Senior Development Director

Dave and Mary Alper Jewish Community Center, Miami, FL.

Full-Time | Exempt | Reports to: Chief Executive Officer.

About the Alper JCC:

The Dave and Mary Alper Jewish Community Center is a cornerstone of the South Dade community, enriching lives through cultural, educational, recreational, and social programs that reflect Jewish values and foster connection, inclusivity, and wellness.

Position Summary:

The Alper JCC seeks a dynamic, relationship-driven Senior Development Director to serve as a key member of the leadership team. Reporting directly to the CEO, this individual will lead the organization’s fundraising strategy to ensure long-term sustainability, deepen community relationships, and strengthen philanthropic support through individual, corporate, foundation, and planned giving.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, skilled communicator, and hands-on fundraiser who thrives on building connections and delivering measurable results.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Fundraising & Leadership:

• Partner with the CEO and Executive Team to develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned with the JCC’s mission and strategic goals.
• Create annual and multi-year development strategies with measurable goals for donor growth, retention, and giving levels.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for the JCC in the community, cultivating strong relationships with funders, community leaders, and key stakeholders.
• Support and engage the Board of Directors in fundraising initiatives and stewardship efforts.

Donor Development & Stewardship:

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors through personal meetings, events, and communications.
• Design and implement stewardship programs and communications to deepen donor engagement and recognition.
• Develop and manage a Corporate Sponsorship Program and a Men’s $1,000 Giving Circle to support key initiatives such as Maccabi and Sports.
• Lead the implementation of a Planned Giving Program to build long-term sustainability.

Campaigns & Events:

• Direct and oversee the Annual Giving Campaign and signature fundraising events such as the Golf Tournament and Women’s Event.
• Collaborate with staff and lay leaders to plan and execute special projects, capital campaigns, and endowment initiatives.
• Partner with internal departments to ensure all fundraising activities align with agency priorities and compliance standards.

Operations & Administration:

• Manage donor databases and reporting systems to ensure accurate tracking, cultivation, and analytics.
• Provide regular fundraising reports and updates to the CEO and Board.
• Supervise and collaborate with development support staff.
• Attend Board meetings, community events, and JCC programs, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive fundraising experience, preferably within a multifaceted nonprofit or Jewish communal setting.
• Proven record of securing major gifts and corporate sponsorships.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic, creative, and data-informed approach to development and donor engagement.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with professionalism, humor, and grace.

Why Join the Alper JCC:

• Be part of a vibrant, mission-driven community organization with a strong culture of collaboration and care.
• Lead a dedicated team committed to creating meaningful impact across generations.

Located in sunny, beautiful Miami, FL, the sprawling Alper JCC Miami on The Jay Morton-Levinthal Campus lies in the heart of the suburb of Kendall. Convenient and accessible, our Center provides many opportunities for the Jewish community and all south Miami-Dade County residents to enjoy recreational, educational, cultural and social activities.We offer our members and guests the chance to meet and connect with individuals and families from all over. For fitness enthusiasts, our Fitness Center is a great place to play racquetball, train with a friend in the gym, play tennis or swim in our chilled/heated 25 yard outdoor swimming pool. Our Youth and Adult Building, home to a wide selection of adult programs and our children's department offers the young and young at heart a place to gather and socialize. Also, our Sablotsky Cultural Arts Center hosts visual arts exhibits and performance or all ages and focuses on bringing renowned Jewish artists, authors, and entertainers for the community to enjoy!