Chief Development Officer

Jewish Federation of Detroit 

Chief Development Officer 

Detroit, MI 

Position Summary: 

The Jewish Federation of Detroit (JFD) is the central philanthropic, planning and community-building organization of the Detroit Jewish community. We are committed to taking care of the needs of the Jewish people and building a vibrant Jewish future in metropolitan Detroit, in Israel, and around the world.  

The Federation seeks a dynamic, results-driven Chief Development Officer (CDO) with a strong track record in fundraising to lead the organization’s philanthropic strategy, including the annual campaign, donor-directed giving, corporate giving, special events and planned giving.  

Reporting to the CEO, the CDO serves on the executive management team and leads a 14-member Philanthropic Advancement team. The CDO is responsible for developing and executing a robust donor-centric strategy focused on stewardship, relationship management and volunteer collaboration. The CDO will drive innovation, enhance fundraising efforts, and play a key role in identifying, cultivating and soliciting major donors while expanding the donor base across diverse demographics. Additionally, the CDO will strengthen donor retention through endowments and planned giving initiatives. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Leadership & Executive Management 

• Develop and communicate a clear vision and strategy for expanding JFD’s Annual Campaign and Endowments. 

• Serve as a strong organizational leader, offering guidance and direction to JFD fundraising staff and the Boards in all areas of Fund Development.  

• Act as a strong and influential voice on the Federation Executive team. 

 

Fundraising 

• Lead the professional team responsible for planning and executing financial resource development within the community, focusing on strategies to grow the Annual Campaign, increase donor numbers, diversify the donor base, and engage the next generation of donors. 

• Cultivate, steward, and strengthen strong relationships with a select portfolio of major donors, including multi- generational families, while soliciting support for the Annual Campaign, designated campaigns, and endowment funds. 

• Create and implement a comprehensive strategic and operating plan for integrated resource development, encompassing planned giving, the Annual Campaign, supplemental giving, corporate contributions and foundation support. 

• Develop and implement strategies to attract new major donors. 

• Establish a system of accountability and a constructive approach to evaluating the effectiveness and success of the Federation’s development activities and programs. 

• Set fundraising goals and objectives with measurable outcomes aligned with the Federation’s mission and community priorities. 

• Drive philanthropic advancement to support Community Engagement and programming, including NEXTGen, Women’s Philanthropy, Affinities, and Israel and Overseas initiatives. 

• Establish and implement data-driven systems and structures to enable JFD and the community to adapt to, thrive in, and understand shifts in charitable giving and evolving trends within the Federation world. 

 

Community Impact 

• The CDO must be a community leader who will develop relationships with agencies, organizations, day schools, synagogues, and other professionals across the community.  

• Strengthen Detroit’s deep commitment to fundraising for Israel and JFD’s Partnership Region in the Central Galilee.  

• Ensure that JFD’s story, message and positions are effectively communicated and shared with both the Jewish and general communities. 

• Act as a visible and engaged representative of JFD in the community. 

 

Board Development 

• Collaborate with the Boards, Board Presidents, Campaign Chairs and the Executive Committee to drive Campaign and other fundraising objectives.   

• Cultivate Board and lay leadership support for the stewardship of current and prospective donors. 

 

Personal Characteristics: 

• Strong executive presence with high emotional intelligence and sophistication. 

• Personable, likable, and skilled at building relationships. 

• Energetic and charismatic.  

• Demonstrates the highest level of integrity and trustworthiness. 

• Entrepreneurial, willing to take risks, and an innovator. 

• Persuasive and articulate in both speaking and writing. 

• Highly competitive and driven to succeed. 

• Able to effectively motivate and lead a team. 

• Deeply committed to the Jewish people, Jewish life, and Jewish values. 

• Passionate about strengthening the Jewish community and supporting Israel. 

• Understands the vital role Federation plays in the larger community, Israel and globally. 

 

Qualifications: 

The ideal CDO candidate must have: 

• At minimum of 5 years of experience in development, with a proven track record of measurable fundraising success and securing significant (6 and 7-figure) financial support. 

• A demonstrated ability to cultivate and steward major donors and their families, with a strong history of monetizing these relationships.  

• A minimum of 5 years of experience managing and supervising a team of dynamic development professionals.   

• Prior experience working with a nonprofit Board. 

• Extensive experience balancing organization management responsibilities with community development, relationship-building, and collaboration with key stakeholders. 

• The ability to articulate the complex mission of JFD in an engaging and completing manner. 

• Strong persuasive communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to listen effectively. 

• A deep understanding of the organizational and political aspects of Jewish life locally, nationally, and internationally with proven success in raising significant funds for Jewish life. 

 

Location: 

Metro Detroit is a dynamic region that blends rich history, cultural vibrancy, and modern revitalization. Detroit’s thriving downtown offers world-class entertainment, an exciting culinary scene, and beloved sports teams like the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, and Pistons. The city is home to renowned institutions like the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Motown Museum, and the scenic Detroit Riverwalk. Beyond the city, Metro Detroit’s suburbs provide top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, ample green spaces, and plenty of outdoor recreation, from the Great Lakes to scenic parks. Whether you’re drawn to its music legacy, thriving arts scene, or family-friendly communities, Metro Detroit offers the best of city life and suburban charm. 

 

Compensation: 

The salary range for this position is $200,000-$250,000 plus a comprehensive benefits package. 

 
The Jewish Federation of Detroit is an equal opportunity employer. 

Please apply below.