbia/Barnard Hillel, candidates must have a bachelor's degree and at least 6-8 years of fundraising experience. Previous experience in a Jewish organization is advantageous, alongside a proven track record managing fundraising campaigns. Strong communication skills, supervisory experience, and proficiency in various software applications are essential for success.

At Columbia/Barnard Hillel, the work environment for the Senior Director of Development is described as exciting and intellectually rigorous. The team is high-energy and dedicated to enhancing the Jewish experience for students. You will find a supportive atmosphere that encourages creativity, innovation, and collaboration among colleagues who share the same mission.

The Senior Director of Development plays a crucial role in advancing Columbia/Barnard Hillel's mission by leading fundraising efforts that directly support Jewish students. By developing meaningful donor relationships and executing a robust development strategy, this position ensures that the Kraft Center can continue to provide resources and programs that enrich the lives of students, fostering an enduring commitment to Jewish life and learning.

The Senior Director of Development position at Columbia/Barnard Hillel offers a competitive salary range of $125,000 to $155,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement plans, generous vacation, and professional development opportunities. The organization prioritizes employee well-being and provides a supportive and fun work environment.

When addressing this question, share specific examples of past fundraising campaigns you've managed, detailing your strategy, the outcomes achieved, and the techniques you employed to engage donors. Highlight any creative solutions you implemented to overcome challenges in the fundraising process.

Explain your approach to building rapport with donors, which may include personalized outreach strategies, regular updates, and opportunities for engagement. Emphasize the importance of understanding donor motivations and aligning them with the mission of Columbia/Barnard Hillel.

In your response, outline a strategic plan that includes diversifying funding sources, implementing creative fundraising initiatives, and utilizing both digital and in-person engagement tactics. Discuss how you would track progress and fine-tune strategies based on performance metrics.

Share your leadership style and techniques for fostering collaboration within a team. Discuss how you provide constructive feedback, support professional growth, and ensure that team members feel valued and motivated to achieve their goals.

Provide a detailed account of a specific grant proposal that you led. Discuss the research you conducted, how you articulated the project’s needs, and the successful outcome. Highlight how your writing and strategic approach contributed to securing funding.

Talk about the importance of clear and consistent communication both internally and externally. Emphasize how good communication can enhance donor relationships, improve team dynamics, and ensure that stakeholders are informed and engaged in the development process.

Discuss the resources you consult to keep up-to-date with trends in philanthropy, such as attending relevant conferences, reading industry publications, and networking with other professionals in the Jewish community. Share how staying informed helps you innovate and enhance fundraising efforts.

Describe your time management strategies, including prioritization techniques and the use of planning tools. Highlight your ability to remain adaptable and focused, even when faced with multiple deadlines or unexpected challenges.

Discuss the tactics you use to engage board members effectively, including regular updates, strategic involvement in fundraising initiatives, and being responsive to their feedback. Illustrate how you create an inclusive environment that values their contributions.

Share your passion for the mission of Columbia/Barnard Hillel and how your values align with theirs. Highlight any connections you have to the Jewish community and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to make a positive impact on students' lives through development work.