POSITION PURPOSE:
The Chief Executive Officer of the Merage Jewish Community Center serves as a dynamic,
transformational, and participative leader dedicated to advancing the Center's mission of
strengthening Jewish life and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. This role demands the
ability to inspire and maintain a high-performing management team, while projecting credibility and
trust within the broader community and among major donors.
As the public face of the JCC, the CEO communicates a compelling vision and ensures its alignment
with strategic goals, representing a positive brand image in the marketplace and community. They
actively engage and guide the Board Chair and Board of Directors, supporting the recruitment,
development, and training of board members.
With a strong commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, and integrity, the CEO effectively
manages resources, both human and physical, and cultivates collaborative relationships with Jewish
and non-Jewish organizations alike, modeling the values and work ethic that define the Center's
culture.
MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Include the following key areas and duties, which may be modified or increased as necessary:
- Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to the Merage JCC mission and actively contribute to building
and strengthening the Jewish community.
- Ensure the development and communication of a compelling Vision Statement; serve as the
primary spokesperson and public face of the Merage JCC.
- Represent the Merage JCC in the broader community, projecting credibility and fostering trust
with stakeholders and donors.
- Maintain a strong commitment to Judaism and Israel as foundational values of the
organization, including cultivating global partnerships that integrate international perspectives
into programming and foster meaningful cultural exchange.
Board Engagement & Governance
- Involve and guide the Board Chair and Board of Directors in strategic planning and
governance.
- Assist in the identification, recruitment, training, and retention of Board Members and
volunteers.
- Collaborate with senior leadership and the Board to set measurable goals and evaluate
progress.
- Maintain open and consistent communication with the Board Chair and Directors to ensure
alignment and accountability, providing timely updates, actionable insights, and
recommendations.
Organizational Management & Staff Development
- Recruit, hire, supervise, and, when necessary, terminate key staff positions.
- Maintain and motivate a management team of high-quality professionals, fostering a culture of
professional growth through tailored training programs, mentorship, and identification of
leadership potential.
- Provide and encourage professional development opportunities for staff, including leadership
development initiatives to prepare future organizational leaders.
- Lead by example in work ethic, integrity, and transparency, serving as a role model for staff
and board members.
Operational Oversight
- Ensure effective execution and oversight of the following key operational areas (prioritized
in order of strategic emphasis):
- Fundraising & Event Management: Lead donor identification, cultivation, and solicitation
efforts; oversee successful fundraising events and capital campaigns, including securing major
gifts and supporting access to programs such as early childhood education and day camps.
- Finance & Controls: Ensure sound financial practices, budget preparation (including oversight
of multi-million-dollar operating budgets), and human resources management.
- Programming: Support diverse, inclusive, and mission-aligned programs, including camp
operations, preschool/early childhood education, Jewish life initiatives, fitness, sports, and
community enrichment rooted in Jewish values.
- Membership Enrollment & Marketing: Drive growth and engagement through outreach, branding,
CRM upgrades, digital enhancements, and innovative member retention strategies.
- Security & Risk Management: Maintain a safe environment through partnerships with law
enforcement, proactive risk mitigation, and crisis response planning; address challenges such as
antisemitism.
- Facilities Management: Oversee the maintenance, strategic use, and capital improvements of
physical resources, including state-of-the-art campuses and execution of projects like outdoor
spaces, childcare centers, and technology modernizations.
Planning, Development, and Growth
- Develop and implement long-term strategic plans aligned with the mission and vision of the
Merage JCC, including 10-year capital equipment plans and recovery strategies for organizational
resilience.
- Identify emerging community needs and trends to guide program innovation and expansion.
- Promote leadership development and succession planning within the organization.
- Ensure financial planning aligns with strategic priorities and sustainability goals, navigating challenges such as pandemics or economic disruptions.
Community Relations
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with other Jewish and non-Jewish agencies and
organizations, including government entities and global Jewish partners.
- Project credibility and build trust within the community-at-large and among major donors,
serving as an advocate for Jewish continuity.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS AND KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Other specific results will be assigned and measured.
