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Website The Family & Youth Institute

Reports to: Executive Director

Compensation: $70,000 – $90,000

About The Family and Youth Institute

The Family & Youth Institute (The FYI) is a national 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to mental health research and education for the well-being of Muslim Americans. Through community-centered research, solution-seeking, and education, they aim to reshape narratives within the Muslim community and broader societal systems to foster mental health and well-being. Rapidly growing, especially in response to increased demand for our research and community education offerings, The FYI envisions a world where every person, family, and community not only survives but flourishes, evolving together for a brighter future.

The Role

The FYI is looking for an accomplished Major Gifts Officer driven by a profound passion to advance Muslim mental health and family wellness through impactful development initiatives. Collaborating closely with dedicated board members and visionary staff leaders, the Major Gifts Officer will play a pivotal role in nurturing relationships with key donors, ensuring the enduring financial strength and sustainability of the organization. Join us in promoting mental wellness and family harmony within the Muslim community.

Impact Areas 

  • Lead The FYI’s extensive development program, placing special emphasis on major gifts.
  • Participate actively in all phases of the donor pipeline: identification, research-based qualification, cultivation, briefing, support request, follow-up, stewardship, and recognition.
  • Cultivate and broaden relationships with major gift donors through direct solicitations, donor receptions, in-person visits, and regular communication.
  • Establish and oversee a donor database, meticulously tracking communication and interactions.
  • Ensure the accuracy and currency of donor databases, monitoring contributions and interactions.
  • Oversee private fundraising events, managing logistics, coordination, and post-event follow-up.
  • Generate monthly reports to assess and monitor major gift fundraising metrics.
  • Collaborate with the marketing and communication team to create compelling materials conveying the organization’s mission and impact.
  • Fulfill additional responsibilities as requested by the Executive Director.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

  • Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and networking skills
  • Project management skills, multitasking ability, and keen attention to detail
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Familiarity with ethical fundraising practices and compliance with relevant regulations
  • Ability to thrive in both independent and team-based work, effectively collaborating with diverse constituencies
  • Familiarity with fundraising software and databases
  • Bachelor’s degree and development certification (CFRE) preferred
  • Over 5 years of major planned giving experience, preferably within Muslim nonprofits
  • Direct experience in proposal preparation and conducting major gift solicitations is essential
  • Proven track record of successfully securing major gifts of $10K or more
  • Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including weekends, evenings, and limited pre-planned overnight travel
  • Knowledgeable about the Muslim community funder landscape

How to Apply

The Family & Youth Institute has retained the services of Charity Search Group to coordinate the search for this position. To apply, please complete this online application. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Ranata Reeder at ranata@charitysearchgroup.com ​or visit www.charitysearchgroup.com.

The Family & Youth Institute is committed to providing employees with an environment of mutual respect in which the values of diversity, safety, continuous improvement, and hard work are supported and encouraged. We work diligently to engender fairness, responsibility, trustworthiness, and teamwork to advance our mission.

To apply for this job email your details to ranata@charitysearchgroup.com

Zakat eligibility of The FYI

The Family & Youth Institute, or The FYI, is a well-known Muslim organization in the United States. It works to promote mental health and wellness by strengthening and empowering individuals, families, and communities through research and education. It has been working for many years to bring Islamic perspectives to understanding and promoting mental health in our communities.

It is dedicated to serving and supporting Muslims – safeguarding our deen, our families, and our future generations. Therefore, the work of The FYI comes in the category of ‘fi sabeelillah’ or the Path of Allah, within the eight categories where Zakat money can be used.

Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah, and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah, And Allah, is Knowing and Wise.”
(Al-Tawbah 9:60)

According to scholars who widen the meaning of fee sabeelillah to include any activities that promote Islamic growth, The FYI is indeed eligible to receive part of the Zakat funds for its programs and services. I urge Muslims in America to support this organization through their donations, general charity, and through their Zakat. I ask Allah swt to strengthen and guide The FYI to continue its good work in supporting Muslims.

Shaikh Ali Suleiman Ali, PhD

About Shaikh Ali

Sh. Ali Suleiman Ali was born in Ghana where he spent his childhood studying with various Muslim scholars. He then moved to Saudi Arabia and enrolled in the Islamic University of Madina.  He graduated with a degree in both Arabic and Islamic Studies. Dr. Ali went on to complete his Ph.D. in Islamic Studies at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Sh. Ali serves on the Advisory Council of The Family & Youth Institute. He is the Senior Imam and Director of the Muslim Community of Western Suburbs in Canton, Michigan. Additionally, he serves as the Director of Muslim Family Services in Detroit and is a council member of the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA). He is also a member of the North American Imams Federation (NAIF) and the Association of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA).