Jewish Federation of Springfield Executive Director Job Posting
The executive director works, in partnership, with the Jewish Federation’s lay leadership on the overall administration and management of the Jewish Federation of Springfield, including programs, advocacy, fundraising, and business operations. The executive director is hired by and reports to the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Springfield
About the Jewish Federation of Springfield
The Jewish Federation of Springfield, IL, is a vital component of our small but dynamic Jewish community. The city of Springfield, founded in 1821, has a general population of 120,000, with an identified Jewish population numbering just over 1,000. Springfield has a deep Jewish history going back to its founding. It is the hometown of philanthropist and businessman Julius Rosenwald. It has two synagogues with active sisterhoods, Hadassah, and a Chabad presence.
The Jewish Federation of Springfield, IL, founded in 1941, has a mission to support the well-being and continuity of the Jewish people locally, in Israel, and throughout the world through coordinated community-wide programming, services, educational activities, and fundraising efforts. The Federation has an operating Board of Directors, a Legacy Board, and a Jewish Community Relations Board. The Executive Director is responsible for working with these entities. It is also a member of the Secure Community Network and Partnership2Gether. As a relatively small Federation, we are very proud of our large impact. In 2024, the Jewish Federation of Springfield was honored with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award in Washington, D.C.
Current staff includes an office manager/bookkeeper, a part-time program director, and an administrative assistant position that is currently vacant. Staff functions can be reassigned based on needs.
Position Description
The Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Springfield, IL is a full-time, on-site position with a flexible work schedule to adjust for evening and weekend meetings, events, and activities.
Responsibilities
Strategic leadership and vision
- Provide leadership to the board, staff, and volunteers to refine and implement the organization’s strategic plan.
- Assist the Board in an effort to expand the paradigm to reach our underserved Jewish populations, including but not limited to those who are unaffiliated and younger families.
Management and Administration
- Facilitate the implementation and evaluation of an active program planning process.
- Support staff responsible for overseeing the administration of all operational policies/procedures.
- Provide staff support for the Jewish Community Relations Council, Legacy Fund Board, Partnership2Gether, JFNA special initiatives, and other Jewish and or greater Springfield programs/initiatives that might arise.
- Coordinate the Jewish Community security functions, including relationships with the Secure Community Network and local law enforcement.
- Oversee all programs, services, and activities to ensure that the community benefits from the Federation’s activities.
- Supervises the organization’s Human Service programs and services.
- Work with the Jewish Federations of North America and other Federations to learn and share best practices for potential local program implementation. Training is available for all aspects of the Executive Director position.
Fiscal Management and Fund Raising
- Assist the staff in preparing, processing, and tracking fiscal documents, including the budget.
- Plan and assist in the planning and execution of fundraising activities initiated by the Board and Legacy Board as required.
- Monitor the flow of funds to ensure the Federation makes continuous progress towards the achievement of its mission.
- Formulate and execute comprehensive marketing, branding, and development strategies that ensure consistency throughout the organization and enhance revenue from major donors and other funding sources.
Personnel
- Oversee all staff. Direct supervision is provided by the Assistant to the Executive Director
- Ensuring the administration of Board-approved personnel policies and procedures.
Public relations and public policy
- Develop and execute comprehensive PR and marketing strategies.
- Champion Jewish community relations within the Jewish community and the community at large as the staff person for the Jewish Community Relations Council.
- Maintain the Federation’s role as the “go-to” organization for collaboration and partnership with organizations in the Jewish community and the community at large.
- Serve as the Jewish community representative on Greater Springfield committees such as law enforcement, interfaith, and civic initiatives.
Travel to appropriate conferences/meetings is encouraged as funding permits.
Qualifications
- Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, strong communication skills, and self-directed, including a commitment to Judaism, including a knowledge and passion for Jewish tradition and culture. Knowledge of the Federation and familiarity with Jewish organizations at home and abroad are beneficial.
- Fundraising experience preferred. Training is available.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. Previous Jewish or non-profit work experience or Jewish organizational leadership is ideal. Organizational management and/or previous staff supervision preferred.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary commensurate with experience, with the range between $70,000 - $77,000.
- Benefit information will be made available during the interview process.
To apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of references to [email protected]. Applications accepted until COB on September 1, 2025.