The York Jewish Community Center (JCC) is seeking a seasoned strategic leader to build on the JCC’s long track record of success in serving the York County community. The JCC’s mission is to create opportunities for everyone, inspire relationships, build a community of well-being, and enhance Jewish communal life through its cultural, educational, wellness, recreational, and social service programs available to all. The ideal CEO candidate will excel at building relationships, be a strategic thinker, be an excellent communicator, and have a track record of operational success.

About the York JCC For over 110 years, the York JCC has helped shape the local Jewish community while simultaneously maintaining a strong commitment to serving the broader community. The sign above the entrance to the JCC announces “Everyone is Welcome,” clearly demonstrating its dedication to serving the entire York community based on a proud foundation of Jewish identity through the JCC’s vision, symbols, and values. This approach has been well received in York as the relatively small Jewish community comes together with the broader community at the JCC where approximately 90% of its members are not Jewish. Within the tradition of Jewish cultural heritage, the York JCC’s vision is to be a center for family life, a leader in providing education, wellness, culture, and recreation, and a home that celebrates the diversity of the communities it serves in an inclusive, welcoming, spirited environment inspired by Jewish values.

The JCC’s rich history dates back to 1910 when it was founded as a Young Men’s and Young Women’s Hebrew Association before becoming the York JCC. Today, the JCC’s exceptional main facility sits on a 9-acre campus alongside Temple Beth Israel (Reform) which also houses Ohev Sholom Congregation (Conservative) providing ample opportunities for sharing resources and program partnerships.

The JCC’s facilities include a fitness center, gymnasium, aquatics center, and dance studio. The JCC provides a full and well-rounded set of programs serving a wide variety of ages and interests. It has been a leader in a number of program areas. The JCC opened the first nursery school in York County in 1952 and now operates NAEYC-accredited early childhood education programs and afterschool care in multiple locations. It has pioneered highly esteemed diversity education programs in most area school districts. The Center for Learn & Play uses the science of Applied Behavior Analysis which blends developmental and behavioral approaches in providing inclusive classes, specialized lessons, and play-based therapy to serve children ages 3-10 with neuro-cognitive challenges. More recently, the JCC has acquired Jewish Family Services to support a wide range of needs for the entire community. The JCC provides Jewish arts and cultural programs throughout the year.

While the pandemic had a significant impact on the JCC’s operations and budget, the JCC is again a hub of activity and its overall budget of $6.7 million has recovered to its pre-Covid level. The executive team and broader leadership team have a healthy mix of experienced and new staff members. The York JCC board of directors are well connected in the community and includes a number of newer members who are bringing energy, new perspectives, and a commitment to leading governance practices.

About York and its Jewish Community

York County is located in the Susquehanna River Valley of South-Central Pennsylvania and is one of the fastest growing counties in the state with a population of approximately 460,000. It has urban amenities and small-town charm with affordable housing and lifestyle. York is a vibrant manufacturing and business hub with quality health care and schools. York recreational opportunities include many parks, a rail trail, and nearby historical sites, and easy access to both the beach and hiking/skiing. There is also a budding food and beer scene. York is an hour from Baltimore and has easy access to Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., and New York City. Jews settled in York in the 1700s. The current Jewish population is estimated at almost 700 families ranging from six-generation natives to new transplants seeking a more balanced lifestyle. While it is a small Jewish community, the JCC and two synagogues offer a broad range of opportunities to participate in Jewish life.

About the Position

The CEO of the York JCC will report to the board of directors, lead a dedicated staff, and actively represent the JCC in the community which offers many opportunities for collaboration with other organizations. The CEO will have the ability to make an impact on both the JCC and the Jewish community by leading a strategic planning process that will build on the JCC’s culture of innovation and set vision and direction for the organization over the next few years. Early opportunities for CEO leadership are in team building, growing membership (currently at about 4,000 units - 80% of pre-Covid), expanding Jewish programs, fully staffing the organization (particularly in the early childhood center), and considering the best use of campus property.

The York JCC has approximately 200 year-round full-time and part-time staff plus 40 seasonal staff. Currently reporting to the CEO are the Chief Program Officer, Chief Education Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Advancement Officer, and Director of Jewish Life (to be filled).

