Director of Development and Communications at Atra: Center for Rabbinic Innovation

Director Of Development & Communications

Atra: Center For Rabbinic Innovation

Who We Are

Working at Atra: Center for Rabbinic Innovation means joining a lean, dynamic team committed to shaping a visionary and impactful future for rabbinic leadership. As a central platform and network, Atra empowers rabbis with practical tools, adaptive strategies, and community support to meet the evolving needs of the Jewish world.

In this first year of our new strategic plan, Atra is evolving from a start-up to a more structured, sustainable organization. We are investing in a brand and communications strategy to amplify our voice, deepen engagement and become a thought leader to support our next stage of growth.

The Position

The Director of Development & Communications (“DDC”) is a new role focused on strengthening Atra’s major gifts program, foundation partnerships, messaging and visibility. The DDC will both create and —drive compelling donor communications and public engagement, while ensuring Atra’s fundraising, messaging, and visibility strategies are clear, coordinated, and effective.

Who You Are

You are a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive development and communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment. You bring a strong track record of executing fundraising plans and managing high-level donor engagement, including six- and seven-figure gifts.

You are comfortable engaging with high-net-worth donors, preparing briefings, drafting compelling materials, joining meetings, and coordinating follow-up You are equally at ease writing donor updates, running events, or managing data as you are supervising staff and working with consultants. You translate big-picture goals into actionable plans, and ensure they are executed well.

This is a hybrid NYC-based role (2+ days per week in person at midtown NYC office), with some travel for donor meetings and conferences.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Support the Executive Director in cultivating and stewarding high-net-worth donors including preparing materials, coordinating follow-up, and attending donor meetings and briefings.
• Partner with the ED, board members, and task force volunteers to implement coordinated donor engagement plans and track progress.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive donor moves management system ensuring all communications, touchpoints, and next steps are planned, recorded, and reported.
• Manage foundation proposals and reporting logistics in collaboration with Atra’s contract grant writer.
• Plan, execute, and attend donor events, parlor meetings, and briefings in collaboration with staff and consultants to ensure smooth logistic and timely follow-up.

Communications & Pr

• Implement Atra’s communications plans across fundraising, program recruitment, alumni engagement and thought leadership–ensuring messaging is compelling, consistent, and on-brand.
• Develop and maintain systems for communications planning, including content calendars, deadlines, and approval processes.
• Partner with the ED and program team to communicate Atra’s impact through powerful storytelling for multiple audiences (donors, rabbis, foundations, and media).
• Partner with the program team to execute targeted communications strategies for recruitment and engagement.
• Manage consultants and internal staff to deliver high-quality content for newsletters, email campaigns, social media, website updates, and PR efforts, ensuring timelines are met and deliverables are aligned with Atra’s goals.
• Coordinate PR efforts to strengthen Atra’s visibility with Jewish and national media outlets, all in supporting the ED who serves as the lead spokesperson. 

Project Management and Infrastructure

• Serve as the project manager for development and communications, ensuring plans are clear, timelines realistic, deliverables aligned, and progress tracked and reported to leadership and the board.
• Supervise and mentor the Stakeholder Engagement & Project Manager, delegating while providing clear priorities and oversight.
• Collaborate with consultants, staff, and leadership to connect the dots across development, communications, and program work — ensuring alignment and efficiency.
• Provide proactive advice and solutions to the ED, anticipating challenges, flagging risks early, and adapting quickly when priorities shift. 

Qualifications

• 7-10 years nonprofit development experience, with a strong track record of supporting six- and seven-figure donor engagement and cultivating relationships with high-net-worth individuals in partnership with executive and board leadership.
• Experience preparing donor briefings, drafting compelling proposals, coordinating follow-ups, and ensuring a seamless donor experience.
• 5+ years experience executing integrated communications plans for program recruitment, fundraising, and PR.
• Strong fundraising, storytelling, writing, and editing skills
• Track record of building or strengthening development and communications infrastructure (CRM, donor moves management, content calendar and reporting
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities with strong project management skills: keeping timelines clear, deliverables tracked, and stakeholders aligned.
• Strong familiarity with the Jewish philanthropic landscape.

How Atra Takes Care Of You

• The competitive compensation range for this role is $130,000 - $150,000.
• We honor the value of your work—because meaningful contributions deserve meaningful pay. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may be dependent on a variety of factors including, experience, education, special licensing or qualifications, and other factors.
• Access to great health, dental, and vision insurance through Hillel International.
• Extensive Commuter, Dependent Care and Medical HSA/FSA options, as well.
• With flexible time off and a hybrid NYC work setup, you can take the time you need to rest, reset, and show up fully.
• We support your growth with professional development opportunities—from courses to coaching—and encourage learning at every level.
• You’ll join a supportive, mission-aligned environment where your voice matters and your work helps shape what’s next. 

#Li-Hybrid

About Hillel International

In 1923, Rabbi Benjamin Frankel started Hillel with humble means, a noble mission and a breathtaking vision: to convey Jewish civilization to a new generation. Today, Hillel International continues to enrich the lives of Jewish students and is the largest Jewish campus organization in the world at nearly 1,000 colleges and universities across North America and around the world. As Hillel evolves as an organization, the mission remains steadfast: to create lasting connections with every Jewish student that foster an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel and train them to become the next Jewish leaders.

Hillel is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an accepting and inclusive environment for all.