Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine-Portland, Maine
Summary:
The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine (JCA), a combined agency of Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Center and Jewish Family Services, seeks an exemplary community-minded and collaborative chief executive to provide visionary leadership and excellent organizational oversight, build philanthropic support, and further the mission of the JCA: Rooted in Jewish values, history, and our connection to Israel, the Jewish Community Alliance cultivates and sustains a welcoming and thriving Jewish community in Maine, and strives to build a better world for all.
The ideal candidate will:
• be a dynamic and inspirational leader,
• excel in building authentic, lasting relationships,
• have a proven track record of successful fundraising and fiscal management.
The CEO will lead with empathy, competence, and trust, maintaining a positive culture of staff productivity, and promoting open communications, clear expectations, collaborative teamwork, and accountability.
About the JCA:
The JCA is the vibrant hub of Jewish programming in Portland and Southern Maine with 32 full-time and 13 part-time staff members. The JCA’s striking, contemporary 20,000 square foot building features an NAEYC-accredited early childhood center, dedicated Jewish Family Services wing, a large social hall, kosher-style kitchen, and a library. The JCA also maintains a spectacular 22-acre day camp located on Sebago Lake in Windham.
In addition to preschool and camp, JCA programs and services include after-school care; educational programs for children and adults; clubs and groups; volunteer opportunities; wellness activities; community programs; PJ Library; Jewish family services; Jewish Community Relations Council; and so much more.
For this fiscal year, the JCA has a $4.5 million operating budget. In 2024-25, the annual campaign raised over $713,000, 115% of our goal, a 14.4% increase from 2023, and a 45.5% increase from 2020. In just the first quarter of our current fiscal year, we have over $459,000 in the door, with an additional $15,000 in open pledges–62% to goal! The JCA’s annual campaign funds JCA programs and other organizations in Maine and Israel with a focus on interfaith outreach, Israel advocacy and connections, combating antisemitism, and other key initiatives.
With our recently updated mission, vision, and values, and guided by values rooted in Jewish tradition, the JCA practices radical inclusivity and is a safe, non-judgmental space for all. Our community is incredibly diverse, and we welcome families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and identities.
About the Jewish Community Fund of Maine:
The Jewish Community Fund of Maine (JCFM) is a newly established supporting organization to the JCA, focused on grantmaking for Jewish education, Jewish social and welfare programs, and outreach programs to promote Jewish traditions and values. The Fund was created this year from a transformational gift from Dr. Alfred and Dorothy Suzi Osher, enabling new opportunities for the Jewish community to thrive and innovate.
About the Portland Jewish Community:
In recent years, the Portland Jewish Community has experienced significant growth with many Jewish professionals, families, and active retirees relocating from larger cities. The 2024 Maine Jewish Community Study notes that there are approximately 10,600 Jewish households in Maine, including 28,100 individuals, 19,100 of whom are Jewish, a significant increase from the 2007 estimate of 12,000.
Portland and its surrounding communities are home to modern orthodox, conservative, reform, Chabad, unaffiliated and independent congregations, a Jewish day school, and a kosher-style kitchen at the JCA. Local grocers stock a variety of kosher foods, and, in advance of major holidays, the JCA helps organize and subsidizes a group delivery of products from a Brookline, MA kosher market and butcher.
Portland is also home to the Maine Jewish Museum, an exploration of Maine’s Jewish history and art, and the Maine Jewish Film Festival, a celebration of filmmaking and inspiring conversation through the lens of global Jewish experience.
About Portland:
Portland has been nationally recognized as one of the best places to live by US News and World Report. Beautifully situated on a peninsula in Casco Bay on the Gulf of Maine, Portland is a progressive community which is rich in diversity. With neighborhoods ranging from urban settings to island communities, Portland’s city center is filled with charming 19th century seaport warehouses and merchant exchanges, artfully transformed into unique restaurants, boutiques, and specialty shops.
