Yogev Ben-Yitschak

Major: Marketing

Certificate: Digital Studies

Graduation Date: May 2020

How did you end up working at CSS Fundraising?

I graduated during COVID (sympathies to other 2020 grads) and started my career in sales, but I quickly realized that my true fulfillment comes from helping others and working toward a meaningful mission. That led me to spend two years in Jewish nonprofit work, where I created programs for students and young adults, building community and impact. When I saw this opening, it felt like the natural next step—an opportunity to apply my skills in strategy, fundraising, and engagement to support a mission-driven organization in a bigger way.

What does a typical day in the office look like for you?

My day-to-day responsibilities include defining strategies for donor engagement, analyzing donor data to guide outreach, and preparing materials like case statements, proposals, and marketing documents. I create and refine presentations, develop online and printed marketing materials, and draft fundraising emails. Additionally, I conduct in-depth research to support fundraising initiatives and ensure strategic plans align with campaign goals.

How has Digital Studies influenced your career path?

Digital Studies has helped teach me how to communicate effectively across different platforms. In fundraising, it’s not just about asking for support—it’s about telling a compelling story through the right channels. Whether crafting email campaigns, designing case statements, or developing website and video content, my background in Digital Studies helps me create materials that engage and inspire donors. Understanding digital communication strategies has also been crucial in ensuring messaging is clear, visually appealing, and tailored to different audiences.

Did you have a favorite Digital Studies class or professor when you were a student?

The course balanced creativity with technical skills, giving me the opportunity to experiment in a fun and hands-on approach with web design, video editing, and even podcasting. It was a great way to see how many different ways we can use to communicate ideas while developing a foundational understanding of the tools and techniques behind them. I loved the video editing project as an engaging way to create a script and edit a video, and even won a Hoyty award!

Do you have any advice for current students?

My advice for current students is to get involved and try new things! Join clubs that interest you, attend events just to learn new things, and take every opportunity to explore different areas. You never know what might spark your passion or open up a new path for you. The more you engage with different experiences and meet new people, the better prepared you’ll be for whatever comes next in your career or personal growth.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career thus far?

I’m most proud of seeing the nonprofits I work with succeed. Knowing that my contributions in strategy, planning, and marketing have helped them reach their goals is incredibly fulfilling. It’s rewarding to see the impact of my work in real-time and know I’ve played a role in furthering their mission. The ability to make a tangible difference in communities and organizations keeps me motivated every day.