Chief of Staff

Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid vacation

403(b) Retirement Savings

Professional development

Job summary

The Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center Manhattan is seeking an experienced Chief of Staff to partner with the CEO and EVP, translating strategic priorities into actionable plans and ensuring effective execution across the organization.

Positioned at the center of the leadership team, you will steer cross‑functional initiatives, support board engagements, and build scalable processes that align programs, development, finance, and operations with the nonprofit's mission.

Qualifications

• 3–8 years of professional experience in consulting, nonprofit leadership, policy, operations, or a related field.
• Ability to translate high-level strategic discussions into actionable plans.
• Strong operational discipline with a track record of moving complex initiatives from concept through completion.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for internal and external audiences.

Responsibilities

• Translate the CEO and EVP's high-level priorities into concrete work plans and institutional initiatives.
• Steer the progress of major cross-organizational projects with alignment across departments.
• Serve as a bridge between the executive office and department leaders across programming, development, finance, and operations.
• Facilitate communication to ensure priorities are understood and implemented.
• Monitor workflows to identify bottlenecks, risks, or misalignments and develop solutions.
• Prepare research, briefing materials, and strategic summaries for meetings and board engagements.
• Assist in synthesizing information for board presentations and donor engagement.
• Lead and manage special projects spanning multiple departments.
• Oversee development and transition of initiatives into departmental ownership.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Executive communication

Project management

Nonprofit leadership

Job description

The Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center of Manhattan is seeking an experienced, high-impact Chief of Staff reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President to serve as a strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President, helping to drive institutional priorities, support executive decision-making, and ensure effective execution across the organization.

Positioned at the center of the JCC's leadership team, the Chief of Staff works closely with senior leaders, board members, and department heads to advance key initiatives and strengthen organizational alignment. The role combines strategic thinking with disciplined execution, translating leadership priorities into action and ensuring that major initiatives move forward effectively.

This is a rare opportunity to partner with senior leadership at one of New York City's most vibrant community institutions to propel organizational strategy and expand community engagement. The position is well-suited for a highly capable, seasoned professional seeking to leave a lasting mark on nonprofit and civic leadership.

The Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center of Manhattan

Together with our community, the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan creates a welcoming and vibrant environment where individuals from all walks of life come together to connect, grow, and learn. Rooted in Jewish values, it is a cornerstone of the Upper West Side that provides something for every stage of life through a multifaceted array of offerings, spanning comprehensive children's and family programs, cutting-edge health and wellness, thought-provoking arts and culture, and vital social services. It imagines Jewish life that is inclusive and diverse, creating a supportive space for people of all backgrounds to engage, nurture their well-being, and find a deep sense of belonging.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate the CEO and EVP's high-level priorities into concrete work plans and institutional initiatives.
• Steer the progress of major cross-organizational projects, ensuring alignment across departments and follow-through on leadership decisions.
• Serve as a bridge between the executive office and department leaders across programming, development, finance, and operations.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration to ensure organizational priorities are clearly understood and effectively implemented.
• Monitor organizational workflows and initiatives to identify potential bottlenecks, risks, or misalignments before they escal, and develop practical solutions or mitigation strategies.
• Manage the flow of information to the CEO and EVP, ensuring leadership remains focused on the highest-impact priorities.
• Prepare research, briefing materials, and strategic summaries for meetings, board engagements, and community initiatives.
• Support preparation for board meetings, committee work, and key stakeholder interactions. Assist in synthesizing information for board presentations and donor engagement.
• Lead and manage special projects that span multiple departments or lack a permanent institutional home.
• Oversee early development, pilot implementation, and eventual transition of successful initiatives into departmental ownership.
• Streamline organizational productivity by designing and implementing scalable systems and Standard Operating Procedures that eliminate bottlenecks and foster seamless collaboration across the organization.
• Represent the CEO or EVP in internal committees or external meetings, ensuring continuity of communication and leadership perspective.
• Draft and refine high-level internal and external communications, including staff updates, board materials, and stakeholder correspondence, ensuring clarity and consistency in the organizational voice.

Please note that this job description is not intended to cover or list in full the activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

• 3–8 years of professional experience in consulting, nonprofit leadership, policy, operations, project management, or a related field.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and translate high-level strategic discussions into actionable plans.
• Strong operational discipline and a track record of moving complex initiatives from concept through completion.
• Ability to build relationships across departments and lead cross-functional initiatives without direct reporting authority.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt tone for internal and external audiences.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to distill complex information into concise briefs for executive decision‑making.
• Intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A deep appreciation for the community-centered mission and values of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.

What We Offer

• Supportive, mission-driven work environment.
• Health Benefits such as Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance + more.
• Paid Vacation Time + a generous offering of Federal and Secular Holidays.
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Account
• Opportunities for professional development and mentorship
• Access to all the JCC's cultural, learning, arts, and film programs
• Investment in professional development and leadership skillsFree fitness membership for the pool and health club
• Discounts on other JCC programs

Work Schedule: This role is in office 5 days a week in the Upper West Side.

Salary Range: The position offers an annual salary of $120,000 – $160,000, commensurate with experience.

The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, marital status and civil partnership/union status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other characteristic as established and protected by applicable federal, state or local law.