Director, Jewish Teen Education and Engagement Initiative

Reports to Community Impact Senior Program Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL VISION, MISSION, AND FUNCTION:

The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund (the Federation) of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties is a philanthropic catalyst, connecting Bay Area Jews – of all ages, backgrounds, and perspectives – to the power we have as a community to improve the world. We partner with donors, organizations, and foundations to address the pressing issues facing our community, and develop innovative strategies that result in deep and lasting impact.

Our vision is a vibrant, connected, and enduring Jewish community that is a force for good locally, in Israel, and around the world. Our work is guided by the timeless Jewish values of kehilla (community), tzedakah (giving with just intention), and tikkun olam (repairing the world).

The Federation is looking for highly motivated and qualified individuals with a variety of skill sets who want to join a team working to build a new model of 21st century and next generation Federation engagement. We are especially interested in candidates who are committed to excellence, forward-thinking, open-minded, willing to take risks, and model a positive attitude that inspires confidence.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Director of the Jewish Teen Education and Engagement Initiative (Teen Initiative) will oversee implementation of a new high-profile Initiative with the primary objective to build community-wide capacity to increase engagement of teens in meaningful, innovative, and compelling opportunities that support Jewish growth and healthy development during their high-school years. The five-year Teen Initiative is being launched with major grant funding by the Jim Joseph Foundation, within the context of the Jewish Teen Education and Engagement Funder Collaborative, a network of national and local funders committed to learning together, sharing best practices, and investing in community-based Jewish teen initiatives in ten communities across the country. The Teen Initiative is one of several Federation efforts to address complex community challenges and deepen Jewish engagement, housed within the Community Impact department. Additional initiatives include Early Childhood Education, Campus Israel Engagement, Affordability, and Next Gen Engagement.

The San Francisco-based Teen Initiative will include five multi-faceted, synergistic components:

  1. Innovation Accelerator to scale, expand, and diversify innovative programs for teens with grant funding to nonprofit organizations, and cohort-based entrepreneurial training and coaching
  2. Professional Development to support and enhance effectiveness of experiential Jewish educators and youth professionals, widely recognized as the key to successfully engaging teens
  3. Experimentation Micro-Grants to pilot and test new program ideas through Jewish organizations area-wide
  4. Scholarships to create incentives for teen participation in immersive experiences and Israel travel
  5. Information Hub to provide a centralized resource for teens, parents, and the community with digital and in-person engagement approaches

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

  • Manage all facets of Teen Initiative implementation, working collaboratively across Federation departments and with partners in the field to achieve successful outcomes. This includes:
    • Develop processes, timelines, and benchmarks for each Initiative component
    • Serve as a program officer liaison to manage grants and relationships with participating organizations, ensuring alignment of programs with outcomes and success measures, and consulting with grantees on pivots as necessary
    • Manage a complex, multi-year budget, including tracking and reporting
    • Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with content providers and consultants, including defining scopes of work and consulting on approach
    • Implement evaluation activities locally and as part of the Funder Collaborative Cross Community Evaluation
    • Produce mid- and end-year written reports on the Teen Initiative, aggregating narratives and data from Initiative partners
    • Hire and supervise additional staff for the Teen Initiative (TBD)
  • Build relationships and deepen partnerships with stakeholders at the Federation and in the local community, including CEO’s/executive directors, program directors, youth educators, and clergy, and on a national level with teen program providers and Funder Collaborative communities
  • Collaborate and build synergies with the Federation’s internal programs for teens including Teen Foundations and San Francisco Diller Teen program
  • Participate in programs related to the Teen Initiative, including professional development workshops and gatherings, Funder Collaborative convenings and other teen-related activities as determined
  • Engage the lay Teen Initiative Advisory Committee in providing oversight to the Teen Initiative, working in partnership with the Federation’s Senior Program Officer
  • Champion the Teen Initiative in the community to elevate the importance of Jewish teen engagement on the community’s agenda; partner on fundraising efforts and maintain relationships with funders

EDUCATION OR TRAINING EQUIVALENT TO

  • Eight to ten years of progressive leadership experience in Jewish or other nonprofit organizations
  • Expertise in program implementation, teen engagement, experiential Jewish education, grants management, and staff supervision are all a plus
  • Master’s degree in nonprofit management, Jewish education/communal service, or a related field preferred

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS (SKILLS, ABILITIES, LICENSE)

  • Proactive self-starter with demonstrated organizational skills, and proven ability to work on multiple high priority tasks
  • Capacity to build strong and trusting relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Evidence of strong budgeting skills, with experience in grant management or fundraising a plus
  • Willingness to travel throughout the Federation service area and work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings, holidays or weekends

TO APPLY

For additional information on the opportunity, please send a copy of your resume with a cover letter. All applications and inquiries will receive a response and will be kept strictly confidential.


Excellent benefits — medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick pay, holidays (including Jewish), and retirement plan.

The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to employment equity throughout all levels of the organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, orientation, ethnicity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace.

APPLY BY EMAIL
HR@sfjcf.org

APPLY BY FAX
415.618.0320

APPLY BY MAIL
Human Resources
Jewish Community Federation
121 Steuart Street
San Francisco, CA 94105