Mersky, Jaffe & Associates, a national executive search and consulting firm, has been engaged to conduct a search for the next Managing Director of the Norman E. Alexander Center for Jewish Life of the YM &YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood, New York, NY.
ABOUT US
Established in 1917, the YM &YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood (the “Y”) is a not-for-profit Jewish Community Center that welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs. We offer a wide range of educational, recreational, and social service programs to enhance the quality of life of the people we serve. From top-notch early childhood education and youth development programs to innovative senior center services, there’s always something for everyone at the Y!
POSITION OVERVIEW
Blessed with beautiful landscapes, easy access to public transportation, and a more affordable lifestyle, Upper Manhattan has become one of the areas with the most significant demographic growth of Jewish individuals and families in NY. The Y's reputation has made it a trusted convener and connector of Jewish organizations in the area.
Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, the successful candidate should have a deep commitment to the legitimacy of multiple paths for exploring and expressing Judaism and the power of a diverse and inclusive Jewish community. Given the grassroots efforts required for this role, the candidate should have strong interpersonal skills, a proven track record of successful outreach efforts with diverse populations, and the ability to represent the organization professionally at different forums. Key to the applicant’s success will be the ability to translate the needs and desires of our diverse population into impactful Jewish programs, experiences, and initiatives that emphasize the importance of interfaith relationship-building and social justice for all people, ensuring high-quality and budget conscious execution. The successful candidate will have experience managing multiple and often simultaneous projects, building teams with staff and volunteers, and working with marketing staff. In addition, this position will support the Y’s management of the Y Community Campus, located at the Collegiate Church.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Leadership
- Develop and oversee the Center’s strategic vision, short and long-term goals, and outputs.
- Support the management of the Y’s Community Campus, ensuring the space embodies its values and identity and becomes filled with programs and events that celebrate Jewish life.
- Based on the needs and demographics of the Jewish community in Upper Manhattan, identify geographical areas where the Center for Jewish Life can expand its presence.
- Assess and identify the interests and needs of the Jewish community in Upper Manhattan.
- Run regular Jewish Life team meetings and check-ins with direct reports; provide ongoing support to staff.
- Develop partnerships with existing and new organizations (local, Israeli, and global), focusing on multiple local synagogues and Jewish organizations in Upper Manhattan.
- Create and guide Jewish Life committees comprised of Y and broader community members.
- Represent the Y in external forums; participate in and promote Y programs outside the department.
- Lead and support fundraising efforts to enhance the quality of programs and services.
- Develop and implement the Center's branding and marketing strategy with marketing staff.
- Model commitment to the values and goals of the Y and champion and articulate the Y’s culture.
- Enhance Jewish presence in the current Y programs and Y physical facilities.
- Inform Y leadership of ways to support Israel and strengthen the community’s relationship with Israel.
- Engage higher education Jewish organizations such as Hillel to attract college and university students to the Y’s programs and to recruit potential volunteers and staff.
- Work with local elected officials, including state senate and assembly representatives, and Congress to partner on initiatives and maintain regular communication about the Y’s interest in Jewish life and Israeli affairs.
- Liaise with the UJA-Federation of New York to build the relationship between the agency and the Norman E. Alexander Center for Jewish Life.
- Create and support an advisory board of six to ten individuals representing the Jewish life program and liaising with the general community.
Program Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and Continuous Development
- Work with the directors of the Y’s core programs (Parenting Center, Nursery School, Camps, Youth and Recreation, External Youth Programs, Workforce Development, Senior Center, and Social Services) to instill a standard set of values based on Jewish tradition, and develop meaningful, high-quality, and engaging Jewish content.
- Develop and expand existing programs to include Jewish education, social action, Israel engagement, Jewish holidays and Shabbat, and arts and culture. Such programs will consist of, but not be limited to, book clubs, concerts, panel discussions, lectures, and film screenings.
- Develop signature programs and initiatives to raise the profile of the Y and its Center for Jewish Life.
- Evaluate and expand existing Jewish life programs, such as Bubbie’s Kitchen, so that the learning experience for children and adults more comprehensively educates about Jewish values.
- Collaborate with early childhood leaders to integrate Jewish life into the curriculum and to plan to implement lessons for children in the nursery school program that teach Jewish values.
Compliance and Administration
- Ensure timely compliance and responsiveness to funders, including private donors, UJA-Federation, and foundations.
- Complete all system-wide reporting and paperwork requirements in a timely and accurate manner.
- Oversee the Y’s Kashrut policy and provide training and support to colleagues for appropriate implementation.
Professional Development
- Responsible for the professional development of the Jewish Life team members, including ongoing coaching, mentoring, performance feedback, and training opportunities, as well as with staff from other departments so everyone recognizes the inclusion of Jewish life in the Y’s programs.
- Work with human resources to attract, recruit, develop, retain, and perform evaluations of high-quality staff.
- Expose the Y staff to general Jewish learning opportunities.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
- Directly supervise staff members who support the Jewish life program.
- Manage interdepartmental Jewish Life teams comprised of program directors.
POSITION TYPE / EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
- Full-time position
- Required availability to regularly work on Sundays and ensure a presence for Jewish Life programming during evenings and potential Shabbat and Jewish holiday activities
- Ability to travel to different sites in New York City
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS
- Master's degree required, preferably in a field related to Jewish education (formal or experiential), Jewish arts and culture, non-profit management, organizational planning and development, and related fields.
- At least three (3) years of experience running programs and Jewish experiences, preferably with diverse populations in age, affiliation, and background.
- One to three (1-3) years of experience in a supervisory capacity is preferred.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to communicate in a variety of settings and styles clearly and appropriately. Bilingual in English and Hebrew, preferred.
- Proficient in using Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and social media.
BENEFITS
- Compensation range of $110,000 - $125,000 based on experience, skillset, and education.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and competitive benefits package: Health insurance, retirement plan, Optional 403b plan; life insurance, flexible spending account, commuter benefit plan; accessible Y Fitness Center Membership.
WORK AUTHORIZATION & CLEARANCE
- Documentation of U.S. citizenship or eligibility to work in the U.S
- Must pass background checks by the Y, Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Education (DOE)
OTHER DUTIES
This job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other functions and responsibilities may change or may be assigned.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Mersky, Jaffe & Associates is proud of its association with the YM-YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood, New York, NY and to be conducting the search for its Managing Director of the Norman E. Alexander Center for Jewish Life. If you, or someone you know, might be a suitable candidate for this position, please forward, in confidence, the person’s name, cover letter, resume, salary requirements and contact information to Lori Fodale at [email protected].