Director of Development

The Director of Development at Camp Ramah in Northern California is the primary professional responsible for designing and implementing our development plan, in partnership with the Executive Director, the Fundraising Committee, and members of the Board of Directors. In addition to managing annual fundraising and year-round engagement of our stakeholders, the Director of Development also oversees key elements of the organization’s strategy to effectively communicate the mission of the Camp, demonstrate impact, and fosters a culture of gratitude.

Reporting: The Director of Development reports directly to the Executive Director

Location: Remote; residency in San Francisco Bay Area required

Hours: Half-Time (20 hours/week; flexible)

Position Overview:

  • TodayManage and Grow our Annual Campaign

    • Raise over $750,000 annually for general operations, programming, and scholarship through mailing, direct solicitations, and parlor meetings/donor briefings in partnership with the Executive Director and Board of Directors

    • Create and implement a comprehensive strategy for the campaign and an annual work-plan

    • Conceptualize and write copy for direct mail and email pieces working with outside copywriters and/or graphic designers as needed

    • Seek out grant opportunities, write applications in partnership with Executive Director, and manage reporting requirements to funders

    • Partner with Executive Director, Fundraising Committee members, and the Board of Directors in direct solicitations, data management, and campaign reporting

    • Plan for and oversee ‘Thank You’ communications and stewardship opportunities with donors

    • Develop and educate the community about corporate matching opportunities

  • TomorrowScholarship and Capital Projects

    • Manage and grow scholarship fundraising, including communications and stewardship for current and prospective donors

    • Support (when appropriate) major event planning and communications in partnership with event chair(s), event committee, and Executive Director

    • Oversee capital campaigns for small capital projects as they arise, such as to expand our specialty programs and housing capacity

    • Oversee (in partnership with marketing committee) the development of materials to best share the vision of the campaign with our community of stakeholders

  • ForeverEndowment and Legacy

    • Educate Board and community about endowment and legacy giving opportunities

    • Work closely with Executive Director and Legacy Committee to grow our Legacy Society

    • Solidify gift commitments through the formalization of donor agreements 

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Donor Relations

    • Develop strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for donors

    • Design and execute year-long development calendar of touchpoints for donors

    • Communicate with donors to schedule and organize follow up from solicitation meetings, and meet with donors in partnership with Executive Director and lay leaders

    • Build a culture of relational philanthropy with our top donors and stakeholders

    • Be an ambassador for camp in the community, at planned events and informally

  • Fundraising Committee

    • Conduct quarterly meetings with fundraising committee chair and committee members

    • Meet with subcommittees for any special events as needed

    • Engage Board in ongoing fundraising efforts

  • Impact Reports

    • Write, edit and create theme for annual impact report

    • Present to top donors via mail, website, and at stewardship events

  • Donor Communications

    • Develop, shape, and evaluate donor communications strategy

    • Organize, write, and edit material for donor letters, newsletters, and publications throughout the year

    • Track and evaluate donor communications to support ongoing development efforts

  • Summertime Responsibilities

    • Visit Monterey Bay site occasionally to assist summer leadership with welcoming guests, board members, and prospective donors

    • Develop summer donor stewardship communications

    • Plan, partner, and participate in any summertime donor-relation events

General Duties

  • Attend staff meetings and conferences as appropriate for the position, including with the Ramah Galim year-round team, JCamp 180 programs, Foundation for Jewish Camp, and National Ramah development programs

  • Be a connector and a team player, contributing passion, dedication, charisma, and a healthy sense of humor to the organization

  • Travel throughout Northern California as available for relational meetings with donors, staff, or community partners as needed for the position

  • Be professional, able to maintain confidentiality, and be an exemplary ambassador for Ramah

Roles may be adjusted to meet the needs of the developing camp program, fundraising needs, and staff, and to facilitate the ongoing professional development of the Director of Development.