Portland is a walkable community with outdoor enthusiasts enjoying 30 different year-round trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Every residence in Portland is within a half mile of a trail or green space. Portland serves as Maine’s cultural showcase with institutions including Portland Museum of Art, Portland Symphony Orchestra, Portland Ballet, Portland Ovations, and dozens of art galleries and performing arts theaters. Major colleges and universities in the Portland area include the University of Southern Maine, Maine College of Art and Design, Bowdoin College (Brunswick) and the University of New England (Biddeford and Portland).
Portland is Maine’s economic capital with Maine’s largest port, major banking centers and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. While it is the largest city in Maine with a metropolitan population of 570,000, Portland retains its small-town feel. Just a two-hour drive from Boston’s Logan Airport, Portland readily connects to the rest of the world.
About the Position:
The CEO of the JCA reports to the board of directors and is responsible for engaging key stakeholders and constituencies. To maximize the CEO’s engagement in the community, the CEO will hire a new chief operating officer to oversee day-to-day operational activities.
Leading a dedicated and talented staff to successfully manage the organization’s operations, the CEO will advance the JCA’s mission by partnering across the Jewish community and creating lasting connections with the broader community. The CEO will serve as the primary spokesperson for the JCA and be decisive in action, adaptable, and accountable. The CEO will be a strong advocate for Israel and the Maine Jewish community, while ensuring respect for all cultures in the broader community.
The ideal candidate will exemplify the following leadership competencies and fulfill the key responsibilities for each:
Presents Visionary and Strategic Direction
The CEO will create and articulate an exciting vision for the JCA which recognizes tremendous growth in Portland and plans for emerging opportunities with flexibility and adaptability. Actively building strong and lasting relationships with other Jewish and broader community organizations, the CEO will engage donors, members, and other key stakeholders, imagining new and innovative partnerships.
Provides Exemplary Executive Leadership
The CEO will be a highly accomplished leader who builds trust through genuine encounters with staff, community members, and external collaborators. By welcoming others with compassion, and modeling Jewish values, the CEO will promote a culture of inclusion, caring and continued enthusiasm for the JCA in the community.
Creates a Culture of Philanthropy
In partnership with the chief development officer, the CEO will serve as a critical fundraiser for the JCA, engaging donors and seeking gifts of significance. Always attuned to individual interests and needs, the CEO will skillfully steward the JCA’s major donors, while building meaningful relationships with new donors. The CEO will develop an ambitious plan to grow the annual campaign, reimagining the JCA’s ability to support broader funding opportunities.
Represents JCA in the Community
The CEO will serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the JCA in the Jewish and broader community. To strengthen the JCA’s cooperation with local synagogues and other Jewish organizations, the CEO will seek to expand the JCA’s role as a major convener and facilitator of strategic partnerships, programs, and initiatives.
Displays Financial Acumen
The CEO will develop a realistic annual operating budget in partnership with the chief financial officer, other staff, and the finance committee. Working closely with the chief financial officer, the CEO will oversee all financial matters, including ongoing financial performance and financial strategy. The CEO will be flexible and make necessary changes to ensure financial stability.
Minimum Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have:
• Minimum of bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of strategic leadership and senior management experience in JCCs, Jewish Federations, Jewish communal organizations, business, and/or not for profit sectors. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Proven ability to develop fiscally responsible strategies aligned with JCA's mission while building strong partnerships with Jewish, corporate, government and other organizations.
• Excellence in people management and development, including setting direction, coaching leaders, developing talent, and ensuring high performance across the organization.
• Knowledge and understanding of Jewish traditions, culture, and practices.
• Successful track record in fundraising efforts, especially with major donors, along with inspirational and empathetic leadership for staff, lay leaders, donors, and other key stakeholders.
• Excellence in public speaking and written communication skills with genuine executive presence as internal and external face of organization.
• Appreciation and real commitment to diversity, access, and inclusion, working effectively with people of all backgrounds.
Compensation:
A competitive compensation package is available for the successful candidate. Base salary range is $150,000–$170,000.
To Apply:
Qualified candidates can apply for this position at S.Engel@jcca.org. Please include a cover letter and resume.