This week’s Community Spotlight looks a little different because the person we’re spotlighting isn’t in the room…yet.

The Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies is cleverly searching for its next Director of Development with help from Federation’s My Jewish Buffalo e-newsletter, and Foundation wants someone whose story is deeply rooted in Jewish Buffalo.

The ideal candidate is someone who understands that philanthropy is not just about dollars, it’s about relationships, trust, and legacy. This is a professional who has spent years developing client relationships and offering guidance for their clients. This individual might be an attorney, accountant, insurance professional, wealth manager, or some other professional capable of helping families navigate complex decisions with care and integrity. Someone who understands that technical expertise is important, but personal relationships matter even more. 

This person has long been known in the community not only for professional excellence, but for generosity of spirit, and they now wish to enter the next chapter of their life as a servant leader, a listener, a builder, a connector. They have a deep respect for Jewish values, including Tzedakah, Tikkun Olam, Gemilut Chasadim, and L’dor V’dor, and believe that growing a strong Jewish Buffalo is both a responsibility and a privilege.

They are energized by helping donors translate passion into impact, and by building bridges between generations.

The Director of Development is the public face of the Foundation, stewarding long-standing relationships, cultivating new partnerships, and helping families carry their values forward. They are equally comfortable in a boardroom, a donor’s living room, or a community gathering. They bring professionalism, warmth, discretion, and a genuine love of people.

If this sounds like your journey or someone you know we’d love to talk. For more information, please feel free to reach out to Irv Levy at 716-204-1139, [email protected] or any of the Foundation Board Members. You can also view the full job description here.