- 10+ Years of Executive Leadership Experience: Proven success in leading complex Jewish
nonprofit or communal organizations, with direct experience managing camp operations,
preschool/early childhood education centers, fitness/sports programs, and large-scale facilities
(e.g., 100,000+ sq. ft. campuses with $10M+ budgets). Ability to motivate, take initiative, work
independently, and drive transformational growth.
- Strategic Planning & Vision: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement long-term
strategic plans aligned with mission-driven goals, including crisis leadership (e.g., post-COVID
recovery) and organizational modernization.
- Fundraising Expertise: Proven track record in donor cultivation, solicitation, leading
capital campaigns, and securing major gifts (e.g., seven-figure non- capital donations); experience
championing strategies for program accessibility.
- Financial & Operational Management: Strong skills in budgeting, financial oversight, human
resources, facilities/capital project administration, and operational efficiency (e.g., cost
reductions and technology upgrades).
- Board Relations: Ability to work collaboratively with a Board of Directors, including
recruitment, training, governance support, and enhancing involvement through committees.
- Commitment to Judaism and Israel: Deep personal and professional connection to Jewish values,
traditions, diversity of Jewish identities, customs, celebrations, and the State of Israel; passion
for Jewish continuity, global partnerships, and addressing antisemitism.
- Community Engagement: Ability to represent the organization in the Jewish and broader
community with credibility, warmth, and advocacy; experience leading delegations (e.g., JCC
Maccabi Games) and building intergenerational connections.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding of diverse Jewish identities and practices, fostering an
inclusive environment. Standard of Excellence: Commitment to high performance, continuous
improvement, and organizational excellence.
- Transparency & Integrity: Strong ethical standards and openness in communication and
decision-making.
- Staff Development: Dedication to professional growth and development for staff at all levels,
including creating leadership teams and mentorship programs.
- Communication Skills: Open and effective communication with the Board Chair, Directors,
staff, and community stakeholders; expertise in marketing, digital outreach, and public relations.
- Role Modeling: Ability to lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and
respect.
- Team Leadership: Experience recruiting, hiring, supervising, and, when necessary, terminating
key staff positions; building collaborative, empowered teams.
- Organizational Culture: Ability to foster a positive, mission-driven workplace culture that
reflects the values of the Merage JCC, with a track record of innovation in member engagement
and program delivery.
Please answer the following pre-qualifying questions when applying, submit with resume:
- Identify three strategic challenges your current agency/company will face in the next two
years and indicate what you are doing to help meet these challenges
- What do you see as your role, both professionally and personally, in helping a JCC fulfill
its Jewish mission and build Jewish community? How have you done this?
- What have you done in the past three years to assist your volunteer leadership in reaching
their potential as effective decision-makers?
- What experience do you have working with Jewish communities, or what knowledge do you bring
related to Jewish cultural practices?”
EDUCATION (Preferred)
- Advanced degree in Jewish Professional Studies, Nonprofit Management, or related field.
- MBA and/or bachelor's degree in psychology, Business, or equivalent.
CERTIFICATIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS (Preferred)
- Certifications in Jewish education, leadership, or related field.
- Active involvement in Jewish communal boards, committees, or initiatives.
PLEASE APPLY VIA HR@JCCOC.ORG. PLEASE ENSURE TO ATTACH A COVER LETTER WITH THE PRE- QUALIFYING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, AND A RESUME.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic
under federal, state, or local law. *
Salary
$250000-$300000 annually
About JCC:
We invite you to connect with community and friends at the Merage JCC. Our extraordinary facility, with its breathtaking views, includes a health and fitness complex, preschool and toddler care, teen center, gymnasium with two full-sized basketball courts, swimming pool, senior center, adult education rooms, a professional-style theater and auditorium with banquet facilities, kosher cafe and Holocaust memorial garden. Our programs and services celebrate family, foster health and well-being, embrace tradition, create friendships, and expand cultural horizons all in a safe, positive, friendly and inviting environment.
