Application Guide

How to Apply for Associate Director of Development - West Coast Region

at Hadassah, WZOA, Inc.

🏢 About Hadassah, WZOA, Inc.

Hadassah, WZOA, Inc. is a leading women's Zionist organization with a rich history of impactful work in Israel, particularly through the renowned Hadassah Medical Organization. Employees are part of a mission-driven community that combines philanthropy, volunteerism, and a deep connection to Jewish values and Israeli healthcare, education, and social services.

About This Role

This role focuses on building and nurturing relationships with donors across the West Coast Region to increase philanthropic support for Hadassah's initiatives. As an Associate Director, you will manage a portfolio of 150-200 donors, create tailored cultivation plans, and collaborate with volunteers to drive fundraising success, directly contributing to critical programs in Israel.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing Salesforce reports to identify new prospects, drafting personalized email outreach to donors, and preparing for a virtual meeting with a volunteer leader to plan a cultivation event. You'll also spend time on the phone or video calls with donors, updating records, and collaborating with the national philanthropy team on regional strategies.

🎯 Who Hadassah, WZOA, Inc. Is Looking For

  • A fundraising professional with up to 5 years of experience, ideally in a nonprofit or Jewish communal organization, with a proven track record of donor cultivation and solicitation.
  • Someone who thrives in a volunteer-driven environment and can effectively partner with lay leaders to achieve fundraising goals.
  • Proficient in Salesforce or similar CRM, with strong organizational skills to manage a large portfolio and track interactions meticulously.
  • An excellent communicator and public speaker who can articulate Hadassah's mission compellingly to diverse audiences.

📝 Tips for Applying to Hadassah, WZOA, Inc.

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific fundraising metrics, such as dollars raised or portfolio growth, and any experience with annual giving programs.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention your familiarity with Zionist values or Hadassah's work, as this demonstrates cultural alignment.

3

Showcase your experience working with volunteers by providing concrete examples of successful collaborations and outcomes.

4

If you have Salesforce experience, detail your proficiency level and any customizations or reports you've created.

5

Research Hadassah's current campaigns and mention them in your application to show genuine interest and initiative.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express passion for Hadassah's mission, particularly its medical and educational work in Israel, and how it aligns with your personal values.", 'Highlight your ability to manage a regional portfolio remotely, emphasizing self-motivation and strong time management.', "Provide specific examples of how you've cultivated and solicited donors, including any success with annual giving or stewardship.", 'Demonstrate your experience working with volunteers, such as training or partnering with them for fundraising events or calls.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Learn about Hadassah Medical Organization's recent achievements, such as new research or facilities, to discuss during interviews.
  • Familiarize yourself with Hadassah's annual giving programs and any current campaigns on the West Coast.
  • Understand the role of volunteers in Hadassah's structure and how they are engaged in fundraising.
  • Review Hadassah's history and its significance in the Zionist movement to demonstrate cultural fit.
Visit Hadassah, WZOA, Inc.'s Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach building relationships with 150-200 donors on the West Coast, many of whom you may never meet in person?
2 Describe a time you successfully partnered with a volunteer to secure a major gift. What was your role and the outcome?
3 How do you prioritize your portfolio and manage your time when working remotely?
4 What strategies have you used to upgrade annual giving donors to higher levels?
5 How would you leverage Salesforce to track donor interactions and identify new prospects?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't overlook the volunteer partnership aspect; failing to emphasize collaborative work with volunteers can be a major drawback.
  • Avoid generic fundraising language that doesn't connect to Hadassah's specific mission or the West Coast region.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of database management; be prepared to discuss your CRM experience in detail.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Hadassah, WZOA, Inc.!