Application Guide
How to Apply for Director, Donor Engagement
at Foundation for Jewish Camp
🏢 About Foundation for Jewish Camp
Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) is a national nonprofit dedicated to transforming Jewish summer camps into vibrant centers of Jewish life. With a mission to engage youth in lifelong, joyful Judaism through camp experiences, FJC offers a unique blend of mission-driven work and a remote-first culture, allowing staff to make a tangible impact on Jewish continuity from anywhere in the US.
About This Role
As Director of Donor Engagement, you will be the driving force behind FJC's major gifts program, cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals capable of giving $25,000+ annually. You'll own the full donor journey—from identification and stewardship to event planning and proposal creation—directly fueling FJC's ability to grow the Jewish camp movement.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with reviewing Salesforce reports to identify outreach priorities, followed by a virtual coffee meeting with a prospective donor. Afternoon tasks could include drafting a personalized proposal for a $50,000 gift, collaborating with the events team on logistics for an upcoming donor salon, and ending with a debrief call with your supervisor on pipeline progress.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Foundation for Jewish Camp Is Looking For
- A seasoned major gift officer with 5+ years of experience and a proven track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts, ideally within Jewish nonprofit or educational organizations.
- A relationship-builder who thrives on managing a portfolio of 100-150 prospects through personalized, consistent outreach and can demonstrate tangible results in donor retention and upgrade.
- A strategic event planner who has led high-end donor events (e.g., galas, intimate dinners, site visits) from concept to execution, including vendor negotiation and guest experience.
- A compelling storyteller who can craft persuasive proposals and presentations that connect donors' passions to FJC's mission, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
📝 Tips for Applying to Foundation for Jewish Camp
Tailor your resume to highlight specific dollar amounts and numbers of gifts closed, especially those in the $25,000+ range, and include any experience with Jewish philanthropy or camp-related causes.
In your cover letter, explicitly reference FJC's mission and recent initiatives (e.g., their 'One Happy Camper' program or work with diverse camp networks) to show genuine interest.
Demonstrate tech proficiency by mentioning your experience with Salesforce or Asana in your application materials, as FJC uses these tools for donor tracking and project management.
If you have experience with virtual events or remote donor engagement, highlight it—FJC is a fully remote organization and may prioritize candidates who can build relationships without in-person meetings.
Submit a writing sample (e.g., a donor proposal or stewardship report) that showcases your ability to articulate impact and inspire giving, ideally aligned with Jewish communal values.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for Jewish communal life and camp experiences, and how your personal or professional background connects to FJC's mission.", "Concrete examples of major gifts you've secured ($25,000+) and the strategies you used to identify, cultivate, and steward those donors.", 'Your experience planning high-end donor events, including specific metrics like attendance, funds raised, or donor satisfaction.', 'Your proficiency with CRM systems (especially Salesforce) and project management tools, and how you use data to drive engagement decisions.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore FJC's website to understand their key programs like 'One Happy Camper,' 'Yitro,' and their work with specialty camps (e.g., disability inclusion, Israel trips).
- → Read FJC's annual report and recent press releases to learn about their funding priorities, major campaigns, and donor recognition programs.
- → Research the current landscape of Jewish camping—trends in enrollment, financial challenges, and the impact of COVID-19 on camp operations.
- → Look up the backgrounds of FJC's leadership team (CEO, Chief Development Officer) and board members to understand their philanthropic networks and priorities.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without specific references to Jewish camp or FJC's mission—show you understand their niche.
- Overlooking the remote nature of the role; don't assume in-person visits are central—emphasize virtual engagement strategies.
- Failing to quantify your achievements (e.g., 'managed a portfolio' vs. 'managed a portfolio of 120 donors, raising $1.2M annually').
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Foundation for Jewish Camp!