Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ is pleased to work with DRG to conduct this search.
BACKGROUND
The Organization
Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ—which covers Essex, Union, Morris, Sussex, and parts of Somerset counties—convenes and leads our community to ensure the continuity and strength of the Jewish People, to support a secure Jewish and democratic State of Israel, and to care for Jews in need locally and around the world.
Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ (GMW NJ), which just completed its Centennial year, is the heart and soul of our Jewish community. In collaboration with outstanding lay and professional leadership, Jewish Federation helps to create a community where individuals who identify as part of the Jewish community can pursue a personal Jewish journey in a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment. It provides a community safety net, extending a lifeline for the vulnerable and those facing challenges in the community. It works with a network of local and overseas partners to help keep Jewish communities locally, nationally, in Israel, and around the world secure and vibrant by providing immediate and long-term assistance to address critical needs. Jewish Federation’s commitment to the State of Israel is demonstrated through its significant investment in five partnership communities.
For more information about Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, go to https://www.jfedgmw.org/.
The Position
Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ seeks a strategic leader with a vision for Jewish community and Jewish life and the ability to build relationships throughout the community by sharing this vision in a compelling and meaningful way. This is a unique opportunity for a professional with a strong connection to Jewish community and Israel. This individual will lead an organization where relationships with community agencies are impactful, the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Metrowest NJ (JCF) is extremely strong and well-integrated with the broader Federation, and the Greater Metrowest NJ community of lay leaders is committed to supporting the Federation’s high-performing and dedicated professional team. The Jewish community of Greater MetroWest NJ has a deep commitment to philanthropy and is dedicated to guiding a new CEO through a smooth transition to continue to build and develop this robust community.
Engagement of donors will be one of the highest priorities for the new CEO. The CEO must be able to manage a portfolio of the community’s donors by stewarding relationships with people at all levels of engagement. Through programs and strategic initiatives, the new CEO will be a results-driven leader who will prioritize and maintain the commitment to strengthening connections to Jewish life. The CEO is a key leader of the Jewish community, playing an integral role in advancing philanthropic efforts, deepening Jewish knowledge, and ensuring Greater MetroWest’s Jewish communal values endure.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest NJ CEO will oversee and grow a $21.8M unrestricted annual campaign, plus additional targeted gifts ($6.5M last year). Last year, the Federation, in conjunction with JCF, concluded its $250M Centennial Campaign and raised $30M for the Israel Emergency Fund. In addition, the CEO supports JCF and its more than $600M in assets (including Donor Advised Funds, Supporting Foundations, Federation assets, and funds of many local, national, and international Jewish agencies) and oversees a $7.4M internal operating budget. The CEO currently supervises seven direct reports and a staff of 140 total people (including JCF and all part-time and support people).
Role Priorities
- Embody the mission of the Federation; enable and empower a thriving and safe Jewish community
- Refine and finalize the strategic plan and create strategies to implement steps to ensure success
- Build deep relationships and raise funds, continue to facilitate a culture of philanthropy, and engage lay leaders to partner with professionals on fundraising initiatives
- Mentor and inspire the professional staff; ensure a collaborative team that excels in meeting annual goals
- Be a unifying voice, leader, and advocate within and outside of the Federation’s diverse Jewish community
- Engage the next generation, those who have not yet connected with Federation, and members of key constituencies who are leaving the community
ROLE OVERVIEW
Strategic Vision and Leadership
- Develop and communicate a compelling, forward-looking vision embedded in all aspects of the organization and its work
- Cultivate an impact-driven environment that embraces innovation and change while staying true to the organization’s core values and mission
- Drive engagement with the Board of Trustees and other lay leaders through clear communication of vision and organizational priorities
Resource Generation and Fundraising
- Create and lead a strong culture of philanthropy throughout the organization, ensuring every team member understands and contributes to the organization’s financial stability, growth, and community impact
- Build meaningful relationships with current and prospective donors, taking a principal role in growing the annual campaign and diversifying the donor base, as well as promoting endowment and legacy giving
Organizational Management
- Lead a high-performing executive team, fostering cohesion and alignment across departments and priority areas
- Provide financial and operational oversight by analyzing organizational structures and processes, identifying opportunities for operational efficiencies, and implementing strategies to streamline operations and optimize resource allocation
Partnerships, Collaboration, and Public Engagement
- Maintain and enhance collaborative relationships with key partners—including synagogues, Jewish day schools, agencies, JCCs, other nonprofit institutions, government leaders, and corporations—to amplify collective impact
- Manage a fully staffed office in Israel to promote GMW NJ’s connection to Israel, foster engagement, and bolster partnerships
- Continuously evaluate community needs and develop strategies to meet the changing needs of Jewish community and GMW NJ’s partners
Professional Staff
- Currently seven direct reports to the CEO
- 140 professionals total (full- and part-time)
Fundraising Campaigns*
- Unrestricted Annual Fundraising Campaign: $21.79M ($6.5M in additional targeted gifts)
- Israel Emergency Fund: $30M
- Centennial Campaign: $250M
- *All reflect last year’s results. The Centennial Campaign was completed in six years
Annual Operating Budget: $7.4M
WHO WE ARE
Work Environment
Currently, the Jewish Federation works a hybrid schedule, with in-office days on the campus in Whippany.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
The Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or veteran or disability status.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salary: $450,000
Benefits
- 23 vacation days, 15 sick days, and all national/Jewish holidays
- Health Insurance: Federation-Employee Shared
- Dental Insurance: Employee paid, pre-tax
- Vision Insurance: Employee paid, pre-tax
- Relocation costs covered (if needed)
- Parental Leave: 12 weeks paid leave
- Jewish Camps and Jewish Day Schools: Grants and discounts available depending on camp/school
- Federation pays for $50,000 of long-term disability insurance
- Voluntary Life Insurance, FSA Health Care, FSA Dependent Care, 403(b) Retirement Plan, 401(a) Retirement Plan, 457 Retirement Plan, Long-Term Care Insurance, Pet Insurance, and Identity Theft Insurance are all offered
- Professional Development and Professional Conferences available
TIMELINE AND NEXT STEPS
If you are interested in this position, please apply. All applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their application.
We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the qualifications outlined above. If you are selected to move forward for an initial screening call, we expect you to hear from us by March 2025.