About AFTAU

American Friends of Tel Aviv University (AFTAU) works in the US to raise awareness and funds to support Tel Aviv University, and advance its three-part mission of education, research and community building. AFTAU shares the innovative work the University contributes to the world and builds bridges between the US and Israel. AFTAU raises an average of $24-45 million per year, with an operating budget of ~6M.

As a national non-profit, AFTAU is headquartered in New York City with offices currently in Florida, Los Angeles and Northern California - and more expansion planned. 

About TAU

Tel Aviv University (TAU) is a globally top-ranked university, a leading research institution, and a center of discovery.  As Israel’s largest public institution of higher learning, TAU is home to 30,000 students, including 2100 international students from over 100 countries.  Among its many rankings and accolades, TAU has been named a Reuters “Top 100 Innovation University” and a Top 100 “Most International Universities in the World”.  The University encompasses 9 faculties, 35 schools, 400 labs, 18 performing arts centers, and 17 affiliated hospitals in its network. 

Job Description:

As a senior member of the development team, the VP Planned Giving provides leadership and direction to AFTAU’s national planned giving program by growing the Legacy Society, promoting gifts of bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts, endowments, life insurance, IRA assets and similar products that reflect legacy giving opportunities. This role serves as the subject matter expert, working with relevant board and staff to integrate planned giving elements into all appropriate fundraising strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sets the strategic direction of the national planned giving program.
• Serves as a front-line fundraiser through the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of blended/planned gifts. Management of a portfolio of high-level donors and prospects.
• Provides strategic direction in developing prospect lists for regional directors in order to grow AFTAU’s donor pipeline over the long- term.
• Works closely with the full development team to create opportunities to cultivate donors for blended and/or planned gifts.
• Manages estate administration and serves as the primary contact for executors, estate attorneys and trust officers.
• Monitors legislation and regulations dealing with charitable giving and endowments, in partnership with outside advisors.
• Develops and oversees planned giving marketing materials including mailings and website in coordination with the marketing team.
• Prepares donor proposals including Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) illustrations and gift agreements.
• Hosts periodic donor programs focused on planned giving topics.
• Trains regional development staff to recognize planned giving opportunities and collaborate on proposals and donor relationship management.
• Assists CFO with preparation of donor agreements and grant contracts
• Liaison with relevant AFTAU outside counsel and donor counsel   

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in planned giving and/or relevant development experience required. Demonstrated success in closing major, principal, blended and planned gifts. 
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certification preferred.
• Experience cultivating donors and explaining planned giving options. Deep knowledge of best practices for planned giving and prospect identification.
• Knowledge of estate and financial planning concepts related to planned giving.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies.
• Working knowledge and experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge preferred.

• Strong oral and written communication skills required.
• Self-motivated, organized, and detail-oriented, with the capacity to independently set goals, manage priorities, and use time and resources effectively.
• Team orientated and flexible with the ability to work remotely.  

• Fluent in the use of donor management database systems to maximize fundraising results.
• Knowledgeable about the Jewish philanthropic community.
• A passion for and familiarity with Israel, higher education and commitment to promoting the mission of Tel Aviv University.  

COMPENSATION: 180-200K commensurate with experience. If your experience exceeds our requirements, let’s talk.

TO APPLY: Please click here to submit your cover letter, resume and salary expectation.