Executive Director of the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation

The Jewish Federations of North America•Champaign, IL

3h•$75,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Executive Director is the chief operating employee of the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation (CUJF), responsible for administering its operations and managing its charitable, programmatic, and fundraising activities. With oversight from the CUJF Officers and Board, and in collaboration with employees and community volunteers, the Executive Director ensures the organization’s mission is followed, Board policies are implemented, and the day-to-day operations of CUJF and its subsidiaries are carried out efficiently and effectively. The position serves as a liaison between CUJF, the Jewish community, and the broader community, building relationships and strengthening ties to advance the CUJF mission. The Executive Director reports to the Board on the status and outcomes of CUJF operations, recommends improvements to organizational effectiveness and efficiency, attends Board and Executive Committee meetings, and communicates with the Board President at least weekly. Responsibilities include administration, staff supervision, financial oversight, Board and committee support, annual campaign and resource development, legacy fund development, events and programming, marketing, communications, and community relations. The role also supports CUJEF and works with volunteers and community leaders to advance CUJF’s charitable and programmatic efforts. The position is based in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Compensation is $75,000–$90,000 annually plus benefits. The CUJF office is closed on Shabbat and work-restricted Jewish holidays.

Requirements

Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to CUJF’s mission in public speaking, volunteer interactions, and community participation.
Ability to collaborate effectively with Board members, volunteers, and colleagues from local civic and Jewish organizations.
Creativity and resourcefulness in suggesting and initiating new programs or procedures, subject to Board approval.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, coordinate volunteers and timelines, and provide office and staff support for fundraising, charitable, and programmatic work.
Literacy in standard computer software and willingness and ability to learn applications such as Office suite, Bloomerang, QuickBooks, Facebook, and JFNA website software.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, including regarding human-service beneficiaries, anonymous donors, and earmarked contributions.
Significant background in financial management, including direct experience with nonprofit accounting, fund accounting, and fiduciary oversight.
Ability to interpret complex financial data and make strategic recommendations to the Board.
Ability to become sufficiently familiar with the Champaign-Urbana community to help identify and recruit potential volunteers for committees, the Board, and special projects.

Nice To Haves

The candidate is expected to pursue professional development and attend regional and national meetings to enhance leadership capabilities and remain informed about national and international Jewish programming.

Responsibilities

Oversee CUJF operations, including staff recruitment, training, and supervision; program and service administration; annual budget management; financial oversight; income and expense monitoring; regulatory compliance; and committee support.
Recruit, hire, and supervise CUJF staff, with CUJF Board approval.
Ensure active committees receive adequate administrative support and maintain essential functions of inactive committees.
Oversee accounting functions and financial processes, review financial statements and reports with the Contract Accountant and Treasurer, develop internal controls, and oversee the annual budgeting process.
Serve as the primary contact for external auditors and coordinate materials for annual audits and Form 990 tax filings.
Sign regulatory, tax-exemption, and other legal filings and ensure applicable U.S. and Illinois regulations are followed.
Maintain important organizational records with staff and CUJF Officers, including Board minutes and Treasurer’s reports.
Ensure CUJF activities are consistent with Jewish Law.
Prepare Board meeting materials; attend Board and Executive Committee meetings except closed sessions concerning the Executive Director’s personal matters; and meet regularly with the Board President and other Officers or Committee Chairs as needed.
Serve as an ex-officio member of committees and the CUJEF Board of Directors, and attend relevant meetings.
Work with the VP for Campaign to plan, coordinate, and implement the annual campaign strategy, including volunteer recruitment, task coordination, campaign materials, and event logistics.
Sign and personalize donor acknowledgement letters and receipts; manage reminders for unpaid pledges; and thank donors by phone and letter.
Cultivate current and prospective major donors, secure campaign pledges and foundation gifts through solicitation, identify potential donors for special projects, and raise funds for CUJF and CUJEF.
Apply for grants from national, regional, and local organizations to support CUJF programming.
Work with the CUJEF Board to encourage lifetime and estate-plan gifts to CUJEF.
Support committees planning CUJF-sponsored or affiliated programs and events, including registration and event materials.
Supervise CUJF marketing efforts and prepare the annual report.
Work with the Community Engagement Coordinator and others to manage and update the website and social media, including posting selected time-sensitive documents.
Make presentations to community groups and media outlets as appropriate to represent CUJF’s mission.
Collaborate with the CUJF Board, Jewish leadership, and volunteer leaders to represent Jewish community issues and priorities to the broader community.
Keep the local Jewish community informed about CUJF activities connecting it to Jewish communities nationally, abroad, and in Israel.
Represent CUJF at local, regional, and national conferences, programs, and seminars as requested.