Director of Arts + Ideas- Tidewater

The Jewish Federations of North America, Inc.; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater (UJFT) in Virginia Beach is seeking a Director of Arts + Ideas to lead Jewish and Israeli arts and cultural programming. The role oversees festivals, film, literature, and visual arts initiatives that connect people with Jewish life and Israel.

Responsibilities include strategic planning, budget oversight, fundraising collaboration, and partnership with volunteers and community partners to deepen engagement with Jewish culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in arts-related field, nonprofit management, event planning, or related field.
• At least three years developing and implementing cultural, educational, or nonprofit initiatives.
• Experience with budgeting, marketing, staff supervision, and program evaluation.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to manage multiple programs and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Arts + Ideas, including long-range planning and goals.
• Lead planning and implementation of festivals, exhibitions, and other arts events.
• Partner with volunteer committees and lay leaders to drive initiatives.
• Identify artists, presenters, and partners to develop engaging programs.
• Oversee program budgets and coordinate marketing, outreach, and fundraising.
• Collaborate with Development to cultivate donors and sponsors.

Skills

Organizational skills

Planning skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in arts-related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Salary: Starting at $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience

Reports to: Senior Director, Jewish Innovation

The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater (UJFT) seeks a Director of Arts + Ideas to provide leadership and strategic direction for its Jewish and Israeli arts and cultural programming. Through film, literature, visual arts, performance, conversation, and cultural exploration, the Director creates opportunities for people to connect with Jewish life, Israel, and the broader community.

The Arts + Ideas portfolio includes the Virginia Festival of Jewish Film presented by Alma & Howard Laderberg, the Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival, the Leon Family Art Gallery, and additional cultural programs and engagement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Arts + Ideas initiatives, including long-range planning, annual goals, program development, and evaluation.
• Lead the planning and implementation of festivals, exhibitions, speaker programs, celebrations, and other arts and cultural experiences.
• Serve as the staff partner to the Arts + Ideas Steering Committee, Film Festival Screening Committee, and other volunteer committees, working closely with committee chairs and lay leaders.
• Identify and collaborate with artists, authors, presenters, scholars, cultural institutions, and community organizations to develop meaningful programs and expand participation.
• Oversee program budgets and work with colleagues on marketing, branding, outreach, and fundraising plans.
• Partner with the Development team to cultivate donors, sponsors, and supporters with an interest in arts and culture.
• Develop opportunities for participants and volunteers to remain engaged with Jewish life, culture, and learning.
• Collaborate across UJFT and the Simon Family Jewish Community Center to align initiatives with organizational goals and assess their reach and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in an arts-related field, nonprofit management, event planning, or a related field.
• At least three years of experience developing and implementing cultural, educational, community engagement, or nonprofit initiatives. Experience in an arts, cultural, or Jewish communal setting is preferred.
• Experience with initiative development, budgeting, marketing, staff supervision, and program evaluation is preferred.
• Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs, deadlines, and relationships.
• Ability to work effectively with volunteer leaders, artists, presenters, sponsors, colleagues, and community partners.
• Strong knowledge of Jewish heritage, traditions, culture, and contemporary Jewish life, and a commitment to the missions of UJFT and the Simon Family JCC.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by programs and events.

The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater is firmly committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, non-disqualifying disability, or veteran status.