Director of Advancement Events & Foundation Relations in Sherman Oaks, California at American Jewish University

Job Title: Director of Advancement Events & Foundation Relations

Salary Range: $110,000 to $120,000

Department: Advancement
Reports To: Vice President for Advancement
Location: 4 days/week in person (Sherman Oaks), Friday remote
Status: Exempt

Hours: 35 hours/week

About American Jewish University

American Jewish University (AJU)’s mission is singularly focused on the future of Jewish life in North America—training and educating the next generation of rabbis, educators, professionals, and lay leaders, and creating innovative, dynamic pathways for Jewish learning and living. With campuses in Sherman Oaks, Beverly Hills, and Simi Valley, CA, along with distance education programs that reach learners across the nation and around the world, AJU is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education offering degree-granting and for-credit academic programs, as well as community-based (non-formal academic) learning opportunities.

AJU offers a variety of degree-granting programming, such as fully online programs in early childhood education at the BA, MA, EdD, and certificate levels, as well as an EdD in Jewish Education and Communal Leadership. The University also offers an in-person MA in Rabbinic Studies and ordains Conservative rabbis. In addition, AJU delivers for-credit online supplemental undergraduate programming to high school students and teens nationwide. In 2024–25, the University enrolled 150 full-time equivalent (FTE) students across all programs.

Position Summary

American Jewish University (AJU) seeks a highly organized, proactive, and donor-centric Director of Advancement Events & Foundation Relations. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the successful execution of fundraising and engagement events, as well as foundation grant writing, proposals and reporting that advance AJU's mission and philanthropic goals. This role will work closely with the Vice President for Advancement and collaborate with colleagues to strengthen donor and alumni relationships and support key fundraising initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities

Event Planning & Management

• Manage event execution from planning through post-event follow-up and stewardship.
• Directly oversee all aspects and logistics of fundraising events, donor gatherings, and cultivation activities including venue coordination/management, registration process, timelines, and attendee communications.
• Coordinate with vendors to ensure timely delivery of services and adherence to agreements.
• Develop, monitor and stay within event budgets.
• Process and track invoices, contracts, and payments.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.

Foundation Grants Management

• Write and submit grant proposals and reports to foundations and institutional funders.
• Collaborate with academic, programmatic and finance staff to gather information required for grant reports and proposals.
• Maintain reporting calendars and ensure timely compliance with grant requirements.
• Serve as a liaison with foundation representatives regarding reporting, documentation, and stewardship needs.
• Work in conjunction with grant writing consultant on more complex grant applications.
• Track grant fulfillment and follow-up with foundation as well as internal colleagues.
• Foundation and grant opportunities research.

Other Key Duties

• Partner closely with the Vice President for Advancement on strategic initiatives and special projects as needed.

Qualifications & Desired Attributes

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising.
• Expertise in coordinating and overseeing fundraising and donor engagement events.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing effective proposals.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and donor database/CRM systems.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with donors, volunteers, community leaders, and colleagues.
• Resourceful, collaborative, and solutions-oriented.
• Flexibility to support evolving organizational priorities.
• Knowledge of and experience working within the Jewish community, Jewish nonprofit sector, or Jewish philanthropic landscape strongly preferred.

Compensation

• This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $110,000 to $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated track record.
• American Jewish University offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plan participation; paid time off; and other employee benefits.
• Total compensation is designed to be competitive with peer institutions and reflective of the scope, complexity, and strategic impact of the role.

This may not be all inclusive and responsibilities may change over time.