What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Institutional Advancement, RIETS position at Yeshiva University?
Position Summary
Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) seeks a strategic, dynamic, and engaging frontline fundraiser with demonstrated success in building capacity to become its Director of Institutional Advancement. The Director will lead all fundraising initiatives for RIETS, developing a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned with the strategic priorities of the institution. This role reports to the AVP, Development & Campaigns, within the YU Institutional Advancement department, and works closely alongside the RIETS deans and other leadership to further the mission of the seminary. The Director will bring best practices to the role, conceptualizing and initiating partnerships, initiatives, and strategies to both tap into new segments of the donor marketplace and grow existing relationships.
RIETS’ new Director will engage supporters and highlight the seminary’s role as a vital, vibrant engine of Jewish scholarship and continuity. The successful candidate will have significant fundraising experience with demonstrated success in increasing revenue and experience in developing and maintaining productive working relationships with board members, partners, and colleagues. Additionally, the Director should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and the fluency to convey the core values and purpose of RIETS clearly and persuasively. The Director must demonstrate a genuine passion for and ability to speak about RIETS’ mission to provide rabbinic leadership for the next generation and beyond.
Position Responsibilities
$170,000 - $190,000
About Us
Yeshiva University is dedicated to academic excellence, intellectual exploration, and the advancement of timeless values that shape and impact lives. With a rich tradition rooted in Jewish thought and heritage, YU fosters a dynamic learning environment across its undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will contribute meaningfully to society, guided by a commitment to ethics, innovation, and service. Our community extends far beyond the classroom, encompassing thousands of students, faculty, staff, and more than 70,000 alumni and supporters worldwide, all working together to build a brighter future.
As a Yeshiva University employee, you will be part of a welcoming, diverse, and intellectually engaging community that values collaboration, excellence, and professional growth. We offer a supportive and stimulating workplace with tangible employee benefits, opportunities for advancement, and a strong sense of purpose. Beyond professional development, YU is committed to ensuring a high quality of life for its employees, offering a work environment that prioritizes well-being, work-life balance, and a culture of mutual respect. Every role at YU contributes to our broader mission of education, research, and societal impact, ensuring that all members of our community—students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends—are inspired to make a difference. We invite you to bring your talent and passion to YU and join us in shaping the future.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Yeshiva University is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunities to all employees and candidates without regard to race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) seeks a strategic, dynamic, and engaging frontline fundraiser with demonstrated success in building capacity to become its Director of Institutional Advancement. The Director will lead all fundraising initiatives for RIETS, developing a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned with the strategic priorities of the institution. This role reports to the AVP, Development & Campaigns, within the YU Institutional Advancement department, and works closely alongside the RIETS deans and other leadership to further the mission of the seminary. The Director will bring best practices to the role, conceptualizing and initiating partnerships, initiatives, and strategies to both tap into new segments of the donor marketplace and grow existing relationships.
RIETS’ new Director will engage supporters and highlight the seminary’s role as a vital, vibrant engine of Jewish scholarship and continuity. The successful candidate will have significant fundraising experience with demonstrated success in increasing revenue and experience in developing and maintaining productive working relationships with board members, partners, and colleagues. Additionally, the Director should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and the fluency to convey the core values and purpose of RIETS clearly and persuasively. The Director must demonstrate a genuine passion for and ability to speak about RIETS’ mission to provide rabbinic leadership for the next generation and beyond.
Position Responsibilities
- Create and implement a multi-year, global strategic fundraising plan for RIETS. Work with staff to support the plan and ensure its success.
- Actively engage in leadership gift solicitations locally and nationally. Cultivate, steward, and build strong relationships with a portfolio of select major donors.
- Develop and implement strategies to deepen and diversify the funding base, attract new major donors, and generate interest and support for the organization.
- Work closely with RIETS’ Board Chair and Deans to cultivate current Board members, attract new Board members, and plan Board initiatives.
- Develop fundraising goals and objectives with measurable outcomes in support of RIETS’ mission.
- Institute a system of accountability and a constructive means of critical evaluation of the effectiveness and success of RIETS’ development activities and programs.
- Collaborate closely with the IA events team to lead efforts for RIETS’ annual Gala Dinner, Chag Hasemikhah (triennial graduation celebration), and parlor meetings.
- Partner with the Deans and Roshei Yeshiva of RIETS to identify, cultivate donors and honorees.
- 5-10 years experience in front-line fundraising for institutions of higher education or other nonprofits.
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively as an effective member of the IA department, in a goal-oriented team environment.
- Familiarity with and fluency in the Rabbinic/Modern Orthodox Community, experience with RIETS and Yeshiva University a plus
- A successful track record with personal solicitation in the 6-figure range and up.
- Highly motivated and self-directed; a strong work ethic and ability to maintain and model high personal, ethical and professional standards.
- Demonstrated success developing and implementing strategic activities and tasks with clear goals, objectives and measurement tools. Familiarity with fundraising CRMs and Excel.
- Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to interact and engage comfortably with a wide variety of key constituents across the community.
- Excellent communication skills; effective at engaging audiences both on paper and in person.
$170,000 - $190,000
About Us
Yeshiva University is dedicated to academic excellence, intellectual exploration, and the advancement of timeless values that shape and impact lives. With a rich tradition rooted in Jewish thought and heritage, YU fosters a dynamic learning environment across its undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will contribute meaningfully to society, guided by a commitment to ethics, innovation, and service. Our community extends far beyond the classroom, encompassing thousands of students, faculty, staff, and more than 70,000 alumni and supporters worldwide, all working together to build a brighter future.
As a Yeshiva University employee, you will be part of a welcoming, diverse, and intellectually engaging community that values collaboration, excellence, and professional growth. We offer a supportive and stimulating workplace with tangible employee benefits, opportunities for advancement, and a strong sense of purpose. Beyond professional development, YU is committed to ensuring a high quality of life for its employees, offering a work environment that prioritizes well-being, work-life balance, and a culture of mutual respect. Every role at YU contributes to our broader mission of education, research, and societal impact, ensuring that all members of our community—students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends—are inspired to make a difference. We invite you to bring your talent and passion to YU and join us in shaping the future.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Yeshiva University is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunities to all employees and candidates without regard to race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Salary : $170,000 - $190,000
