[Hiring] Development Associate @Union for Reform Judaism

Role Description

The Union for Reform Judaism's (URJ) Eisner and Crane Lake Camps create meaningful Jewish experiences, lifelong friendships, and a deep sense of belonging for generations of campers and families. The Development Associate helps inspire the philanthropic support that makes those experiences possible and strengthens the camps for the future. As a key member of the development team, the Development Associate connects families, alumni, volunteers, and donors to the impact of camp through annual and grassroots fundraising, meaningful donor experiences, and thoughtful stewardship. The Associate manages fundraising campaigns, builds donor relationships, engages volunteers, and helps develop the pipeline of future supporters while coordinating the communications and systems that help the development program thrive.

What You Will Do

• Drive Annual Giving & Donor Engagement
  • Manage annual and grassroots fundraising initiatives, including Camp Giving Day, the Olim Legacy Project, In-Honor-of-Counselor campaigns, Giving Tuesday, and year-end giving.
  • Partner with the Development team to develop campaign goals, audiences, messaging, outreach, and follow-up.
  • Manage a portfolio of annual donors and prospects, building relationships that strengthen retention, re-engage lapsed donors, and encourage increased giving.
  • Recruit and engage volunteers to support fundraising campaigns and donor outreach.
  • Support donor visits, gatherings, and other in-person engagement opportunities at camp during the summer and throughout the year.
  • Help identify donors and prospects with the potential for deeper engagement and future major giving.
  • Track results and donor activity to strengthen future fundraising efforts.
• Coordinate Fundraising Communications & Stewardship
  • Develop fundraising communications across email, direct mail, digital channels, and other donor touchpoints.
  • Create compelling content that connects donors to the experiences, people, and future of Eisner and Crane Lake.
  • Coordinate donor stewardship and recognition, including acknowledgements, impact reporting, and in-person donor experiences.
• Support a Strong Development Program
  • Maintain accurate donor and gift information, campaign calendars, lists, and reports.
  • Support gift processing, reconciliation, and grant administration in partnership with URJ colleagues.
  • Use donor data and systems to support outreach, identify opportunities, and strengthen development practices.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant experience in fundraising, development, donor or alumni engagement, communications, community engagement, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating campaigns, projects, events, or other initiatives involving multiple deadlines and stakeholders.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Comfort working with databases, CRM systems, or other tools used to track relationships and activity.
• Ability to participate in occasional in-person meetings and spend the summer in residence at Eisner and Crane Lake during the camp season.

Keys to Success (the must-haves)

• Relationship Builder: You enjoy connecting with people, listening to what matters to them, and building relationships over time. You are comfortable initiating outreach and asking people to support something you believe in.
• Strong Communicator: You communicate warmly and clearly, whether writing a fundraising appeal, corresponding with a donor, or working with a volunteer.
• Strong Executor: You can take a campaign or project from plan through completion, keeping track of deadlines, details, and follow-up along the way.
• Organized & Detail-Oriented: You manage multiple priorities without losing sight of the details that create a strong donor experience.
• Collaborative: You enjoy working as part of a team and can build productive relationships with colleagues, volunteers, and community members.
• Curious & Eager to Grow: You are interested in developing your fundraising skills, learning from results, and taking on greater responsibility over time.
• Connected to the Mission: You are motivated by the role Jewish camp can play in building community, connection, and Jewish life.

Application Process

Please apply online and include a resume and a one-page cover letter describing your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the qualifications listed. We look forward to hearing from you!

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The URJ is committed to creating a workplace where people of diverse backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives feel welcome, respected, and able to thrive. We believe inclusiveness strengthens our organization and our work. We make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We encourage applications from people whose identities and experiences have been historically underrepresented in our workplaces and communities.