Eileen Spencer

American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ) is pleased to welcome Eileen Spencer as the new Executive Director. Eileen joins AFEDJ from Hope for New York in New York, NY, where she served as their Vice President, Mobilization and Generosity. In this role, Eileen managed and led the mobilization team including advancement, volunteer engagement, communications, and church partnerships. During Eileen’s time at Hope for New York, she increased overall revenue and average donations per household, and effectively pivoted volunteer engagement approaches in response to the pandemic through enhancing virtual volunteer opportunities.

In her new role as Executive Director at AFEDJ, Eileen will be responsible for leading the organization through a period of growth and overseeing day-to-day operations.  Eileen will partner with the Board of Directors to develop and implement a strategic plan to double AFEDJ’s revenue over the next 5 years.  Eileen’s fundraising background will be essential to planning for and achieving this goal.  Eileen will also serve as a spokesperson for AFEDJ on visits to the Middle East, meetings with institutional leaders and staff of the Diocese of Jerusalem, and meetings with constituents.  Eileen will spread the mission of AFEDJ through church sermons and public speaking events and she will lead the development and implementation of the organization’s church-based education program.  Eileen has a passion for international development and humanitarian work and is thrilled to be joining AFEDJ.

About AFEDJ

In 1988, at the time of the first Palestinian Intifada, Episcopal leaders in the U.S. and Jerusalem saw the need to offer sustained support to the humanitarian institutions owned and operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.  

From this, the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ) was created, dedicated to educating Americans about the Christian witness of the Diocese of Jerusalem in the Holy Land and raising financial support for schools, hospitals, and centers for children with disabilities in Palestine, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon. These institutions serve everyone, irrespective of their religion, ethnicity, or ability to pay. As a nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization, AFEDJ builds hope for all in the Holy Land. The Christian values of equity, justice, and respect for the dignity of all are at the heart of the organization’s efforts.

For more information about American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, please visit www.afedj.org/.