Summary

Savannah has been home to a diverse, strong, and thriving Jewish community since 1733. Supported by the Savannah Jewish Federation (SJF), the Jewish Educational Alliance (JEA), which serves as Savannahs Jewish Community Center, has continuously provided meaningful programs, activities and services for children, teens, adults, and families in greater Savannah since 1912.

While JEA and SJF are two distinct organizations, with different missions, separate budgets and separate boards, the CEO is a shared position devoting approximately 75% in oversight of JEA and 25% to SJF. The CEO will be hiring and supervising a new Federation director.

JEA/SJF seeks an exemplary collaborative leader who will provide strategic vision, while successfully managing all aspects of agency operations and fiscal responsibilities. Possessing excellent business and financial acumen, this individual will be responsible for over $8 million in endowed and dedicated community funds, JEAs $4.5 million operating budget, an annual $1.2 million Jewish Federation campaign, and an in-process JEA capital campaign to renovate and upgrade aging infrastructure and facilities.

With a proven track record of inspiring lay leadership, and motivating a highly performing staff, the CEO will reach out to all parts of Jewish Savannah to promote the JEA as the inclusive central gathering space where the community comes together. The CEO will be the voice and face of the Jewish community in matters related to Israel and to our relationship with the greater Savannah community.

About the Jewish Educational Alliance

The JEA is a cherished community institution serving multiple generations from Jewish and greater Savannah. A leader in early childhood education and camping services, the JEAs facilities and grounds feature a new outdoor zero entry pool, indoor lap pool, two gymnasiums, state of the art fitness center and studios, art gallery, classrooms, auditorium, commercial kitchen, outdoor athletic field, playground and so much more.

About Savannah Jewish Federation

SJF is dedicated to preserving and enriching Jewish life throughout Savannah and perpetuating an identification with the State of Israel and other Jewish communities around the world. SJF operates Jewish Family Services (JFS), an assistance program for those in need, which the CEO manages. SJF also supports JEA, Yesod Leadership Program, PJ Library, Young Jewish Savannah, and local Hillels. SJF contracts with the Secure Communities Network and is one of the smallest communities to employ a full-time Regional Security Director.

SJF also allocates overseas funds for Israel and world wide Jewry.

About the Savannah Jewish Community

The Greater Savannah Jewish community is comprised of about 4,000 people. Small but mighty, there are numerous opportunities for affiliation at Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform congregations. In addition, Jewish life is enhanced by Hillel at SCAD; Chabad of Savannah; Shalom School, an afternoon and Sunday morning Hebrew school; and Rambam Day School, which provides secular and Judaic education to Jewish children, kindergarten through 8th grade. As well, the Jewish community organized Workmens Circle Credit Union, which has become a multi-million dollar financial institution serving all residents of Savannah.

The Shalom Yall Jewish Food Festival and Savannah Jewish Cultural Arts Festival are popular annual community-wide events. The Jewish community is geographically spread out between various neighborhoods located within Savannah and within a 25-minute drive from the citys center.

About Savannah

Brimming with extraordinary heritage including original Oglethorpe Squares lined with stately homes, fountains, statues, and magnificent oak trees, Savannah is ranked by Travel and Leisure as one of the top destinations in the United States. Downtown serves a thriving tourist industry with a magnificent riverfront and numerous hotels, specialty shops, restaurants, and night spots housed in refurbished 19th century warehouses. Savannah is also the home of the Savannah Bananas whose innovative Banana ball has made them world famous, and the Ghost Pirates, a minor league professional hockey team. Savannah is a short drive to Tybee Island beaches and the Atlantic Ocean, plus a myriad of other inland waterways and rivers offering access to year-round recreational activities_._

Friendly, welcoming, and a wonderful place to raise a family, Savannah enjoys a great climate with no snow. Too little to be big, Savannah has all the entertainment and arts advantages of a larger city. With a thriving port and logistics industry, greater Savannah is also poised for unprecedented and sustainable growth with the construction of a Hyundai car manufacturing and electric battery plant and the expansion of Gulfstream Aerospace.

CEO Competencies

The ideal CEO candidate will exemplify the following leadership competencies:

Demonstrates Skill in Operational Management

The CEO will have a proven track record of strong operational management. This includes an understanding of the physical plant, technical support systems, security, marketing, programming, and running various tuition-based programs of JEA/SJF. Visible and skilled responsiveness to members, donors, and other stakeholders is essential. The CEO will be decisive, adaptable and accountable.

Provides Exemplary Executive Leadership

The CEO will be a warm and engaging leader who is accessible and leads with a positive approach. Building strong and lasting relationships between JEA/SJF and other Jewish and general institutions, the CEO will demonstrate inclusivity toward the entire community. As a forward thinking and energetic individual, the CEO will promote a culture of innovation, anticipating trends and opportunities while creating ongoing excitement for JEA/SJF and the community.

Displays Financial Acumen

In partnership with the financial team and JEA and SJF boards, the CEO will develop a realistic operating budget and oversee all financial matters including long term budgeting, ongoing financial performance, and financial strategy. The CEO must remain flexible, making necessary changes to ensure financial sustainability. The CEO will instill fiscal confidence in all investors and other stakeholders. Fund-raising and donor relations are key components of the CEOs responsibilities, along with oversight of the communitys endowed and dedicated funds.

Displays Sound Staff Management Skills

The CEO will nurture a positive culture of staff productivity, communication, and accountability. The CEO will identify professional growth opportunities to reinvest in quality staff and establish systems to preserve institutional knowledge. The CEO will provide clear direction and foster multiple opportunities for teamwork and collaboration.

Presents Visionary and Strategic Leadership

The CEO will promote an all-encompassing and compelling vision that captures the energy of JEA/ SJF. Embracing the big picture and thinking long term while managing current issues, the CEO will actively engage with other Jewish and general community organizations, working to support existing collaborative programs and envision new ways of working together.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• Minimum of bachelors degree with 10+ years of executive leadership, strategic and operational management in JCCs or other Jewish organizations, business, or other not for profit sectors. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Proven ability to meaningfully engage core stakeholders and build strong and lasting relationships with community partners.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work with financial data to make key decisions.
• Ability to be an approachable, empathetic, and inspirational leader to lay leaders, staff, and other key stakeholders.
• Outstanding communication skills.
• Proven track record of successful fund-raising, especially with major donors.
• Successful experience in developing a high-performance team which meets and exceeds expectations.
• A keen interest and understanding of Jewish culture, practices, and traditions.
• Authentic executive presence as internal and external face of organization.
• Experience creating exceptional programming and services for all age groups.

Compensation

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

To Apply

Qualified candidates can apply for this position at executivesearch@jcca.org

Please include a resume, cover letter and salary requirement