Kalaniyot Foundation is pleased to work with DRG to conduct this search.

BACKGROUND

The Organization

The Kalaniyot Foundation is an academic initiative that aims to advance academic excellence by deepening ties with Israeli researchers and building a supportive campus community. The Kalaniyot Foundation was founded by MIT faculty shortly after October 7th, recognizing the need for a proactive, faculty-led organization to support collaboration between Israeli scholars and local campus communities.

To further these goals, the Kalaniyot Foundation supports a wide range of activities at campus chapters, including so far Harvard, MIT, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, Columbia, Dartmouth, McGill and USC. Each chapter is led by faculty who develop and execute programming designed to create enduring partnerships with leading Israeli researchers whose expertise and innovations advance research, education, and entrepreneurship. The Foundation also strengthens campus communities by building personal ties across academic ranks and backgrounds to support Israeli scholars and their allies on campus. Current programming includes a prestigious fellows program supporting Israeli scholars to do research and teaching at the chapters, joint U.S.–Israel research projects, and local chapter-led community initiatives.

With its growing network of chapters and partnerships, Kalaniyot is already transforming the academic landscape, creating renewed appreciation for Israeli scholars and a more welcoming campus climate for them and their allies. Under the CEO’s leadership, Kalaniyot will expand to new campuses, develop new programming, and spark innovation with impact far beyond academia.

The Position

The Kalaniyot Foundation is seeking its inaugural Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This is a unique opportunity for a visionary, operational leader to shape the future of a strongly positioned foundation entering its next phase of growth. The CEO will develop and implement Kalaniyot Foundation’s strategic vision, while leading its operational and philanthropic growth. They will be responsible for leading and overseeing programming across campuses, building organizational infrastructure, ensuring compliance and financial discipline, and executing fundraising plans in alignment with strategic guidance provided by the Foundation’s Executive Board and advisory groups.

The CEO will work closely with the Executive Board to ensure strong governance and accountability; partner with experienced academic leaders to translate strategic guidance into operational plans; supervise the Program Manager and lead the Chapter Coordinating Group (a standing forum of chapter heads) in executing high-quality, consistent programming across all campuses.

The CEO will ensure that operational plans, program implementation, and campus coordination reflect the board’s guidance, while maintaining execution responsibility and administrative relationships with partner universities.

The ideal candidate will:

• Provide strong leadership to unify and strengthen the Foundation and its chapters.
• Bring proven executive skills to establish systems, cultivate partnerships with universities, donors, and organizations, and ensure effective operations while driving sustainable growth.
• Collaborate effectively with academic leadership inside and outside the foundation
• Be a compelling storyteller of the Kalaniyot mission and an effective fundraiser.
• Have served as a senior executive (CEO/ED/COO/GM) running a multi-million-dollar annual budget organization, with board accountability, audited financials, and a multi-year plan.

The successful candidate will be a results-oriented leader with entrepreneurial drive, collaborative spirit, and deep passion for the Kalaniyot Foundation’s mission.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The CEO will be responsible for the strategic direction, fundraising, day-to-day operations, and growth, of the Kalaniyot Foundation, including but not limited to:

Establishment & Development

• Lead fundraising for the Kalaniyot Foundation and support chapters in their university-specific fundraising efforts.
• Establishing a strong brand and messaging across all Kalaniyot initiatives, including scientific collaborations, Jewish and Israeli campus life, and U.S.-Israel academic partnerships.
• Cultivating a shared mission across chapters and partners to ensure constituents feel part of a broad, empowering academic network across campuses.
• Expanding the network through partnerships with new institutions and relationships with stakeholders in Israeli tech, healthcare and research.

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Management

• Partner with the Kalaniyot Executive Board to shape and implement the Foundation’s vision, goals, and long-term plans.
• Build and manage annual budgets; hire and lead staff in a collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Prepare for and facilitate Board and Advisory Group meetings to ensure effective governance.
• Establish core systems, standard operating procedures, and technology infrastructure including the website and communications.
• Ensure legal and fiscal compliance, including timely financial reporting.
• Supervise a Program Manager who will drive the day-to-day execution across campuses and support operational follow-through from the Chapter Coordinating Group.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Lead major gift fundraising to secure support from individuals, foundations, and corporations, working closely with Kalaniyot’s academic leadership.
• Develop and execute annual and long-term fundraising plans; track and report progress.
• Build relationships with donors, advisors, and partners to secure major and planned gifts.
• Oversee preparation of donor materials and presentations; ensure balance between chapter and national fundraising.
• Maintain accurate donor data and insights to inform strategy.

Chapter & University Engagement

• Visit and support active chapters; review and approve local programs and communications.
• Support the Fellows selection process and ensure compliance with guidelines and timelines.
• Negotiate and manage MOUs and gift agreements with universities and oversee fiscal reviews related to these agreements.
• Guide faculty and boards in forming and launching new chapters.

Partnerships & External Relations

• In partnership with Kalaniyot’s academic leaders, forge strategic partnerships in the U.S., Israel, and internationally to advance research, education, and academic ties.
• Maintain strong relationships with leaders in Israeli academia and peer organizations.
• Support research alliances and represent the Kalaniyot Foundation on steering committees.
• Lead PR and outreach to elevate the Kalaniyot Foundation’s visibility and reputation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: 10+ years of progressive responsibility, with a record of scaling an organization’s operations and fundraising to support a multi-million-dollar budget and growing team, while maintaining strong compliance and financial discipline. Diverse backgrounds possible including fundraising, sales, or a senior leadership role within the corporate or nonprofit sector.
• Passion: A clear and demonstrable passion for the Kalaniyot Foundation's mission, academic excellence, and strengthening U.S.-Israel ties.
• Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to convey an organization’s mission to diverse audiences.
• Leadership: Proven track record of sophisticated leadership combined with an entrepreneurial spirit. Strong supervisory skills with the ability to build and develop high-performing teams.
• Fundraising Acumen: Significant experience leading and growing successful fundraising/sales functions, including building strategies to strengthen and increase funding from diverse sources (individual donors, corporations, foundations).
• Strategic Thinking: Excellent decision-making skills and the ability to balance multiple data points, stakeholder interests, and the overall funding landscape in designing and implementing strategies.
• Collaboration: Highly collaborative with the ability to foster teamwork and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Board Governance: Essential experience working with or serving on a Board of Directors.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative environment.
• Academic background: A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) is required, along with the confidence, curiosity, and collegiality needed to engage senior academic and scientific leaders.
• Travel: Ability to travel as required for site visits, donor engagement, and external relations, including potential travel to Israel.

TIMELINE AND NEXT STEPS

If you are interested in this position, please click here. All applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their application.

We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply even if you do not meet all of the qualifications outlined above.