Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

JCC Association of North America; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The JCC Association of North America in Portland, Maine is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the Jewish Community Alliance (JCA). The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in strategic leadership, fundraising, and community engagement. Responsibilities include creating growth strategies, managing financial health, and representing JCA as a primary spokesperson. The position offers a competitive salary of $150,000–$170,000 and requires a commitment to building partnerships across the local Jewish and broader communities.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of strategic leadership and senior management experience in JCCs or related sectors.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, particularly with major donors.
• Strong people management capabilities, fostering high performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the JCA towards its mission and community engagement.
• Create financial strategies and oversee financial performance.
• Build relationships with community organizations and stakeholders.

Skills

Fundraising skills

Strategic leadership

People management

Public speaking

Financial acumen

Relationship building

Knowledge of Jewish traditions

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Summary

The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine (JCA), a combined agency of Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Center and Jewish Family Services, seeks an exemplary community‑minded and collaborative chief executive to provide visionary leadership and excellent organizational oversight, build philanthropic support, and further the mission of the JCA: Rooted in Jewish values, history, and our connection to Israel, the Jewish Community Alliance cultivates and sustains a welcoming and thriving Jewish community in Maine, and strives to build a better world for all.

The ideal candidate will:

• be a dynamic and inspirational leader
• excel in building authentic, lasting relationships
• have a proven track record of successful fundraising and fiscal management

About the JCA

The JCA is the vibrant hub of Jewish programming in Portland and Southern Maine with 32 full‑time and 13 part‑time staff members. The JCA’s striking, contemporary 20,000 square‑foot building features an NAEYC‑accredited early childhood center, dedicated Jewish Family Services wing, a large social hall, kosher‑style kitchen, and a library. The JCA also maintains a spectacular 22‑acre day camp located on Sebago Lake in Windham.

In addition to preschool and camp, JCA programs and services include after‑school care; educational programs for children and adults; clubs and groups; volunteer opportunities; wellness activities; community programs; PJ Library; Jewish family services; Jewish Community Relations Council; and so much more.

For this fiscal year, the JCA has a $4.5 million operating budget. In 2024‑25, the annual campaign raised over $713,000, 115% of our goal, a 14.4% increase from 2023, and a 45.5% increase from 2020. In the first quarter of the current fiscal year, we have over $459,000 in the door, with an additional $15,000 in open pledges—62% to goal! The JCA’s annual campaign funds JCA programs and other organizations in Maine and Israel with a focus on interfaith outreach, Israel advocacy and connections, combating antisemitism, and other key initiatives.

About the Position

The CEO of the JCA reports to the board of directors and is responsible for engaging key stakeholders and constituencies. To maximize the CEO’s engagement in the community, the CEO will hire a new chief operating officer to oversee day‑to‑day operational activities.

Leading a dedicated and talented staff to successfully manage the organization’s operations, the CEO will advance the JCA’s mission by partnering across the Jewish community and creating lasting connections with the broader community. The CEO will serve as the primary spokesperson for the JCA and be decisive in action, adaptable, and accountable. The CEO will be a strong advocate for Israel and the Maine Jewish community, while ensuring respect for all cultures in the broader community.

Leadership Competencies and Key Responsibilities

Presents Visionary and Strategic Direction

The CEO will create and articulate an exciting vision for the JCA which recognizes tremendous growth in Portland and plans for emerging opportunities with flexibility and adaptability. Actively building strong and lasting relationships with other Jewish and broader community organizations, the CEO will engage donors, members, and other key stakeholders, imagining new and innovative partnerships.

Provides Exemplary Executive Leadership

The CEO will be a highly accomplished leader who builds trust through genuine encounters with staff, community members, and external collaborators. By welcoming others with compassion and modeling Jewish values, the CEO will promote a culture of inclusion, caring, and continued enthusiasm for the JCA in the community.

Creates a Culture of Philanthropy

In partnership with the chief development officer, the CEO will serve as a critical fundraiser for the JCA, engaging donors and seeking gifts of significance. The CEO will skillfully steward the JCA’s major donors, while building meaningful relationships with new donors and developing an ambitious plan to grow the annual campaign, reimagining the JCA’s ability to support broader funding opportunities.

Represents JCA in the Community

The CEO will serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the JCA in the Jewish and broader community. To strengthen the JCA’s cooperation with local synagogues and other Jewish organizations, the CEO will seek to expand the JCA’s role as a major convener and facilitator of strategic partnerships, programs, and initiatives.

Displays Financial Acumen

The CEO will develop a realistic annual operating budget in partnership with the chief financial officer, other staff, and the finance committee. Working closely with the chief financial officer, the CEO will oversee all financial matters, including ongoing financial performance and financial strategy, and will be flexible and make necessary changes to ensure financial stability.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of strategic leadership and senior management experience in JCCs, Jewish Federations, Jewish communal organizations, business, and/or not‑for‑profit sectors. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Proven ability to develop fiscally responsible strategies aligned with JCA’s mission while building strong partnerships with Jewish, corporate, government, and other organizations.
• Excellence in people management and development, including setting direction, coaching leaders, developing talent, and ensuring high performance across the organization.
• Knowledge and understanding of Jewish traditions, culture, and practices.
• Successful track record in fundraising efforts, especially with major donors, along with inspirational and empathetic leadership for staff, lay leaders, donors, and other key stakeholders.
• Excellence in public speaking and written communication skills with genuine executive presence as internal and external face of the organization.
• Appreciation and real commitment to diversity, access, and inclusion, working effectively with people of all backgrounds.

Compensation

A competitive compensation package is available for the successful candidate. Base salary range is $150,000–$170,000.

To Apply

Qualified candidates can apply for this position at [e-mail]. Please include a cover letter and resume.