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Naomi Reinharz
Fundraising Expert: Strategic Planning, Partnerships, and Major Gifts
Professional Background
Naomi Reinharz has distinguished herself as a leading professional in the field of philanthropy, focusing particularly on fostering partnerships that enhance Israel and the broader Jewish community globally. With over twelve years of rich experience, Naomi has a proven track record of success in engaging philanthropists across the United States to support initiatives that promote culturally significant programs. Her career is characterized by transformative leadership within various organizations, making her a renowned figure in community development and advocacy.
As the Chief Development Officer at the America-Israel Friendship League, Naomi has played a vital role in leading fundraising efforts, connecting donors with impactful projects and ensuring that each contribution translates into meaningful change. Previously, she served as the National Director of Major Gifts at ORT America, where she spearheaded initiatives that expanded funding capabilities and broadened the organization’s reach within the Jewish community. Her experience includes various leadership roles at ORT America, where she maintained an unwavering focus on developing strategic plans to engage the next generation of supporters.
Naomi's commitment to community transformation laid the foundation for her stellar career and enabled her to take on roles as Director of Major Gifts in the Northeast Region and as National Director for Next Generation initiatives at ORT America. Each of these positions has allowed her to cultivate relationships with philanthropists, enhancing their understanding and support of critical Jewish education and social development programs.
With a background that extends beyond philanthropy, Naomi also contributed her legal expertise as a Litigation Associate at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP and as a Law Clerk at HIAS. Her legal acumen enriches her philanthropic efforts, allowing her to navigate complex issues effectively and advocate for impactful resolutions within the organizations she serves.
Education and Achievements
Naomi’s academic journey reflects her passion for culture, law, and advocacy. She pursued her Juris Doctor (J.D.) at Georgetown University Law Center, equipping her with essential legal skills that complement her philanthropic endeavors. Prior to this, she earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics from Brown University, further extending her cultural knowledge. During her time at Brown, she also participated in the prestigious Grinspoon Israel Advocacy Fellowship, directly linking her academic experiences with her advocacy work.
Her international experience was enriched during her studies at Universidad Complutense de Madrid, where she expanded her understanding of Hispanic cultures. This unique blend of educational background has uniquely positioned Naomi to understand diverse perspectives and engage effectively with a wide array of community stakeholders.
Community Involvement
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Naomi shines through her commitment to service and community involvement. She has volunteered with notable organizations such as the American Jewish World Service (AJWS) and the American Jewish Society for Service (AJSS), where she dedicated her time and energy towards promoting social justice and providing support to underserved communities. Additionally, her role as a teacher and volunteer at AmeriSpan Study Abroad highlights her dedication to education and cultural exchange, further emphasizing her commitment to global awareness and collaboration.
Her experience as a Senior Research and Program Associate at AJC Global and as a Goldman Fellow at AJC Global further underlines her deep commitment to advancing global Jewish causes and her ability to connect philanthropic efforts to educational programming and community needs. Through these varied roles, Naomi has demonstrated her unwavering dedication to the Jewish community and her passion for building a better world through philanthropy.
Conclusion
In summary, Naomi Reinharz represents a unique blend of expertise in philanthropy and law, backed by a strong focus on community empowerment and cultural advocacy. Her extensive background, which includes significant roles at esteemed organizations, showcases her ability to drive transformative change. With a dynamic career that straddles various sectors, Naomi is well-regarded by her peers for her strategic vision and passion for fostering partnerships that lead to sustainable funding for impactful programs. As she continues her journey, Naomi remains committed to supporting initiatives that resonate within the global Jewish community, advancing both cultural and educational missions alongside dedicated philanthropic champions.
