The American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science (ACWIS) is seeking an Executive Director of Development for the state of Florida to join our team of dedicated professionals who share the Weizmann Institute’s mission: science for the benefit of humanity. ACWIS develops philanthropic support in the United States for the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS), one of the world's premier scientific research institutions based in Rehovot, Israel. The Weizmann Institute, which was originally founded in 1934 as the Daniel Sieff Research Institute, is a center of basic interdisciplinary scientific research and graduate study addressing crucial problems in technology, medicine and health, energy, agriculture, and the environment.
Noted for its wide-ranging exploration of the natural and exact sciences, the Institute is home to 3,800 scientists, students, technicians, and supporting staff. Institute research efforts include the search for new ways of fighting disease and hunger, examining leading questions in mathematics and computer science, probing the physics of matter and the universe, creating novel materials, and developing new strategies for protecting the environment.
The American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science (ACWIS) was founded in 1944 by a group of American visionaries inspired by the dreams of Dr. Chaim Weizmann, the eminent chemist and Zionist leader who later became the first President of the State of Israel. Outstanding business, intellectual and opinion leaders soon joined the Committee to participate in exciting projects of support. Supporters of ACWIS have been, and are today, partners with Weizmann Institute scientists in the search for answers to the most difficult challenges facing humanity.
ACWIS is a national network of dedicated volunteers and professional staff who share a common vision with the Institute in advancing science for the benefit of humanity and strengthening Israel through science and technology. ACWIS develops philanthropic support for research at Weizmann; educates the American public about the Institute's research; and represents the Institute's interests in the United States. In its 75-year history, ACWIS has raised more than $2.5 billion, averaging more than $65 million a year over the past decade.
The American Committee seeks a dynamic and savvy leader who is successful in managing a robust fundraising operation through the solicitation and closing of gifts at the six-figure and above level. The Executive Director of Development, Florida will develop, engage, and solicit a portfolio of prospective donors capable of gifts of $250,000 to $5 million or more, while also leading a team of development professionals.
Responsibilities include developing and managing an assigned portfolio of prospective donors assessing, engaging, and inspiring giving to the various science and research priorities of WIS. The Executive Director of Development will work independently to arrange in-person meetings including follow up, working collaboratively and creatively leading the regional team, Weizmann faculty and volunteers, to plan and implement thoughtful engagement, solicitation, and stewardship strategies. The selected candidate will be expected to contribute in a comprehensive manner to ACWIS’ strategic plan, priorities, programs, and key financial measures in order to best represent the Institute’s interests.
Reporting to the Senior Vice President, the Executive Director of Development will focus primarily on identifying fundraising priorities for the Florida regional team consisting of three professionals. This includes developing and broadening the major gifts pool, soliciting leadership gifts, and strengthening donor stewardship. The potential candidate will join a national team of approximately 20 frontline fundraising professionals across the nation.
ACWIS has retained the services of CNA International to conduct this search. All applications may be directed in confidence to: resumes@cnaint.com
Please include a cover letter and insert ACWIS-ED, Florida in the subject line of your emailed application.
ACWIS is an equal opportunity employer.