DEPARTMENT: Lay Leadership Development
REPORTS TO: Senior Director, National Young Leadership Cabinet
The Jewish Federations of North America ("JFNA") consist of 146 Jewish Federations and dozens of Network communities which collectively raise and distribute more than $3 billion annually to support flourishing Jewish life and the needs of the Jewish people in their home communities and around the world. The Jewish Federation system, among the top 10 charities on the continent, leads the largest network of volunteer and professional leaders who build and sustain Jewish communities that are healthy, safe, caring, welcoming and inclusive, educated and engaged, involved in the broader community, and deeply connected to Israel and the global Jewish people.
Department Overview:
JFNA’s Lay Leadership Development strategy and department helps drive the vision of Flourishing Jewish Communities by developing those who can lead across the community through complex and challenging times. Our work complements and partners deeply across JFNA (Jewish Federations of North America) to ensure consistency with all leadership networks represented within JFNA and in the field.
National Young Leadership Cabinet (‘Cabinet’) is JFNA’s premiere lay-talent development program, founded in 1963. During the five-year curriculum, Cabinet trains and networks the most promising community volunteers and philanthropists in their 30s and 40s to be prepared for leadership positions in Federations and across the Jewish Community. Cabinet has become the community’s most scalable platform to engage young leaders, growing 50% over the past 5 years, through a curated series of annual experiences, including global and North American travel, retreats, and online content. Situated within JFNA’s Lay Leadership Development Department, Cabinet strengthens the capacity of local Federations to inspire passion for Jewish leadership among young people that endures throughout their lives.
The Cabinet network includes more than 450 current members and 4,300 alumni. Cabinet leaders serve across a broad spectrum of Jewish organizations, building flourishing Jewish communities around the globe.
Position Description:
The Associate Director plays a key role in the leadership development and networking among Cabinet members, facilitating the development of compelling in-person and online experiences that engage participants and align with the Lay Leadership Development department strategy, JFNA’s Leadership Matrix, and the Cabinet curriculum. Working in close partnership with Cabinet’s lay leadership team, the Associate Director oversees the content design and delivery for Cabinet’s signature annual gatherings, including retreats/conferences, international missions, online seminars, and other meet ups.
A vital member of the National Young Leadership Team, the Associate Director plays a key role in connecting directly with lay leaders, local Federation professionals, and colleagues across JFNA.
Primary Job Responsibilities:
- Develop annual learning plan of Cabinet experiences, including Retreat, International Study Mission, Online Leadership Learning, and New Member Onboarding
- Oversee design, development, curation, and project-management of leadership opportunities (in-person and online)
- Manage and support Cabinet Faculty and leadership facilitators – both external and JFNA’s subject matter experts - determine workflows, timelines, logistics, and deliverables
- Coordinate with teams across JFNA and external vendors to ensure quality and excellence + support for key tasks, including session scripting, production, marketing, logistics, and budgeting
- In consultation with JFNA’s Israel Team, lead curation of Cabinet’s International Study Mission as premier annual travel experience
- Coordinate communications to and among key stakeholders, including, but not limited to Cabinet members.
- Manage evaluation, tracking, and data collection for purposes of continuous improvement and reporting
- Partner with JFNA’s Jewish learning team on content
- Guide specific lay teams within the Cabinet leadership structure to provide focus, support, and coordination that maximizes lay involvement and drives results
- Establish meaningful relationships with Cabinet members, tracking interactions through Salesforce to deepen leadership involvement/commitment
- Push notifications for curated community networking opportunities
- Recognizing simchas and milestones
- Support Cabinet-led affinities (organized by personal/professional interests and/or strategic issues in the Jewish community)
- Oversee new member onboarding strategy and experience
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Commitment to Cabinet’s mission of training and engaging current and future young leaders and philanthropists in service of the broader Lay Leadership Development vision of having strong leadership in every community.
- Track record of planning and implementing curated events that serve strategic learning and networking goals
- Excellent project management and collaboration skills
- Exemplary writing and presenting skills
- Excellent relationship-building skills
- Experience building community, and executing complex experiences through motivating and managing diverse teams
- Ability to travel for key program and organizational events, as well as occasional meetings.
- 5-7+ years professional experience showing progression of increased leadership and responsibility
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, strategic thinker and doer
- Strong team player and comfortable with independent work
We are open to professionals from various locations.
As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, JFNA celebrates and welcomes people of all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: JFNA offers a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, FSA), including a defined contribution plan, generous vacation policy, paid legal and Jewish holidays, life insurance, generous parental leave policies and flexible remote work practices. Our compensation philosophy strives to be externally competitive and internally fair. Additionally, we offer voluntary learning programs throughout the year in subjects of interest to our staff.
Salary range: $75,000 - $90,000
FEDERATION APPLICANTS: JFNA is committed to supporting local Jewish Federations and to identifying the best talent for the system. If a current Federation employee is hired for this role, we will work with the local Federation to ensure an appropriate timeline and communications strategy. We welcome initial confidential inquiries to learn more about the role; however, current Federation employees who move to a finalist round of interviews will be asked to communicate with the Federation about their candidacy.
TO APPLY: Please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]