Director, Partnership Development

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Meet Israel FirstFruits

Israel Firstfruits is the culmination of a process that began decades ago with early efforts of the emergent community of faith in Israel. The next generation, convinced of the need to strengthen the economic foundation of the local Body, came together and formed the Messianic Business Fellowship (2007) and Mofet Avi ministry (2009). In 2012, this group of locals, together with international business leaders, founded Israel Firstfruits, an NGO focused on economic development within Israel. What began with a handful of volunteers in Israel has since grown into a global network of believers passionate about empowering and equipping entrepreneurs, business leaders and marketplace professionals in the Land of Israel. 

We are a development and networking hub for:

• Believers in Israel (Jews, Arabs and Gentiles) who are called to the marketplace, with a special focus on business leaders and entrepreneurs.
• Believers worldwide who see the marketplace as a key channel for advancing the Kingdom of God.

Israel Firstfruits is a unique, one-of-a-kind intersection of Israel, Business and Kingdom. And we believe the marketplace is the best place to impact Israel and the world.

About the Director, Partnership Development

The Partnership Development Officer/Director will be a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for cultivating and stewarding relationships with major donors and partners, as well as strategically expanding Firstfruits’ network of supporters in the US and potentially internationally. This role requires a unique blend of pastoral care, fundraising acumen, and business/entrepreneurial understanding to effectively engage with high-capacity leaders who are passionate about seeing the Kingdom of God advance in Israel through business. The ideal candidate will be a strong relational leader with the ability to teach, listen, and provide wise counsel to partners, while also effectively communicating the vision and impact of Firstfruits

The Director, Partnership Development responsibilities include:

Major Donor Stewardship:

• Cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with approximately 50 key partners and champions
• Provide regular “soul care” and genuine interest in the well-being of partners.
• Serve as a primary point of contact and build trust, ensuring partners feel valued and connected to the mission. 
• Actively engage with partners through phone calls, emails, and potentially in-person meetings (approximately quarterly travel).

Champion Engagement and Network Growth:

• Catalyze existing champions to organize house gatherings and events to share the Firstfruits story and mission with their networks.
• Identify and cultivate new champions and potential partners through organic networking and strategic outreach.

Strategic Partnership Development:

• Identify and engage with significant churches, Christian business networks & gatherings, and family offices to build new partnerships.
• Follow up on leads and cultivate relationships with individuals and organizations aligned with Firstfruits’ mission.
• Potentially explore expansion opportunities in South America, Europe, and Asia.

Organizational Leadership and Communication :

• Serve as a member of the executive leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and organizational direction.
• Effectively communicate Firstfruits’ vision, values, and impact with authority and clarity, including potential teaching opportunities at conferences.
• Collaborate with the US and Israeli Boards, acting as a key connector and activator.

Administrative and Reporting Tasks:

• Utilize CRM (Salesforce) to document interactions and manage partner information (comfort with CRM is expected, not necessarily expert-level proficiency)
• Assist with grant writing opportunities as appropriate.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the leadership team and boards

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Director, Partnership Development:

Education and experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree is required; an MBA or relevant advanced degree is beneficial
• Significant leadership and management experience in a business OR experience in building a significant business (as a founder or key contributor)
• Experience in an executive pastor role or similar ministry leadership with donor stewardship responsibilities is highly desirable.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• A strong understanding of both the business and ministry worlds, with the ability to speak the language of business leaders as a peer while maintaining a solid theological foundation.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain authentic, long-term relationships with high-capacity individuals
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to teach, listen, and provide wise counsel
• Proven ability to ask for and secure financial support (prior fundraising experience is important)

Personal characteristics and qualifications

• A passion for advancing the Kingdom of God and a strong understanding of the importance of Israel
• High emotional intelligence, a driven and entrepreneurial spirit, and a curious mindset
• Alignment with Firstfruits’ core values and theological essentials

Location and Travel:

• Preferred location in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area due to the existing US office and a significant concentration of donors, but remote candidates may be considered depending on experience and fit
• Quarterly travel is expected, primarily within the US, to engage with partners and cultivate new relationships.
• Expectation to travel to Israel 1-2 times per year (approximately 2-3 weeks per trip) as part of the executive team

What it’s like to live in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

(Note: Remote work is a possibility for this role)

Living in the Dallas/Fort Worth area is a vibrant experience, where the warmth of Southern hospitality meets the excitement of a growing metropolitan community. Here, we are blessed with a rich tapestry of cultural diversity, a booming economy, and a host of opportunities for families, professionals, and individuals alike. From the bustling streets of Dallas to the historic charm of Fort Worth, the region offers an abundance of arts, sports, and dining, all set against the backdrop of beautiful weather and outdoor activities. Whether you’re seeking a place to work, raise a family, or simply enjoy life, the DFW area welcomes all with open arms, ready to create a community built on faith, connection, and shared experiences.