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:

1. 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 VIAHR@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.