TITLE:

National Leadership Director

INSTITUTION:

The Israel Project (TIP)

WEBSITE:

www.theisraelproject.org

LOCATION:

Washington, DC  

BACKGROUND:

TIP BOARD OF
DIRECTORS:

TIP has a 19-member Board of Directors (by-laws provide for up to 35 members).  Its Chair is Lennert J. Leader, former President of AOL Time Warner Ventures. Mr. Leader became Board Chair on October 1, 2009, succeeding Arlene Bearman, Ph.D. who served as TIP’s second Chair from December 2, 2007 to September 30, 2009. Dr. Bearman succeeded Michael C. Gelman who served as Chair of TIP’s Board of Directors for 3-1/2 years. Both Dr. Bearman and Mr. Gelman continue to serve on TIP’s Board and Executive Committee as Chair Emeriti.   
 

TIP MANAGEMENT TEAM:

The National Leadership Director will be a critical member of TIP’s senior management team. 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND FUNDRAISING:

TIP has a current annual operating budget of $6.5 million, all of which is raised privately from individuals and foundations.  TIP does not accept contributions from any government or governmental entity.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

The National Leadership Director reports directly to TIP’s President and Founder.  S/he also works closely with TIP’s Chief Operating Officer and Board of Directors.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The National Leadership Director is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive, global, short- and long-range development strategy, with a primary focus of managing our fundraising staff and consultants as well as on high-end ($20K plus) individual donors and foundations. Major gift cultivation either independently or in conjunction with the President and CEO or Board members, is a principal responsibility.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Day-to-Day Leadership of Development Team

• Successful candidate will lead and supervise the Development Team including: 
   
      Senior Development Director (grant/report writer) 
      Development Events-Logistics Coordinator 
      Development Assistant(s)
      Development Consultants (as needed)
      Development Volunteers
  
  
• Database management
    
• Development Department budget 
   
• Ability to manage numerous staff and multiple projects simultaneously is essential.

Major Gift Cultivation

• Develops and implements a short- and long-range global development strategy for all levels of giving.
  
  
• Develops, enhances and maintains a close working relationship with the philanthropic community, TIP Board members and other pro-Israel related organizations throughout the United States. 
  
   
• Personally cultivates high-end donors. Utilizes the President and Board members in this effort, as appropriate.

Board Liaison and Board Development

• Works closely with the committed and active Board.
  
  
• Enhances the Board through identification and recruitment of new Board members.
  
  
• Works with senior management team to establish a Board level Development Committee and serves as staff liaison to the Development Committee. 
  
  

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS:

It is essential that the National Leadership Director possess a solid understanding of the Middle East, a commitment to Israel and be passionately committed to Israel’s long-term security.

The successful candidate must possess experience developing, implementing and managing a complex strategic development program and a track record of personally identifying, cultivating and closing major gifts from individual donors and foundations.  A reputation in the philanthropic community for personal and professional integrity is required; familiarity and some experience with funding communities nationwide preferred.    

The National Leadership Director must possess excellent management experience and communication skills. The ability to influence potential donors and existing donors through substantive and informed communication regarding TIP's performance measurements is essential.   

Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to build teamwork and motivate a wide variety of individuals and stakeholders are key requirements, as is a sense of urgency and the ability to juggle multiple priorities. 

TIP functions with the pressure of a political campaign.  Therefore, the National Leadership Director must be able to function in this high-speed, non-partisan political environment.
 

LOCATION OF POSITION:

Washington, DC

TRAVEL:

It is expected the National Leadership Director will travel approximately 15% of the time.  Many of these trips will be day trips (i.e., New York or Boston).  Travel to Israel approximately once a year.

COMPENSATION:

A competitive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate.

TIP Internship Program

The Israel Project (TIP) is also seeking interns for its Washington, DC office.  These are all unpaid and/or for college credit internships.   To be considered for any of the following internships, please submit an appropriate cover letter and resume via email to interns@theisraelproject.org. 

Strategic Communications Interns
The Israel Project in DC is offering an internship opportunity for graduate students in journalism, communications, international relations, political science, Middle East studies or related subjects.
Interns will benefit from this unique opportunity which is based on substantive contacts with leading journalists and communications professionals and practical experience that gives participants broad, out-of-classroom experience. During the program, TIP interns have the opportunity to develop long-term career-building relationships with reporters and experts on the Middle East.
Interns will work according to an individually arranged schedule. You will research background information, write short papers and fact sheets, assist with media events, conduct extensive research on the Internet and update our website. Interns of European origin will work mainly for our European brand which focuses strongly on Iran and its nuclear program.
The internship is unpaid. Office space and equipment will be provided.

Requirements:

• Work commitment: 15 hours/week or more for at least 3 months (negotiable)
  
  
• BA degree or equivalent
  
  
• Interest in Israel and the Middle East and commitment to work in an Israel advocacy organization
  
  
• Ability to work independently, self organized and reliable
  
  
• Good skills in Microsoft office programs
  
  
• Good English skills
  

Preferred:

• Language skills in Spanish, French, Russian, German or Arabic
  
  
• Experience in journalism or PR
  
  
• Skills in Content Management Systems (CMS) and website formatting
  
  
• Knowledge of European and international media