Jewish Teen Foundations Project Director

*We currently have positions available in all of our regions SF/Marin, and the North and South Peninsulas.  

Program Overview: 

Jewish Teen Foundation (JTF) is a ground breaking, 12-year old, project-based learning program that trains and inspires high school students to run real grant making foundations and change their world. These motivated and high-achieving teens apply and interview for the opportunity to join one of our 25-person boards that choose their own funding mission statements, research nonprofits, fundraise for their cause, review grant proposals and interview nonprofit professionals before allocating their grants (cumulatively totaling ~$200,000 each year). Board members participate in monthly, weekend board meetings from November to May and may apply to return a second year on their local Leadership Council. Often described as a “mini-MBA program based in Jewish values”, JTF teens develop leadership skills, gain a deep understanding of contemporary social issues, and make a real impact.

Watch this 3 minute video to hear more about it from our teens:

Our overarching goal is to cultivate new Jewish philanthropists and leaders that:

• Feel a responsibility to the Jewish people and the greater world;
• are knowledgeable about Jewish institutions working to repair the world; and
• can apply Jewish teachings and values that guide the practice of tzedakah and smart philanthropy.  

Position Summary:

Project Directors are 80% FTE exempt employees of the SF-based Jewish Community Federation and key members of the JTF team.  All team members play a vital role in our annual Jewish Teen Philanthropy Training Retreat, developing engaging curriculum, critical colleagueship, social justice research, and community outreach. Project Directors engage daily in creative collaboration with local educators, community members, nonprofit representatives, and philanthropic professionals. A passion for relationship building, tikkun olam, and empowering youth leadership are both the keys and rewards of success in this program.

Essential Functions of the Position:

Programming:

• JTF Teen Philanthropy Training Retreat [November]
• JTF Teen Board and Leadership Council meetings [4-5 times a month, Dec-May]
• Welcome Orientation, Parent Education Night, Grants Celebration, and Alumni Events
• Ongoing support of teen fundraising [Jan-May]

Administrative Tasks, Marketing/Recruitment:

Education or Experience Equivalent to:
ESSENTIAL

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for both teen and adult audiences.
• Program management and event planning experience.
• Experience with teens in an educational context.
• Knowledge of Jewish texts, traditions, and culture
• Solid administrative ability
• Emotional Intelligence and Strong relationship building skills
• Creative, independent, flexible and patient
• Team work, group facilitation and collaboration skills
• Gives and receives constructive feedback well
• Proficient with Microsoft office suite, basic computer skills and basic social media
• Support the mission and work of the JCF and Endowment Fund.

DESIRABLE

• Master’s degree
• Knowledge of/Connection to the South Peninsula Jewish community
• Skilled in outreach and communication with diverse Jewish families and teens
• Knowledge of Jewish textual and ethical underpinnings of philanthropy
• Knowledge of philanthropy, including strategic grant-making and fundraising

Teen Voices

“It puts philanthropy and Jewish values hand in hand, and I’ve learned so much about both.”

“It made Jewish teachings applicable, not just stories from the Torah.”

“I have become more attuned to how far money can go towards helping others.  I feel even more strongly towards donating now and impacting the world.”

“It is not only a learning experience or something that looks good on college applications.  You make a real change, form strong friendships and gain skills.” 

“It’s completely different from anything else I’ve done and its truly teen-run.”

To inquire or apply, please contact Lom Friedman at lomf@sfjcf.org