Director of Innovation and Program Development

About JGO:  The Jewish Grad Organization (JGO) is a dynamic non-profit organization that supports Jewish graduate students on 145 grad campuses across North America, as well as our alumni, in their professional and personal growth by creating an environment where they can connect, grow, and give back to the Jewish community.  Our mission is to empower Jewish graduate students as they navigate their careers and personal lives, fostering a sense of belonging and enriching their Jewish identity along the way. 

Role Overview:  The Director of Innovation and Program Development will be a pivotal member of the programming team, responsible for enhancing current programs and spearheading the creation of new initiatives tailored to the diverse needs of graduate students and recent alumni. This role demands a visionary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, excels in project management, and possesses a passion for cultivating vibrant Jewish communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Enhance Current Programs: Collaborate with the programming team to elevate the dynamism and content of existing on-campus and off-campus programs, ensuring they remain relevant and engaging for graduate students.
• Develop New Programs: Conceptualize, design, and implement innovative programs that resonate with the busy schedules of graduate students and address the evolving needs of the Jewish community.
• Content Creation: Curate and develop content focused on Judaism, Torah learning, Israel issues, and related topics, fostering intellectual and spiritual growth among participants.
• Student Development: Foster relationships with student leaders to support their growth while also collaborating with them to identify pertinent content and programs for organizational development.

Key Skills:

• Project Management: Thoughtfully prioritize multiple projects, ensuring timely execution and attention to detail in all aspects of program development and implementation.
• Collaborative Leadership: Work closely with colleagues to optimize team strengths, provide proactive operations support, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Customer Service Excellence: Demonstrate a commitment to excellent customer service, responding to inquiries promptly and effectively addressing participant needs and concerns.
• Problem-Solving and Resilience: Approach challenges with curiosity, resilience, and creativity, identifying novel solutions and adapting strategies as needed.
• Communication and Influence: Communicate effectively and credibly with diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing, and present ideas persuasively to large and small groups alike.
• Autonomous Work: Operate autonomously and effectively in a fast-paced, complex, and virtual environment, managing ambiguity and escalating issues as necessary for resolution.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in program innovation and development, with a track record of creating impactful initiatives.
• Experience in community building and people development, particularly within the Jewish context.
• Comprehensive understanding, knowledge, and experience concerning the Jewish community, its traditions, practices, and beliefs.
• Comfort with experimentation and risk-taking, with a bias for action and a "can-do" attitude.
• Strong project management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting.
• Experience presenting to large and small groups, with a knack for engaging diverse audiences.
• Ability to work autonomously and thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Leadership and management experience preferred.