POSITION SUMMARY

UpStart seeks a visionary, strategic, and results-driven leader to serve as its Managing Director, Advancement. This critical role will guide the organization’s fundraising, development, marketing, and communications efforts to drive long-term growth, visibility, and impact. The Managing Director will design and implement a comprehensive development strategy to grow and diversify UpStart’s contributed revenue, currently a $5 million annual budget.

In addition to leading fundraising, the Managing Director will oversee marketing, communications, and brand management, leveraging digital tools, compelling storytelling, and data-driven strategies to enhance UpStart’s visibility and reputation. 

This role will supervise the Senior Director, Board Relations & Major Gifts, guiding them in engaging and activating board members and ensuring they are effectively oriented and ready to participate in donor cultivation strategies. This role will also oversee an agency of record responsible for delivering a full suite of marketing and communication services on a monthly retainer. 

UpStart’s approach is deeply rooted in community, as reflected in our Guiding Principles, which emphasize the inclusion of diverse ideas. The experience of Jewish life in North America is closely connected to the Land, People, and State of Israel. Our Guiding Principles outline our stance on these matters. It is essential for the person in this role to have a thorough and nuanced understanding of how the conversation about Israel intersects with North American Jewish identity and to be comfortable having and leading that conversation with a variety of stakeholder groups.

This position will work in either our New York or Bay Area office and is expected to travel up to 20% of the time for donor meetings and convenings.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Fundraising, Development, & Institutional Advancement

• Lead the organization’s fundraising efforts to grow rapidly and strategically in all facets of contributed revenue generation, including an increase in both amount and diversification from the current $5ML annual budget.
• Partner with the Deputy CEO, CEO, and Marketing Team to co-create a high-impact development model that provides stakeholders with cross-organizational support, coaching, and accountability.
• Integrate a revenue diversification lens into the development strategy, expand support from major donors, and collaborate on expanding UpStart Labs and UpStart Solutions, part of UpStart’s new earned income model.

Brand Management, Marketing, & Communications

• Elevate UpStart’s story by partnering with other departments to capture and share powerful stories from the UpStarter network that educate and inspire external stakeholders, donors, and audiences new to UpStart’s work.
• Leverage digital marketing tools and platforms to enhance UpStart’s online presence and reach. Use data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and adjust strategies as needed.
• Improve upon and maintain an external-facing crisis communication plan to address and manage any potential issues that may arise. Provide leadership and guidance during times of crisis to protect and uphold UpStart’s reputation.
• Work closely with other departments to ensure a cohesive and unified communication, marketing, and brand strategy approach while fostering a culture of collaboration to achieve organizational goals. 
• Collaboration with the Program and Central Operations teams with recruitment for initiatives seeking participants using research and their networks.

UpStart Council on Innovation & Entrepreneurship

• Oversee the strategy for the UpStart Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, an advisory body that offers strategic insight and guidance to UpStart.
• In partnership with the Senior Director, Board Relations & Major Gifts, leverage the expertise and networks of council members to drive innovation and entrepreneurship within UpStart and its community.
• Collaborate with the Deputy CEO and other management team members to integrate council recommendations into strategic planning and program development.

Board Development & Engagement

• Together with the CEO and the Senior Director, Board Relations & Major Gifts, support the board’s overall capacity to cultivate new donors and fundraise.
• Actively serve as a key steward and liaison for major donors and board members, managing and facilitating UpStart’s board gift strategy.
• In coordination with the CEO, lead the board development committee, attend board meetings, and report on Development and Communications activities.
• Work with the CEO to deepen the board’s understanding of UpStart’s work, ensuring board members are engaged and energized by their association with the organization.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, or responsibilities associated with the position.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Passion and commitment to the mission and vision of UpStart: We accelerate growth, nurture ideas, and advance new experiences for the Jewish community.
• It is essential for the person in this role to have a thorough and nuanced understanding of how the conversation about Israel intersects with North American Jewish identity and to be comfortable having and leading that conversation with a variety of stakeholder groups.
• Commitment to integrating a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice lens into every piece of their work.
• 10-12 years of professional experience driving significant philanthropic revenue generation (e.g., $10M+); experience in either the private or nonprofit sector is valued, while cross-sector experience would be ideal.
• Experience managing significant major donors and foundations and building Experience leading diverse cross-functional teams to meet ambitious goals while also serving as a key organizational leader.
• Strong writing skills; excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to refine and adjust systems and tools for development operations, including databases, reporting, and donor research tools that support revenue growth and diversification.
• Collaborative, decisive, motivating, and engaging style.
• High standards of excellence combined with a supportive and growth-oriented management style.
• Culturally competent regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Able to have difficult and effective conversations about race and equity while meeting someone where they are.
• Adaptability and agility in the face of change, both organizational and technological.
• Passion for UpStart’s mission and the work of UpStart’s network.
• Commitment to upholding UpStart’s values and Guiding Principles.