The ideal CEO candidate will exemplify the following leadership competencies:

Provides Exemplary Executive Leadership The CEO will lead with empathy, competence, and trust. The CEO will be relentlessly optimistic in pursuit of the JCC’s mission, while balancing aspirational goals with realistic expectations and accountability. The CEO’s sound judgment will permeate through all significant aspects of planning, decision making, and problem-solving. The CEO must be a highly accomplished relationship builder, comfortable with all levels of constituencies from the most seasoned lay leaders to new young leadership, professional staff, general members, and those not yet engaged. A forward thinking, energetic individual, the CEO will promote a culture of innovation and inclusion and be a change agent to create ongoing excitement for the JCC and the community.

Displays Sound Staff Management Skills The CEO will lead, coach, attract and retain a high-performing senior management team. The CEO will create a positive culture of productivity, communication, collaboration, trust, and accountability. The CEO will foster an environment where staff feel they can take risks in aspiring toward excellence in all areas of programming and operations and will challenge staff to continually improve their lines of business, while growing professionally.

Presents Visionary and Strategic Direction

The CEO will create and clearly articulate an exciting new vision identifying key strategic post-pandemic opportunities which focus on the JCC's mission. Actively engaging Jewish and secular community organizations, the CEO will work to support existing collaborative programs and envision new ways to partner together. The CEO must be innovative, see the big picture, and be able to think outside the box - managing current issues while planning for evolving business models in both the near and long term and well beyond the walls of the York JCC. The CEO will implement an all-encompassing and compelling vision that captures the energy of the York JCC and a robust, engaged and involved community going forward. The successful candidate will be a change-agent who can envision and execute a plan for the future.

Demonstrates Skill in Operational Management

The CEO will excel in organizational management with the ability to move the agency toward continuous improvement, establishing short and long-range goals that are strategic, programmatic, fiscally responsible, and align with the JCC's mission. Knowledge and management skills in plant oversight, marketing, and programming, as well as visibility and skilled responsiveness to membership is essential. The CEO will be decisive in action, adaptable, and accountable.

Displays Financial Acumen The CEO will develop a realistic annual operating budget in partnership with the Chief Financial Officer and Finance Committee. Using financial statements and business dashboards to guide and oversee agency performance, the CEO must remain flexible, making necessary changes to ensure financial stability and sustainability. The CEO will oversee all financial matters including annual and long-term operational and capital budgeting, ongoing financial performance, and financial strategy. The CEO will follow the highest ethical standards and ensure accountability and legal compliance.

Key Responsibilities

The CEO provides leadership to the organization and oversees the day-to-day management of the JCC. Key responsibilities include:

· Providing vision and strategic leadership in partnership with the board of directors and staff.

· Supervising, mentoring, and coaching members of the senior leadership team.

· Ensuring quality and effectiveness of JCC programs.

· Leading and managing fundraising in partnership with the Chief Advancement Officer, particularly with major donors.

· Exercising responsible financial stewardship by developing the budget and operating within the budget.

· Building strong and lasting partnerships with Jewish, corporate, government, and other organizations, and engaging key stakeholders and audiences.

· Supporting the work of the board of directors.

Qualifications The ideal candidate will share our commitment to the York JCC’s mission and the York community and meet the following qualifications:

· Minimum of a bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of strategic leadership and management experience in JCCs, Jewish communal organizations, business, and/or non-profit sectors. A relevant advanced degree is preferred.

· Dynamic, empathetic, and inspirational leadership skills to serve as the internal and public face of the organization.

· Proven experience in developing a high-performing team which meets and exceeds planned outcomes.

· Knowledge, understanding, and respect for Jewish culture, practices, and tradition.

· Appreciation for, and commitment to, diversity; works easily with people of all backgrounds and ages.

· Past success in working with a board of directors, committees, and volunteers, with the ability to enhance existing relationships and develop new ones.

· Strong analytical skills and ability to understand financial data and make fiscally responsible decisions.

· Outstanding communication skills.

Compensation A competitive compensation package, including relocation, is available for the successful candidate.

To Apply Qualified candidates can apply for this position by sending a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to executivesearch@jcca.org.