Camp Ramah in California is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Assistant Director of Development (full-time, exempt) to join our dynamic team. This role focuses on direct donor solicitation and stewardship, event strategy and execution, and alumni relations. The ideal candidate will play a key role in expanding our fundraising efforts and maintaining strong connections with current donors, cultivation and solicitation of new donors, and expanding and innovating our approach to alumni engagement.

We are looking for a self-starter that is eager to develop relationships and cultivate resources to advance Ramah’s mission, vision, and strategic plan. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Assistant Director of Development will support Camp Ramah through the entire development cycle from prospect identification to donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, and through managing alumni engagement efforts. The successful candidate is expected to raise gifts up to and including the five-figure level and work collaboratively to elevate to supporters to higher levels of giving to achieve institutional development goals.

If you are passionate about Jewish camping and eager to make an impact, this is a fantastic opportunity to grow within an organization that has been shaping Jewish lives for decades.

Key Responsibilities: 

Fundraising: 

• Build and manage a donor portfolio of 100-150 annual-level donors, closing specific gifts each year to meet budgeted goals and objectives.
• Manage general and special project campaigns related to fundraising on behalf of the organization
• Work with lay leaders and staff to cultivate donors, maximize opportunities for relationship-building, and engage and solicit donors to increase dollars raised and expand the donor base.
• Support major gift efforts by assisting with prospect research, preparation of proposals, and donor engagement strategies.
• Develop and implement strategies to engage new and existing alumni donors.

Alumni Relations: 

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with alumni, strengthening their connection to Ramah and encouraging participation in giving opportunities.
• Oversee alumni communication efforts in collaboration with marketing and communications team, including direct mail, email, web, and social media.
• Coordinate and collaborate with programming teams alumni engagement efforts, including special events and reunions
• Manage an alumni database spanning multiple decades to support the re-engagement of past alumni

 

Special Events: 

• Support planning and execution of fundraising events, including annual gala, alumni reunions, and donor recognition events.
• Collaborate with the development team to ensure successful event logistics, sponsorships, and attendee engagement.

Other:

• Attend events and meetings as required to represent Camp Ramah in California, including some evenings and weekends.
• Limited travel for networking, fundraising and conferences
• Support management of donor database to ensure accuracy, and generate reports.
• Support preparation and reporting for grants.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Desired 2-4+ years of experience in fundraising, event planning, alumni relations, or a related field.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and customer-service orientation
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team and have the ability to multitask
• Should be comfortable and adept at presenting and communicating via Zoom, Microsoft Teams and other remote-work applications as well as in person.
• Proficiency with fundraising databases and/or CRM systems is a plus.
• Experience working with volunteers is preferred.
• Knowledge of or a connection to Camp Ramah, Jewish camping, or Jewish non-profits is preferred.
• Strong storyteller who can communicate Ramah’s importance and impact of with various stakeholders and through a variety of modalities
• Thorough understanding of sales, sales cycles, and sales strategies
• Ability to lift items related to job-associated events

 

Compensation and Benefits

Camp Ramah in California offers a comprehensive compensation package, including: 403b, group health coverage, life insurance and LTD, as well as paid sick and vacation time. Ramah also provides time off for Jewish holidays and early office closures for Shabbat. Salary is $75,000-$85,000, commensurate with experience.

 

Location

Camp Ramah in California is currently headquartered in Encino, CA where we have our administrative office and on over 400 acres in Ojai, CA, where our residential summer camp has operated for nearly seventy years. Our day camp is located in West Hills, CA. We maintain a hybrid office schedule. This position does not require being in residence at camp, but does necessitate occasional travel to Ojai during the summer and throughout the year.

 

How to Apply: 

Please submit your resume and a cover letter to development@ramah.org by Nov. 15,  2024.

 

We strive to embrace what makes each one of us unique; we each have our own story, and there is only one YOU. We believe that celebrating and embracing this philosophy makes for a better world! Whether looking at our current staff or future team members, we believe that everyone has something to offer, and our employment practices reflect that. Whether by mandate or not, we never have and never will make our employment decision based upon race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. If you are passionate about Jewish camping, development, we may be the place for you!

 

About Camp Ramah in California

Our Vision
We dream of a more just world with many generations of proud, educated, and reflective Jews, deeply committed to their communities and the pursuit of vibrant Jewish life.

Our Mission
Camp Ramah in California creates lifelong relationships through joyful, welcoming, and immersive Jewish experiences rooted in Torah, Avodah and Gemilut Hasadim.* Ramah is committed to the future of the Jewish community and betterment of the world.

Torah – We cultivate a passion for lifelong Jewish learning and a commitment to our heritage and the wisdom of our people.

Avodah – We create opportunities for joyful prayer and positive engagement in the richness of our rituals and mitzvot.

Gemilut hasadim – We take active responsibility for each other and the world.