Director of Philanthropy

About TOP Jewish Foundation

TOP Jewish Foundation (“TOP”) is the community foundation serving Jewish Federations, community organizations, and philanthropists throughout Florida’s West Coast and Central Florida. Founded in 1980, TOP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to securing the future of the organizations we serve through innovative philanthropy, Jewish-inspired values, and extraordinary service.

As the planned giving partner for Jewish organizations across Tampa, Orlando, Pinellas, Naples, Fort Myers, Gainesville, Brevard, Ormond Beach and surrounding communities, TOP works with donors to create meaningful charitable legacies and with partner organizations that strengthen Jewish life creating a lasting impact locally, nationally, and around the world. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, TOP is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven Director of Philanthropy to join our growing team.

Position Summary

The Director of Philanthropy is a senior leadership position responsible for cultivating philanthropic relationships, expanding charitable investments, and advancing TOP’s mission through strategic gift planning and donor engagement.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director serves as a trusted philanthropic advisor to donors, prospective donors, professional advisors, and partner organizations. This individual helps philanthropists translate their values into meaningful charitable impact by developing customized giving strategies and guiding donors through a variety of planned and legacy giving opportunities. The Director also partners closely with Jewish communal organizations throughout the region to strengthen their legacy programs, increase endowment support, and foster a culture of long-term philanthropy. Success in this role requires exceptional relationship-building skills, comfort in initiating conversations, strategic thinking, collaboration, and a passion for helping donors create enduring legacies.

Key Responsibilities

Philanthropic Leadership

• Develop and execute TOP’s strategic initiatives.
• Obtain new donor prospects and manage a portfolio of current donors through all stages of cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and long-term relationship management.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to individuals and families seeking to achieve their charitable and legacy planning goals.
• Present charitable giving strategies utilizing Donor Advised Funds, Endowment Funds, Agency Fund and other planned giving vehicles.

Relationship Development

• Build and strengthen relationships with attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors, trust officers, and wealth management professionals to generate philanthropic referrals.
• Collaborate with professional and volunteer leadership of partner organizations throughout TOP’s service area to identify philanthropic opportunities and increase long-term investments.
• Represent TOP within the Jewish community and at professional, educational, and community events.

Legacy & Community Partnerships

• Develop educational seminars, donor appreciation events, and professional advisor programs that promote charitable planning.
• Support the Legacy Program Coordinator in advancing participating organizations within the Life & Legacy Program™.
• Assist partner organizations in strengthening their legacy giving efforts through coaching, education, and strategic planning.

Marketing & Communications

• Partner with the TOP team to develop compelling marketing, educational, and stewardship materials that communicate TOP’s mission and impact.
• Stay current on charitable planning trends, tax law developments, and best practices in philanthropy and planned giving.
• Update educational resources and training materials as needed.

Organizational Leadership

• Collaborate with accounting and administrative staff to ensure planned gifts are documented and administered accurately.
• Participate as an engaged member of TOP’s leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and growth.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is an accomplished relationship-builder who combines strategic thinking with exceptional interpersonal skills and a genuine passion for philanthropy.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification in nonprofit management, business, law, finance, or a related field preferred.
• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in philanthropy, planned giving, nonprofit leadership, financial services, wealth management, estate planning, legal practice, and/or a related profession.
• Demonstrated success securing, cultivating, managing, and stewarding high-value client or donor relationships.
• The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial relationship-builder who is comfortable initiating conversations with high-capacity prospects, professional advisors, and organizational leadership.
• Strong understanding of charitable gift planning principles and philanthropic strategies, or the ability to quickly develop expertise in these areas.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to work effectively across teams and communities.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and committed to exceptional donor service.
• Knowledge of Jewish traditions, values, and the organized Jewish community, or the ability to develop a deep understanding of Jewish philanthropy and communal life.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and donor relationship management systems.
• Ability to successfully complete required background screenings.
• Willingness to travel throughout Central and Southwest Florida.

Preferred

• Experience with planned giving, endowments, donor advised funds, foundations, or charitable trusts.
• CFRE, CAP® or other relevant professional designation.
• Experience working with volunteer leadership, boards, and professional advisors.

Compensation & Benefits

TOP offers a competitive compensation package and a collaborative, mission-driven work environment.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Medical insurance with TOP paying 85% of employee premium
• 401(k) with 4% employer match
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid vacation beginning at 10 days annually
• Paid national and Jewish holidays
• Optional dental, vision, and hospitalization coverage
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on Jewish communities across Florida and beyond

Work Location

The preferred location for this position is TOP’s headquarters in Tampa, Florida. Regular travel throughout Central and Southwest Florida is expected.

Applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, including routine office activities, operating computer equipment, carrying materials up to 20 pounds, and navigating office facilities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

TOP Jewish Foundation is committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful workplace where every individual is valued. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.