POSITION SPECIFICATION

Elluminate

Senior Director of Development

New York Metropolitan Area

ABOUT ELLUMINATE

Elluminate is creating transformative change by investing in Jewish women’s leadership and advancing gender-based philanthropy. Through its groundbreaking programs and bold vision, Elluminate is catalyzing a movement of women changemakers—both nonprofit leaders and the philanthropists who support them.

Over the past seven years, Elluminate has evolved from a traditional grantmaking organization into a dynamic, forward-thinking force for gender equity in the philanthropic sector. Its signature program, The Collective, is a cohort-based fellowship for Jewish women nonprofit CEOs, complemented by initiatives that educate and activate donors around giving through a gender lens. The organization is now poised for growth, with untapped philanthropic opportunities and strong alignment between its mission and the moment.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Elluminate seeks an energetic, mission-driven, and entrepreneurial Senior Director of Development (‘Senior Director’) to drive the organization’s next chapter of philanthropic growth and serve as lead fundraiser. This is a unique opportunity for a bold and strategic fundraiser to build and scale a major gifts program, expand Elluminate’s donor community, and deepen engagement among values-aligned philanthropists.

Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the leadership team, the Senior Director will be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive development strategy. This includes growing the major gifts portfolio, increasing institutional support, forging strategic partnerships, and inspiring a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Key responsibilities include:

Development Leadership & Strategy

• Design and lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy focused on significantly expanding major individual giving among women philanthropists and aligned supporters.
• Translate feasibility study insights and untapped donor potential into actionable revenue growth strategies.
• Establish and monitor metrics to track fundraising progress and report regularly to the CEO and Board.

Major Gifts & Donor Engagement

• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual major donors and prospects.
• Partner with the CEO and Board to develop customized cultivation strategies and maximize relationship-building opportunities.
• Drive growth in annual giving while laying the groundwork for multi-year and transformational gifts.

Institutional & Strategic Partnerships

• Cultivate and expand relationships with foundations, corporate partners, and aligned philanthropic institutions.
• Ensure Elluminate’s mission and programs are compellingly communicated to a wide range of funders and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with consultants and program staff to align fundraising with marketing and communications strategy.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate is a dynamic self-starter who thrives in entrepreneurial settings and is passionate about advancing gender equity and Jewish women’s leadership. The Senior Director will bring:

• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in development, with a strong record in frontline fundraising and major gifts.

• Demonstrated success building or scaling fundraising initiatives, ideally in a mission-driven, fast-moving environment.

• Experience working closely with organizational leaders and Board members on high-level donor strategy.

• Comfort fundraising independently and collaboratively; able to roll up sleeves and lead with both strategy and execution.

• Experience with CRM systems and collaborating with a database manager to produce and utilize donor reports.

• A deep appreciation for social impact, Jewish values, and the power of community-led leadership.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Hybrid role based in the New York Metropolitan Area. In-person presence expected 3 days per week. Travel (including some weekends/evenings) will be required for donor meetings, events, and speaking engagements.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: $160,000 - $175,000 commensurate with experience and generous benefits.

TO APPLY: Qualified candidates should submit their resume and a thoughtful cover letter.

Elluminate is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or background.