Position Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Organization: Camp Ramah in California
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rabbi Joe Menashe
Position Summary: Camp Ramah in California seeks a trusted and experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) with strong strategic, operational, financial, and interpersonal skills. The COO will provide strategic business planning, operational oversight, and leadership across key functions, including financial management, risk management, compliance, insurance, facilities management, security, technology, legal, and human resources. Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will supervise the Director of Finance (DF), Director of Operations (DO), and HR Manager while serving as a critical member of the executive team.
As Camp Ramah approaches its 70th anniversary, the COO will play a pivotal role in maintaining efficient operations and contributing to Ramah’s continued growth and success. The COO will oversee the operating budget, restricted funds (including an endowment), 455-acre property in Ojai, year-round office, summer camp in Ojai, Ramah Day Camp in LA, HR for nearly 500 employees annually, and an increased alumni engagement and year-round programs.
The ideal candidate will embody the vision and mission of Camp Ramah and lead its operations with a values-driven, human-centered, transparent, and visionary approach.
Core Responsibilities:
- Strategic and Business Planning:
- Develop, implement and regularly review comprehensive business plan in partnership with CEO and lay leadership.
- Align stakeholders and staff around business plan priorities, ensuring clarity of purpose and actionable steps.
- Identify and evaluate growth opportunities, partnerships, and other strategic initiatives that advance Ramah’s mission.
- Lead and support special projects to enhance operational efficiency.
- Risk Management:
- Supervise DO and DF to ensure compliance with all legal, financial, and regulatory requirements, leveraging team expertise for effective implementation.
- Develop and oversee implementation of comprehensive risk management policies including ongoing cycle of review.
- Monitor significant operational risks and oversee mitigation strategies, including preparation and training.
- Lead or oversee crisis response efforts involving potential threats to life, property, or Ramah’s reputation.
- Interface with legal counsel as needed.
- Strategic Financial Oversight:
- Supervise DF through comprehensive fiscal year budget process.
- Develop long-range financial planning in partnership with CEO and lay leadership ensuring Ramah’s financial sustainability, strengthening Ramah’s Ikar (essence) and expanding the Ramah community.
- Supervise the DF to ensure robust budget management, financial reporting, and financial risk oversight as well as the DF’s performance of their other responsibilities, including accounts payable, receivable management and controller functions.
- Support vendor relationships providing significant services to Ramah, whether measured in the size of contracts or sensitivity.
- Supervise DF to ensure timely and transparent financial reporting to CEO, departmental managers and lay leadership.
- Supervise and support engagement with the Budget & Finance Committee, Facilities Committee, and related ad-hoc or standing committees.
- Oversee the audit process with internal partners, the audit committee, and external auditors.
- Monitor operational expenses organization-wide, identifying opportunities for cost-saving measures without compromising Ramah’s mission or program quality.
- Strategic Operational Oversight:
- Supervise DO for year-round emergency preparedness and security including training, target hardening, and community partnerships.
- Supervise DO to ensure safe and efficient multifaceted use of technology.
- Supervise DO and support Director of Ojai Operations to ensure strategic and efficient facility operational and capital maintenance, inventory and long-term planning.
- Supervise DO and support Director of Ojai Operations for mission driven impact and financial wellbeing of the Zimmer Conference and Retreat Center.
- Supervise HR manager to ensure effective systems for administering employee-related matters, including payroll, benefits, policies, archives, and staff handbooks. Lead grievance process.
- Other Responsibilities:
- Support fundraising efforts through personal relationship building, grant involvement, and event participation as needed.
- Manage, support, or oversee as appropriate all sensitive and/or confidential matters, including but not limited to HR, PR, legal, and insurance.
- Foster a positive, fun, productive, collaborative, and professional work environment.
- Evaluate staff performance and provide feedback for improvement.
- Implement programs and processes that support Ramah’s mission.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in senior operational and financial management, ideally in a non-profit, camp, or educational setting.
- Expertise in budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation.
- Experience working with lay leadership and/or a board of directors.
- Proven ability to lead large teams and oversee complex operations.
- High proficiency with technology, including QuickBooks (or similar accounting software).
- Exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
- Ability to calmly manage high-pressure situations.
- Experience in facility management, camp operations, or retreat center operations is highly desirable.
- Experience being a leader in a mission driven organization.
- MBA or related graduate degree preferred.
Compensation and Benefits: Camp Ramah in California offers a competitive and comprehensive compensation package, including (403b) retirement plan, group health coverage, life insurance, long-term disability (LTD), and paid sick and vacation time. Ramah also provides time off for Jewish holidays and early office closures for Shabbat. Salary range: $170,000 - $215,000, commensurate with experience.
Location: The administrative headquarters of Camp Ramah in California is currently located in Encino, CA, with the residential summer camp situated on over 400 acres in Ojai, CA. Ramah Day Camp LA is based in West Hills, CA. A hybrid work schedule is in place, though this position requires significant and regular presence at the Ojai property and periodic presence at the Day Camp. Full-time summer residency in Ojai is not required.
How to Apply: Submit your resume and cover letter to Rabbi Joe Menashe at [email protected]. Camp Ramah in California is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. Authorization to work in the U.S. is required for employment.
About Camp Ramah in California
Our Vision
We dream of a more just world with many generations of proud, educated, and reflective Jews, deeply committed to their communities and the pursuit of vibrant Jewish life.
Our Mission
Camp Ramah in California creates lifelong relationships through joyful, welcoming, and immersive Jewish experiences rooted in Torah, Avodah, and Gemilut Hasadim.* Ramah is committed to the future of the Jewish community and the betterment of the world.
- Torah – We cultivate a passion for lifelong Jewish learning and a commitment to our heritage and the wisdom of our people.
- Avodah – We create opportunities for joyful prayer and positive engagement in the richness of our rituals and mitzvot.
- Gemilut hasadim – We take active responsibility for each other and the world.