Philanthropy Officer, Donor Engagement - Women's Philanthropy

Position Summary

The Philanthropy Officer, Donor Engagement serves as a key fundraising professional responsible for advancing philanthropic engagement among women donors and prospects at The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

As part of Federation’s donor-centered FRD structure, this position focuses primarily on managing and growing a portfolio of donors and prospects with current or emerging major gift potential, building meaningful philanthropic relationships, and guiding donors through a personalized journey of engagement, leadership, and giving. The Philanthropy Officer helps strengthen Women’s Philanthropy as a pathway for donor acquisition, retention, increased giving, volunteer leadership, and long-term philanthropic investment.

Reporting to and partnering closely with the Director of Donor Engagement – Women’s Philanthropy, the Philanthropy Officer supports the execution of a comprehensive Women’s Philanthropy strategy that connects donors to Federation’s mission, one another, and opportunities for meaningful impact. The role works closely with volunteer leaders and colleagues across FRD to cultivate current and future major donors and strengthen the pipeline of women philanthropic and communal leaders.

Essential Responsibilities

Major Gifts Fundraising and Portfolio Management 

• Manage a portfolio of assigned donors and prospects with current or emerging major gift potential.
  
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and upgrade strategies that deepen philanthropic investment and long-term donor engagement.
  
• Conduct regular donor meetings, strategic outreach, and moves management activities designed to increase annual giving, leadership-level support, multi-year commitments, and planned giving participation.
  
• Identify and qualify new donors with capacity and inclination for increased philanthropic investment.
  
• Build a strong pipeline of prospects and develop clear strategies for moving donors toward deeper engagement and giving.
  
• Use donor data, giving history, and engagement patterns to identify opportunities for retention, upgrades, and increased participation.
  
• Maintain accurate donor records, moves management activity, portfolio reporting, and fundraising projections.
  
• Collaborate across FRD, the Jewish Community Foundation, and organizational teams to develop comprehensive donor strategies.

Women’s Philanthropy Strategy and Engagement

• Support the Director in advancing Federation’s strategy for engaging and growing Women’s Philanthropy across Greater Washington. 
• Connect donors to Federation’s mission, strategic priorities, and impact in ways that reflect their individual interests and philanthropic goals. 
• Help cultivate the next generation of Women’s Philanthropy donors and volunteer leaders, creating pathways for sustained involvement and increased giving. 
• Identify opportunities to expand Federation’s philanthropic reach among female-identifying donors throughout Greater Washington. 
• Support annual campaign goals through personalized donor strategies and direct solicitation activity. 
• Leverage Women’s Philanthropy programs, leadership opportunities, major events, and immersive experiences to advance philanthropic outcomes. 

Organizational Leadership

• Represent Federation within Women’s Philanthropy and the broader Greater Washington Jewish community.
  
• Participate in departmental strategy discussions and cross-functional fundraising initiatives.
  
• Contribute thought leadership related to women’s philanthropy, donor engagement, leadership development, and major gifts fundraising. 
• Support a culture in which engagement, volunteer leadership, and philanthropy are intentionally connected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
  
• 4 to 7 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, donor engagement, relationship management, philanthropy, sales, or a related field.
  
• Demonstrated success managing donor relationships and securing philanthropic investments.
  
• Knowledge of major gifts fundraising, donor cultivation strategies, and moves management practices.
  
• Exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building, and communication skills.
  
• Experience working collaboratively with volunteer leaders and engaged stakeholders.
  
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  
• Ability to work collaboratively within an integrated fundraising team.
  
• Understanding of Jewish philanthropy, women’s philanthropy, leadership development, and the Jewish communal landscape preferred.
  
• Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Greater Washington (DC, MD, and Northern VA) region. This is a hybrid position, with 3 days a week required in our headquarters.

Success in this Role

• Build and manage a robust portfolio of major-gift and major-gift-potential donors.
  
• Increase donor acquisition, retention, upgrades, and leadership-level giving within Women’s Philanthropy.
  
• Build a strong pipeline with clear progression from engagement to philanthropic investment.
  
• Develop meaningful, long-term relationships with women donors and prospects across Greater Washington.
  
• Effectively leverage Women’s Philanthropy programs, leadership experiences, and events as opportunities for deeper donor engagement.
  
• Increase participation in legacy and planned giving among Women’s Philanthropy donors.
  
• Develop a strong partnership with the Director of Donor Engagement – Women’s Philanthropy and colleagues across FRD to advance Federation-wide fundraising goals.

About The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington 

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington brings people together, mobilizes resources, and drives impact to strengthen Jewish life across Greater Washington and beyond. 

We serve as a strategic leader, convener, and catalyst, working across organizations, leaders, and communities to identify priorities, align efforts, and respond to evolving needs. By connecting people, resources, and ideas, we help drive coordinated action and build a vibrant Jewish future. Learn more at shalomdc.org. 

How We Work 

Across roles, our work is grounded in: 

• Clear priorities and shared goals
• Accountability for outcomes, not just activity
• Collaboration across teams and stakeholders
• Consistent, aligned execution
• A focus on impact and community need

How We Support You 

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off, including Jewish holidays
• Up to 6 weeks of paid parental leave (after one year)
• Commuter bonus
• Hybrid work environment
• Ongoing professional development opportunities