POSITION TITLE:        Director, Leadership Development and Engagement
FLSA STATUS:            Exempt
REPORTS TO:             Chief Operating Officer
DEPARTMENT:           Leadership & HR

BACKGROUND

For more than 85 years Federation has worked to create a vibrant, caring, connected and enduring Jewish Community by strengthening Jewish identity, caring for Jews in need and fostering deep connections with Israel and Jews around the world.  San Diego County is home to more than 100,000 Jews, in about 50,000 households. We are a thriving, vibrant, multi-faceted Jewish community of more than 100 Jewish communal organizations. More information about Jewish San Diego is available on our website, www.jewishinsandiego.org. Federation staff are passionate about community building, highly collaborative and always learning. We bring a wide range of experiences and backgrounds to our work and welcome all applicants for this dynamic position.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Jewish Federation of San Diego is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director, Leadership Development and Engagement to spearhead initiatives that cultivate, engage, and inspire Jewish leaders across generations and sectors. This position plays a critical role in advancing JFSD’s mission by shaping lay leadership engagement, stewarding leadership development programs, and supporting internal staff and governance efforts. This position does not supervise direct reports but collaborates cross-functionally with professional and volunteer leaders throughout the organization and broader community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership Development Programs

• Serve as the primary liaison for Federation’s flagship leadership programs, including:
• LEADS (emerging young leaders)
• Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute
• Courageous Leadership Initiative
• Oversee the design, recruitment, selection, and execution of leadership development experiences that build core leadership competencies and connect participants to Jewish values, community needs, and each other.
• Ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion are reflected across all program cohorts and experiences.
• Engage actively with current participants, alumni, and potential candidates, maintaining strong relationships that promote long-term engagement.
• Ensure all participants are aware of and connected to broader Federation opportunities and programs.

Lay Leader Engagement and Pipeline Strategy

• Partner with internal departments and external Jewish organizations to identify, place, and support lay leaders in meaningful volunteer roles.
• Cultivate relationships with volunteer leaders to align their skills, interests, and leadership journeys with organizational needs.
• Collaborate on expanding the range of available leadership roles to accommodate emerging leaders.
• Develop and maintain a leadership tracking system using Federation’s CRM (Salesforce), ensuring accurate and strategic data on involvement and transitions.
• Lead planning for leadership award nominations and recognitions.
• Support lay leader recruitment and delegation planning for national gatherings such as the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly.

Professional Development & Internal Culture

• Coordinate staff meetings and internal learning opportunities focused on Jewish learning, team building, and professional development.
• Support strategic design and implementation of staff leadership initiatives to promote internal growth and culture alignment.
• Act as lead staff for JPro San Diego, coordinating with a committee to plan professional development and networking programs for Jewish communal professionals across the region.
• Engage potential Federation leaders and participants in leadership development and training programs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Actively communicate across departments to stay current on Federation initiatives and integrate leadership development where appropriate.
• Represent the Leadership Development portfolio in cross-departmental planning and strategic conversations.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS

• 7+ years of experience in leadership / organizational development, nonprofit management, Jewish communal service, or related expertise.
• Proven experience designing and managing values-based adult leadership programs.
• Relationship-oriented mindset with strong interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Experience working with volunteer leadership and/or boards of directors.
• Knowledge of Jewish culture, communal structures, and values; passion for building Jewish community.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently with attention to detail and a collaborative approach.
• Familiarity with CRM or donor management systems (e.g., Salesforce) preferred.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects, prioritize deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Enthusiasm and experience working in a mission-driven environment.

EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field. MBA is nice to have.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EQUIPMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear.  Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  The employee must occasionally crouch, stoop, or reach.   The employee must have the ability to travel and work weekends and evenings when needed. This position is required to work onsite (with the ability to work from home on most Fridays).

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time position, working onsite in San Diego, CA, with the ability to work from home on most Fridays.

Compensation range: $110,000-130,000 per year, with a generous benefits plan, retirement plan and comprehensive paid sick leave, vacation and 22 paid holidays per year.

Jewish Federation of San Diego County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veterans’ status or any other protected category. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position. All qualified candidates must be able to provide proof of their ability to work in the United States without support. All candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check prior to beginning work at JFSD.

Interested candidates should provide a cover letter and a detailed resume to ‘[email protected]’.