Executive Director of the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation

The Jewish Federations of North America•Champaign, IL

13d

About The Position

The Executive Director is the chief operating employee of the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation (CUJF), responsible for administering the organization’s operations and managing its charitable, programmatic, and fundraising activities under the oversight of the Board and Officers. The role ensures that CUJF’s mission is followed, Board policies are implemented, and day-to-day operations of CUJF and its subsidiaries are conducted efficiently and effectively. The Executive Director serves as a liaison between CUJF, the Jewish community, and the broader community, building relationships and strengthening ties in support of the organization’s mission. The Executive Director reports to the Board, attends Board and Executive Committee meetings, reports on operations and outcomes, recommends improvements, and communicates regularly with the Board President. The position oversees staff, programs, services, committees, budgeting, financial oversight, regulatory compliance, and organizational records. It also provides financial stewardship, including reviewing financial statements, developing internal controls, overseeing budgets, coordinating audits and tax filings, and ensuring required legal and regulatory filings are completed. The role supports the annual campaign and broader financial resource development, cultivates and solicits donors, pursues grants, and works with the CUJEF Board to encourage legacy gifts. It supports community programming and events, supervises marketing and communications, prepares the annual report, and represents CUJF to community groups, media, and at local, regional, and national meetings. The Executive Director is expected to demonstrate commitment to CUJF’s mission, Jewish values, Jewish communal life, Israel, Jewish education, and Jewish charitable institutions. The 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 activities.
Ability to collaborate effectively with Board members, volunteers, and colleagues from local civic and Jewish organizations.
Creativity and resourcefulness in proposing and initiating new programs or procedures, with 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 concerning human services beneficiaries, anonymous donors, and earmarked contributions.
Ability to become sufficiently familiar with the Champaign-Urbana community to help identify and recruit volunteers for committees, the Board, and special projects.
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.

Nice To Haves

Commitment to Jewish values, Jewish communal life, Israel, Jewish education, and Jewish charitable institutions.
Pursuit of professional development and participation in regional and national meetings to strengthen leadership capabilities and stay informed about Jewish programming.

Responsibilities

Oversee all CUJF operations, including staff recruitment, training, and supervision; program and service administration; budgeting; financial oversight; regulatory compliance; and committee support.
Recruit, hire, and supervise CUJF staff, with CUJF Board approval.
Provide administrative support for active committees and maintain essential functions of inactive committees.
Oversee accounting functions, review financial statements and cash flow reports with the Contract Accountant and Treasurer, develop internal controls, and manage the annual budgeting process.
Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and coordinate annual audits, tax filings, Form 990, regulatory filings, tax exemption forms, and other legal filings.
Maintain organizational records, including Board minutes and Treasurer’s reports, with staff and CUJF Officers.
Ensure CUJF activities are consistent with Jewish Law.
Prepare Board meeting materials; attend Board and Executive Committee meetings, except closed sessions concerning personal matters; and meet regularly with the Board President and as needed with Officers and Committee Chairs.
Attend committee meetings as appropriate as an ex-officio member of all committees, and serve ex-officio on the CUJEF Board of Directors.
Work with the VP for Campaign to plan, coordinate, and implement the annual campaign strategy, including volunteer recruitment, campaign materials, timelines, and campaign-related events.
Sign and personalize donor acknowledgements and receipts; follow up on unpaid pledges; and thank donors through calls, letters, and other means.
Cultivate and solicit current, prospective, and major donors; identify potential donors for special projects; raise funds for CUJF and CUJEF; and apply for grants.
Work with the CUJEF Board to encourage lifetime and estate gifts to CUJEF.
Support committees planning CUJF-sponsored or affiliated programs and events, including event logistics and registrations.
Supervise CUJF marketing, prepare the annual report, and work with the Community Engagement Coordinator and others to maintain the website and social media presence.
Make presentations to community groups and media outlets as appropriate to represent CUJF’s mission.
Collaborate with CUJF leadership and volunteers to represent Jewish community issues and keep the local Jewish community informed about CUJF activities and connections to Jewish communities nationally, internationally, and in Israel.
Represent CUJF at local, regional, and national conferences, programs, and seminars as requested.
Pursue professional development and attend regional and national meetings within defined budget and reporting expectations.