About itrek
itrek launched in 2011 with a mission to empower leaders to engage their networks in meaningful Israel experiences, fostering an understanding and appreciation of Israel’s unique culture, diversity, richness and complex reality. More than 25,000 graduate students representing 130 nationalities from schools in the U.S., Canada and Europe have traveled to Israel through itrek. Over the last two years, itrek has expanded beyond graduate school students by piloting Launchpad, a program that connects with mission aligned leaders and organizations to create Israel Treks for their influential peers and members. In July 2024, Schusterman Family Philanthropies REALITY journeys was brought under itrek. REALITY will continue to bring leaders from diverse backgrounds and sectors on formative learning journeys to Israel.
Position Overview
itrek is expanding beyond its strong history of institutional giving to build a robust individual donor base. To drive this growth forward, itrek is in search of a dynamic and seasoned Major Gifts Officer (MGO). Currently, itrek generates upwards of $11M annually, with over $2M sourced from individual contributors. The MGO will join itrek at an exciting time when the organization is raising the financial resources to support a budget of more than $15M.
Reporting to the Chief Growth Officer, the Major Gifts Officer (MGO) will join a four-person Development Team to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, focusing on four and five-figure gifts. With main offices in New York City and Tel Aviv, the MGO will be essential in expanding itrek’s supporter network, particularly in the Boston area. They will develop cultivation and solicitation strategies, manage a donor portfolio, and support the CEO and CGO with their donor accounts. Responsibilities also include planning small-scale donor events. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, collaborative, and goal-oriented fundraiser with experience working with senior professionals and board members. The Major Gifts Officer is a remote position, with travel required up to 30% in key demographic areas as well as occasional travel to itrek’s offices in NYC.
Primary Responsibilities
Individual Major Giving, Stewardship & Strategy (70%)
- In collaboration with the CGO, CEO and Board, design and implement an effective regional major gift donor program, including setting goals and strategies to expand, cultivate, solicit, and steward the donor base
- Identify, develop, and maintain a personal portfolio of major donors through prospecting, cultivation, direct solicitations, and stewardship. (Note: itrek defines a major donor as a contribution of $5k and above)
- Grow the individual giving function by expanding upon itrek’s existing portfolio in Boston and surrounding areas, deepening key relationships, and meeting monthly and quarterly benchmarks.
- Existing portfolio includes $1M+ from approximately 100 supporters and prospects
- Establish and maintain ongoing donor and prospect relationships by phone/Zoom, written communication, and personal contact; create and execute personalized communications and engagement plans for each donor and prospect
- Assist the CEO, CGO, Board, and itrek team members with their portfolios and solicitations (e.g. provide portfolio development support, strategic thought partnership, and help with donor communications)
- Identify leadership engagement opportunities for donors and lay leaders, including itrek alumni and Advisory Board members.
- Work with development colleagues to screen and prepare profiles of current and prospective donors
- Work with the Development Team to refine research, data entry, and acknowledgment processes as needed; track and report progress in Salesforce using specific metrics
Fundraising Events (25%)
- Execute small-scale fundraising and cultivation events in key communities
- Implement regional industry-specific events for alumni and prospective/current donors
Development Team Responsibilities (5%)
- Collaborate with itrek’s Director of Development & Institutional Giving on departmental strategy and partner with the Development Operations Associate on moves management tracking.
- Participate as an active member of the Development Team, including attendance at regular team meetings, department-wide campaigns and stewardship activities, and other Growth Team projects as necessary
Skills and Qualifications
- Minimum of 7 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including successful relationship-building with high-level donors
- Proven capability to engage and inspire high net-worth individuals, coupled with a deep understanding of Israel and the dynamics of Jewish philanthropy
- Established success in fundraising, showcasing proficiency in segmenting, prioritizing, and crafting strategic plans for donor portfolios
- Demonstrated initiative and self-motivation, with a track record of initiating and nurturing impactful relationships with donors and prospects from the outset
- Strong passion for itrek’s mission and ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
- Comfort and proven track record as a frontline solicitor, with demonstrated success in closing four and five-figure individual gifts and above
- Entrepreneurial mindset, excited by the opportunity to build, design, and iterate
- Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in major gift fundraising, including donor research, cultivation, and stewardship
- Willingness to travel, up to 30% of staff time, and to work nights and weekends for events, as needed, with periodic trips to itrek’s NYC office
- Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects
- Excellent public speaking and written communication skills
- Experience with donor database management software (e.g. Salesforce) and prospect research/wealth screening
- Bachelor’s degree required
Benefits
- Dynamic and fast-growing non-profit organization
- Generous vacation time package including Jewish and American holidays and the ability to leave early for Shabbat and Jewish holidays
- Work from Anywhere weeks and a wellness stipend
- Paid sick leave and parental leave
- High-quality Medical, Vision and Dental Plans available
- 5% company match on retirement savings in company 401k
Salary range $120,000-$150,000; commensurate with experience
If your experience exceeds our requirements, let's talk.
For this position itrek is working with a search partner.
To Apply: Please click here to submit your cover letter, resume and salary expectations.
DO NOT APPLY IN THE BOX BELOW.
itrek is a hybrid work environment with a minimum of two days per week in the office.
itrek is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.