Executive Director – Jewish Federation of Springfield, Illinois
The Jewish Federation of Springfield, IL is a vital entity in our small but dynamic Jewish community. Springfield, founded in 1821, has a general population of 120,000, with a Jewish population numbering just over 1000. Located in Central Illinois, it is the state capital of Illinois. Its many Lincoln historic sites, rich cultural history, vibrant arts and entertainment community, and a thriving business environment are some of the characteristics that define Springfield. It is also a regional provider of health care services, with innovative hospitals and medical facilities, an excellent array of higher education opportunities, and a growing reputation as a sports destination, which features Prospect League baseball and a major sports megacomplex development.
Springfield has a deep Jewish history going back to its founding. It is the hometown of philanthropist and businessman Julius Rosenwald. It has two synagogues as well as a Chabad presence.
The Jewish Federation of Springfield, IL, founded in 1941, has the mission to support the wellbeing and continuity of the Jewish people locally, in Israel and throughout the world through coordinated community-wide programming, services, educational activities and fundraising. As a relatively small Federation, we are very proud of our large impact. In 2024, the Jewish Federation of Springfield was awarded the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award in Washington, DC.
With the retirement of our Executive Director, we are seeking to fill this position.
Primary Responsibilities of the Executive Director
Full Time Position
- Execute strategic direction and planning for the organization
- Oversee all central planning efforts
- Provide leadership in determining for the future social, cultural and educational needs of the Jewish Community as well as the financial resources that will be necessary to meet the needs.
- Guide the Board to help expand the paradigm to reach our underserved Jewish populations including those who are unaffiliated and younger families.
- Identify current opportunities and potential issues with the Federation’s goals, policies and practices; guide and assist the Board in examination of the issues and revisions of key Federation policies and goals.
- Responsible for initiating, developing and measuring of all fundraising efforts.
- Execute the Federation Annual Campaign.
- Provide guidance and support to the Board related to resource identification and development of support for the Federation.
- Convene the Legacy Board meetings assisting the Chair and supporting its activities related to the budget process, communications and solicitation within the Federation.
- Ensure the requirements and directives of the Board are fulfilled.
- Working with the Board Treasurer keeping the Board informed of the available resources of the Federation, potential problems and opportunities that may affect financial status.
- Oversee the performance of all staff and work output of the Federation and its committees to include employment, performance evaluations, separation and all other related personnel activities in consultation with the Personnel Committee.
- Work cooperatively with other Jewish institutions and organizations involved in the welfare of the Jewish community.
- Oversee the coordination of the community calendar.
- Serve as the coordinator for the community security initiative as the main contact with law enforcement and SCN.
- Provide leadership for JCRC and convene the community Response Team as necessary to respond to local, state, national and international issues that affect the community.
- Coordinate all media requests to ensure that public statements regarding issues facing the Jewish community are relevant and have an effective outcome.
- Collaborate with other Federations for programming ideas.
- Identify opportunities for collaborations and partnerships with organizations in the community at large and the Jewish community that build and benefit each other.
- Serve as the Federation representative to JFNA.
Qualifications
- Self-starter with the ability to manage and motivate staff and volunteers.
- Commitment to Judaism including a knowledge and passion for Jewish life, tradition and culture. A knowledge of the Jewish Federation and a familiarity with Jewish organizations both at home and abroad are beneficial.
- Prior experience in building and maintaining community relations is valuable.
- Experience in strategic planning.
- Fundraising experience is essential.
- Effective communication skills, written and verbal.
- Detail oriented.
Education
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
- Previous Jewish or non-profit work experience is ideal.
- Computer literacy using standard office software. Familiarity with publishing and database/donor software is preferred.
- Supervisory experience.
Hours/Salary
- Salary commensurate with experience. The salary range begins at $60,000.00.
- Full time with a flexible work schedule.
- Evenings and Sundays for events and meetings.
Benefits
- Information available at the interview.
To apply: Email resume and a cover letter to [email protected].
Applications accepted until COB on November 4, 2024.