Executive Director, Jewish Relief Agency

Posted by Jewish Relief Agency on January 2, 2017

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Adventure
We are building a uniquely business-savvy team within the world of non-profits – made up of individuals equally passionate about social good and aggressive growth. The Jewish Relief Agency is no ordinary nonprofit. Since our founding in 2000, our team of committed, intelligent and experienced professionals and lay leaders has developed some of the most dynamic community engagement and social service programs in the Philadelphia region and, in fact, the country. Are you ready to join us?

Reports to: Board of Directors

THE GIG
JRA is seeking our next Executive Director (ED), who will be an out-front and energetic motivator of stakeholders, will collaborate with the Executive Committee and Board on setting vision and strategy for the agency’s development and will lead the professional staff in executing the agency’s operating and growth plans. The ED will capitalize on JRA’s position as one of the Philadelphia region’s leading nonprofits and its unique platform of direct-service delivery and volunteer engagement to expand its impact, operations, and financial base.

Working with the staff and Board, the ED will be accountable for the agency’s growth and impact across current and future initiatives, while ensuring the agency maintains its caring and participant-centered culture. The new ED will offer a broad array of organizational leadership skills, including the ability to clarify roles and structure for team members to ensure their maximum productivity and satisfaction; ensure programmatic excellence; and oversee the organization’s financial stability and growth.

Key Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will be:

• Able to think big picture as well as lead a team of staff and lay people towards actualizing a plan;
• A natural collaborator who is inclusive and respectful of all participants;
• Effective in building support with a variety of stakeholders;
• Possess proven ability to be an innovative, forward-thinking, tech-savvy leader;
• Entrepreneurial, a smart risk taker who balances big thinking with pragmatic skills;
• A person of integrity and high ideals.

The Executive Director will provide leadership and direction for all aspects of the organization, including:

Strategic Vision, Leadership & Management

• Inspire staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to pursue JRA’s mission with passion and excellence. Build trust among staff and volunteers through honest communication and unwavering respect for those at all levels of the organization.
• Learn from others at all levels of the organization and throughout the community.
• Have the skills and experience to forge collaborative alliances and partnerships with diverse public, private and non-profit constituencies and stakeholders.
• Have a positive, can-do attitude and the ability to see the lighter side of things.

Board Engagement

• Partner with the Board of Directors to strengthen its ability to govern strategically, continue to build board-staff relations, advocate effectively, and recruit new Board members.
• Work with the Board to advance short and long-term objectives, with particular emphasis on program development and fundraising activities.

Fiscal Management

• Proactively manage resources to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Provide financial management including budgeting and cash flow management.
• Approve yearly organizational budget and submits to the Board for approval.
• Ensure accurate and timely regulatory filings.

Fund Development

• Collaborate with the Board and staff in developing and implementing an annual fundraising plan; overseeing fundraising events and programs; and pursuing government, foundation and corporate grants.
• Develop new sources of funding and assure a growing, diversified revenue stream.

Program Development & Operations

• Identify and implement ways to strengthen programming through partnerships, strategic alliances, and collaborations.
• Identify opportunities that may arise as changes in political and funding trends impact the work of JRA.
• Engage in the challenging day-to-day work of actualizing JRA’s mission by envisioning and implementing processes and procedures that will lead to broader fundraising and enhanced program delivery.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting and analysis of all JRA programs and work with the Board and program staff using metrics for planning and trouble-shooting.
• Ensure that JRA’s human resources, operations, and technology are aligned to effectively meet its goals and expectations.

Community Engagement & Communications

• Expand the visibility of the organization’s presence and develop relationships that seek and garner new initiatives and fundraising opportunities.
• Serve as the spokesperson for JRA and ensure that JRA and its programs are well known throughout the region with the effective and timely use of public relations and contemporary media.
• Maintain and expand the strong partnerships with a wide range of community groups, professional associations and elected officials.
• Review and approve the organization’s annual communications plan to ensure alignment with the organization’s short and long-term goals and financial commitments.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

Qualifications

• Inspirational leader who believes passionately in the mission of JRA
• 10+ years of progressive responsibility in senior management roles, with prior experience developing and implementing organizational or departmental strategies and managing teams and activities across multiple functional areas
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and experience in building relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including funders, donors, families, and partners
• Compelling communication style with outstanding oral, written, presentation, and public speaking skills
• Diplomatic influencer who is able to engage a wide range of internal and external stakeholders around a common goal
• Experience in human services environments, preferably with a low-income population, and exposure to managing operations, relationships, contracts, and compliance with federal and state agencies
• Strong staff leadership skills, with supervisory experience that demonstrates the ability to mentor and coach staff toward success in their roles
• Superior professional judgment and discretion required to manage risk and sensitive information
• Sound financial management capabilities, including experience developing and managing budgets
• Experience in working effectively with a Board of Directors
• Knowledge of the Jewish community, traditions and practices
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
• Must have a car and a valid driver’s license

HOW WE LIKE TO WORK

• In small, super-collaborative teams
• With self-motivated people with an entrepreneurial mindset
• With people who express themselves, have a positive attitude and a sense of humor

BENEFITS

• Competitive salary
• Generous vacation time
• Paid time off for Jewish holidays
• Medical benefits
• Great snacks, unlimited coffee and seltzer, and a very friendly work environment

ABOUT JRA
The Jewish Relief Agency is a dynamic, volunteer-driven organization whose goal is to help families in need. Since its founding in 2000, JRA has been bringing families and individuals together each month in a spirit of community and repairing the world. Through the efforts of JRA’s community of more than 15,000 volunteers, we are providing monthly food relief packages to over 3,200 low-income families throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. JRA also has partner programs in Pittsburgh, Chicago, Morristown (NJ), Cherry Hill (NJ) and Greenwich (CT) and operates JRAid, a web-based volunteer program that matches volunteers with individuals who need assistance with everyday tasks.

TO APPLY
Please email: 1) a cover letter explaining your interest in and qualification for the position and 2) a resume to: edsearch@jewishrelief.org