Department: Israel Center/Community Engagement
Reports To: CEO or Senior Leadership Team
About Us:
The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (JFGC) is a non-profit community building organization supporting a $7 million annual fundraising campaign. We impact and enrich lives here at home and around the world every day, supporting more than 60 Jewish organizations and initiatives that build community, foster Jewish identity, and nurture and care for the Jewish people. As part of a network of more than 140 Federations across North America, we are a vibrant community hub that connects resources, volunteers, leaders and expertise to care for people in need, advocate for Israel, and ensure a thriving and sustainable Jewish future.
Our greatest resource is our people — the staff, volunteers, partners and leaders who help make greater Charlotte’s Jewish community a welcoming home. We offer a collaborative, friendly, inspiring, and flexible work environment. We are one of Charlotte's most highly respected philanthropic organizations and we are currently seeking a Director, Israel Center to join our team.
Charlotte is home to a rapidly growing and highly engaged Jewish community, supported by vibrant synagogues, schools, agencies, and communal institutions. The Israel Center will play a central role in strengthening connections between Charlotte and Israel while deepening Jewish identity and leadership across the community.
Job Summary:
The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte seeks a visionary and collaborative professional to serve as the founding Director of the Israel Center. This role will lead the development of a community-wide platform designed to deepen Israel engagement, strengthen Israel education, cultivate leadership, and build meaningful connections between Charlotte and Israel.
As the founding professional leader of the Israel Center, the Director will help shape the vision, structure, and long-term impact of this initiative.
The Director will work across institutions, partnering with synagogues, agencies, schools, and community leaders to create a coordinated ecosystem of Israel-related experiences. This role requires both strategic leadership and hands-on program development, with the goal of building a durable infrastructure for Israel engagement in Charlotte for years to come.
The Director will report to the CEO and work closely with lay leadership, community partners, and national organizations.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
• Lead the implementation and growth of the Israel Center as a central hub for Israel education, engagement, and leadership development in Charlotte.
• Develop and execute a multi-year strategy aligned with Federation priorities and community needs.
• Work with Federation leadership and advisory committees to set priorities, evaluate impact, and guide long-term planning.
• Work closely with lay leadership and advisory committees to guide the vision, priorities, and long-term development of the Israel Center.
Community Partnership and Collaboration
• Build strong relationships with synagogues, schools, agencies, and community organizations to support and amplify Israel-related programming.
• Map existing Israel engagement efforts and serve as a convener of community partners to strengthen coordination, reduce duplication, and increase collective impact.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of Israel-related programs, partners, and resources locally, nationally, and in Israel, and intentionally weave these into a coordinated community ecosystem that strengthens participation and engagement.
• Work with Federation’s communications and marketing functions to elevate and align how Israel-related opportunities are presented to the community, ensuring visibility, accessibility, and a coherent narrative of engagement.
Program Development and Engagement
• Design and oversee a portfolio of programs and travel opportunities that deepen understanding of Israel across different audiences, including students, young adults, families, empty nesters, and community leaders.
• Develop leadership pipelines, educational cohorts, and travel experiences related to Israel engagement.
• Coordinate community-wide Israel-related initiatives, speakers, learning opportunities, and experiences.
Missions and Israel Experiences
• Help integrate missions and Israel travel into broader leadership development and engagement pathways within the community.
• Build pathways for participants to continue their engagement following Israel travel experiences.
Partnerships with National and Israeli Organizations
• Maintain relationships with organizations such as JFNA, JAFI, JDC, WZO, and other Israel engagement partners.
• Identify opportunities to bring national resources, speakers, and initiatives to Charlotte.
Evaluation and Impact
• Establish metrics to assess participation, engagement, and community impact.
• Use data and feedback to refine programs and guide strategic decisions.
• Track and report on participation trends, engagement levels, and leadership development outcomes.
Development and Stewardship
• Partner with Federation’s development team to support fundraising efforts related to Israel engagement.
• Work with donors and foundations interested in strengthening Israel-related initiatives.
Key Skills and Qualifications:
• Deep knowledge of Israel, Israeli society, and contemporary issues related to Israel and global Jewry.
• Experience in Jewish communal leadership, education, Israel engagement, or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships across diverse institutions and stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking combined with program implementation skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience working with lay leadership and volunteers.
• Passion for strengthening Jewish identity and connection to Israel.
• Ability to engage individuals across diverse Jewish backgrounds and perspectives.
• Experience facilitating complex community conversations related to Israel.
Preferred Education:
Bachelor’s Degree required; advanced degree in Jewish education, nonprofit leadership, or related field preferred.
Required Work Experience:
• 6–10 years of professional experience in Jewish communal work, Israel engagement, education, or nonprofit leadership.
• Experience designing and implementing programs or initiatives that engage diverse audiences.
• Experience working with volunteers, lay leadership, or advisory committees.
Other Job-Related Requirements:
• Professional experience in Israel education in American Jewish organizations.
• Experience leading community initiatives or cross-institutional collaborations.
• Familiarity with national Jewish communal organizations and networks
Why This Work Matters:
The Israel Center represents a major investment in the future of Jewish life in Charlotte. The Director will play a pivotal role in strengthening Israel education, engagement, and leadership across the community while building a durable platform that will serve future generations.
How We Care For YOU:
The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte proudly offers a competitive compensation and benefits
package which includes:
• Four Weeks of Paid Time Off, Days Off for Jewish Holy Days, and Early Closure for Shabbat
• Generous Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Benefits
• 401k Plan with an Employer Contribution and Match
• Professional Development and Skill Building Opportunities
• Flexible and Hybrid Work Environment
• Shalom Park Discounts for JCC Membership and Shalom Park Schools
• Free and Accessible Parking
The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
More information about our organization is available at www.jewishcharlotte.org.
Interested candidates should direct inquiries, resumes, and cover letters to
Adam Kolett, Chief Executive Officer
adam.kolett@jewishcharlotte.org