Chief Executive Officer

Spirit League; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community organization seeks a Chief Executive Officer to manage the transition to a new campus. The CEO will lead strategy, oversee operations, and build relationships to enhance the JCC's mission and community impact. This role requires strong leadership and fundraising skills, with a commitment to Jewish values and community engagement.

Benefits

Medical Benefits

Dental Benefits

Vision Benefits

Vacation

Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Qualifications

• 7+ years of executive experience in a multi-service organization.
• Experience in program management and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy development and execution.
• Ensure organizational fiscal health through budget oversight.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship Building

Fundraising

Strategic Planning

Job description

OPPORTUNITY

The JCC East Bay is at a pivotal moment—the final phase of creating a new East Bay Jewish Community Campus. This bold project will transform the East Bay Jewish Community. We’ve already achieved key milestones in campus development and partnerships with over 20 organizations moving to the campus. Our next Chief Executive Officer will bring this next phase to life. The JCC East Bay currently has a $6.2 million budget with 100 staff; once the vision of the Community Campus is fully realized, the budget is projected to grow to nearly $11 million with double the staff.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The primary focus of the Chief Executive Officer role for the first 12-24 months will be managing the transition and opening the new Oakland campus.

1. Lead strategy development and execution.
2. Direct the executive team and programs.
3. Build strong relationships based on our core values with a range of stakeholders.
4. Ensure organizational fiscal health through budget oversight and cultivation of major gifts and grants.

Overall Leadership

1. Advance the mission, vision, and fiscal health of the JCC East Bay.
2. Provide excellent leadership; serve as a role model and mentor to staff. Work closely with senior leadership to prepare staff for the next phase of growth.
3. Retain and inspire key talent.
4. Represent the JCC at community events, meetings, in the media, etc.
5. Build and deepen partnerships with Jewish and broader community organizations, funders, and other stakeholders.
6. Gather and consider diverse stakeholder input; manage expectations.

Organizational Management and Development

1. Maintain oversight and contribute to existing program development; empower and collaborate with program leadership.
2. Supervise the Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Development Director, and Chief Jewish Learning Officer. Indirect reports include the Chief Program Officer and Marketing Manager.
3. Oversee marketing and communication strategies, and champion the organization’s brand and reputation.
4. Build upon the positive internal culture and drive organizational excellence.
5. Partner with the C-suite to direct human resources activities, including overseeing HR plans, selecting directors, and organizing departments.
6. Prepare annual work plans for Board approval.
7. Analyze operations to evaluate performance annually.
8. Establish departmental responsibilities and coordinate functions among departments and sites.

Board of Directors Partnership

1. Prepare monthly updates, reports, and agendas for the Board of Directors.
2. Serve as the primary staff contact for the Executive Committee, including meeting planning and execution.
3. Establish a strong partnership with the Board Chair and maintain clear roles between Board and staff.
4. Manage Board committees in collaboration with the Chief of Staff.
5. Develop organizational policies.

Relationship Building, Fundraising, and Profile Enhancement

1. Act as the chief storyteller of the JCC, maintaining a portfolio of top 40 gifts from individuals and foundations.
2. Lead cultivation of major donors alongside the development team and Board members.
3. Build and strengthen relationships with supporters, including clients, funders, local influencers, and beyond.
4. Deliver speeches, write articles, and present at meetings or conventions to promote services and exchange ideas.
5. Enhance the reputation of the JCC to support its mission and sustainability.

Community Campus Direction

1. Oversee programming and operations of the East Bay Jewish Community Campus.
2. Serve as the primary contact with the Rockridge community.
3. Maintain excellent relationships with campus organizations and leaders.
4. Participate in meetings with Jewish coworking space leaders across North America.

Fiscal Oversight and Sustainability

1. Engage in ongoing financial planning aligning business models and strategy with organizational values and priorities.
2. Collaborate with staff leadership and the Treasurer to monitor financial health and ensure long-term sustainability. Facilitate the annual audit process.
3. Prepare, oversee, and monitor the annual budget for Board approval.
4. Prepare and present reports on activities, expenses, budgets, and other relevant items.

DESIRED TRAITS

The incoming CEO will be an inspiring, authentic leader and a skilled manager. They will be passionate about the mission, vision, and values of the JCC and the East Bay Jewish Community Campus.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 7+ years of executive experience in a multi-service organization of similar scale.
• Successful in building relationships and securing six-figure contributions from individual donors and foundations.
• Experience in program management and strategic planning, with understanding of market fit for offerings.
• Experience as the primary external face of an organization, overseeing communications and marketing.
• Proven ability to develop and implement organizational strategy in a community-oriented environment.
• Ability to establish metrics, evaluate success, and use data to inform decisions.
• Leadership experience through organizational change, bringing strategy and vision to life with manageable tactics.
• Strong Board engagement, management, and development skills, with the ability to manage relationships effectively.
• Fluency in Jewish culture, traditions, and holidays.
• Knowledge of contemporary Israel and navigating community sensitivities related to social, political, and religious issues.
• Understanding of security and safety issues, with the ability to respond calmly to emergencies.
• Comfortable with inspirational public speaking in various settings.

BACKGROUND

The JCC East Bay is a welcoming space for people of all ages, inspired by Jewish values, culture, and tradition. We foster relationships, learning, and accessible pathways to Jewish life. Our core youth programs serve nearly 700 children and include:

• Early childhood education and preschool
• Camp and afterschool programs
• Teen engagement

Additional programs serve community adults, including:

• Older adult and Holocaust survivor activities
• Intergenerational Jewish holiday celebrations
• Opportunities to connect with Jewish life and our diverse community

This is a Jewish educational space providing meaningful pathways to learn about and celebrate Jewish life, fostering Jewish pride. We support Israel and its right to exist as a secure, independent, Jewish democratic state.

The JCC operates in five locations: a full-service building in Berkeley, three afterschool programs in Oakland public elementary schools, and administrative offices on our soon-to-be flagship campus in Oakland.

Our Community

The Bay Area is home to the fourth-largest Jewish community in North America, with the East Bay being the largest in the Bay Area. It is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse Jewish communities in North America. Notably, 54% of Bay Area Jewish households with children under four reside in the East Bay, with nearly 55% being interfaith households, highlighting the need for programs supporting both new and deepening Jewish connections.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The JCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making employment decisions based on merit. We prohibit unlawful discrimination and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, providing reasonable accommodations as needed.

We value the perspectives of women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups. We encourage all interested candidates to apply, even if they don’t meet 100% of the qualifications.

Please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter outlining your skills and experiences to [e-mail].

SALARY RANGE

$210,000-$270,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays (including most Jewish holidays).