Yad Ezra
Executive Director Job Description
Yad Ezra, Detroit based providing supplemental kosher food, necessities and enhancements of holidays and lifecycle events to those in need in the Jewish community. We are commited to operating a high-quality food pantry through hard work and support of staff, volunteers and donors.
Mission and Core Values: To ensure that Yad Ezra is in the forefront when dealing with food insecurity in the Jewish community and cultivates partnerships with anti-hunger agencies in the Jewish/greater community. To lead a team of people dedicated to helping eradicate hunger in a workplace that is respectful, compassionate, innovative, forward thinking, mindful and sensitive to the needs of the clients, volunteers, donors and community partners. To oversee the day-to-day operations of Yad Ezra and ensure the long-term success and continued growth (when/where necessary) of its operations through thoughtful leadership and oversight of all programming, organizational and financial aspects and sustainability. To be responsible for cultivating relationships with current donors and future donors in all fundraising activities.
This position reports to the Chair of the Board.
Internal Responsibilities:
- Oversee day-to-day operations.
- Actively, thoughtfully and respectfully guide, drive and manage team along with programming, fundraising, marketing, operations, bookkeeping, physical building.
- Foster collaboration and consensus among team members/ volunteers/board members.
- Serve as mentor, recognize contributions and efforts, motivate, encourage development and design thinking and innovation.
- Oversee maintenance of records, books, minutes, documents, financial records.
- Hiring/firing/performance management, compensation, benefits, update employee handbook as necessary, create/revise/update operations policies as needed.
- Oversee and ensure fiscal management of the organization.
- Define staff duties, establish performance standards, conduct employee reviews/self-evaluations.
- Encourage continued education and other courses/classes to assist in professional development.
- Organize monthly staff meetings and/or meetings as needed.
- Create/oversee creation of scripts/marketing materials, etc. promoting Yad Ezra.
- Having a working knowledge of software programs being used.
- Oversee/maintain security measures that protect all individuals, software, building, property.
- Foster good relations with all vendors, contractors, consultants.
Fundraising Responsibilities:
- Coordinate/oversee all aspects of special events for Yad Ezra (honoree(s), speakers, venue, marketing materials, financial reporting, other arrangements).
- Write/oversee writing and submission of grants to foundations for funding and follow-up reporting.
- Research grant opportunities that have shared goals and values.
- Create and successfully execute multi-faceted campaigns to raise funds.
- Target, retain and enhance donor base (including businesses, individuals, foundations).
- Ensure continued financial viability of Giving Gardens.
- Budget forecast preparations and financial analysis.
Board Responsibilities:
- Attend all board and committee meetings and record/ensure that minutes are recorded.
- Provide information, timelines, financial reports and other important information to help the board or committees in making decisions that impact Yad Ezra.
- Provide input and oversight to ensure fiscal management.
- Forge relationships with board members to help them engage with Yad Ezra.
- Report to the board to keep them informed as to activities, fundraising, programming, etc.
- Be a good partner to the president to help ensure his/her success that results in a meaningful term and legacy for him/her.
- Bring ideas to the board for consideration and try to be the last person to turn down an idea/suggestion.
- Act as liaison between board members, committee chairs, executive committee and advisory committee members.
- Contribute and execute strategic/long term plan(s) for the organization.
- Provide the necessary tools to enable the board to be comfortable cheerleaders for Yad Ezra.
Community Responsibilities:
- Maintaining good relationship with Federation and sister agencies.
- Represent Yad Ezra and promote a positive organizational image to ensure community representation.
- Engage with other agencies that address food insecurity and pursue partnerships/collaborations that benefit those we serve.
- Execute contracts/agreements between Yad Ezra and other businesses, organizations and foundations.
- Take advantage of Giving Gardens as a tool to promote and educate the greater community about food insecurity.
- Share best practices, vendors, experiences, mentor, etc. to assist and consult with other agencies.
- Answer/initiate/refer all correspondence with other agencies/individuals/leaders.
- Handle/oversee media, communication and publicity.
Professional Experience:
Minimum requirement of 5+ years in direct grantmaking and fundraising experience.
Experience working with a Board of Directors.
This is not a remote or hybrid position.
Competitive compensation, based on education, skills and experience.
To apply, please email your resume to
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to [email protected].
Yad Ezra is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.