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Location and Job Title:

Director, Norman E. Alexander Center for Jewish Life YM-YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood
YM & YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood
54 Nagle Ave
New York, NY 10040

Principal Responsibilities:

Position Overview

Reporting to the Chief Program Officer (CPO), the successful candidate should have a deep commitment to the legitimacy of multiple paths for the exploration and expression of Judaism, and to the power of a diverse and inclusive Jewish community. Given the grassroots efforts that will be required to engage the wider community, the candidate should have strong interpersonal skills, a proven track record of successful outreach efforts with diverse populations, and the ability to represent the organization with professionalism in a variety of contexts with community leaders, board members, and donors. Key to the applicant's success is the ability to translate the needs and desires of the Y's diverse population into impactful Jewish programs and experiences, ensuring high quality and budget-conscious program execution. The successful candidate will have experience managing multiple and often simultaneous projects; building teams with full-time staff, part-time staff, and volunteers; and directing marketing staff in the branding of the Center.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and oversee the Center's strategic vision, short and long-term goals, and outputs.
• Serve as a member of the CPO's Program Leadership Team as intermediary between Jewish Life staff and activities, and the CPO, as well as providing relevant and timely information.
• Based on the needs and demographics of the Jewish community in Upper Manhattan, identify geographical areas where the Center for Jewish Life can expand its presence.
• Run regular Jewish Life Team meetings and check-ins with direct reports; provide ongoing support to staff.
• Develop and strengthen partnerships with existing and new organizations (local, Israeli, and global) with a focus on local synagogues and organizations in Upper Manhattan.
• Create and guide Jewish Life committees comprised of Y and broader community members.
• Represent the Y in external forums; participate in and promote Y programs outside of one's department.
• Lead and support fundraising efforts to enhance the programs and services.
• Along with Marketing staff, develop and implement the Center's branding and marketing strategy.
• Model commitment to the values and goals of the Y and champion and articulate the Y's culture.
• Enhance Jewish presence in the current Y programs and Y physical facilities.

Program Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and Continuous Development

• Work with the directors of the Y's core programs (Parenting Center, Nursery School, Camps, Youth and Recreation, External Youth Programs, Workforce Development, Senior Center, and Social Services) to instill a common set of values based on Jewish tradition, and develop meaningful, high-quality, and engaging Jewish content.
• Responsible for planning, running, supervising, evaluating, and enhancing Center for Jewish Life's own programs and experiences, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and community needs.
• Programmatic areas to develop and expand both within Y programs as well as with the wider community, include Jewish Education, Social Action, Israel Engagement, Jewish Holidays and Shabbat, and Arts and Culture.
• Develop signature programs and initiatives to raise the profile of the Y and its Center for Jewish Life.

Compliance and Administration

• Ensure timely compliance and responsiveness to funders, including private donors, UJA, and foundations.
• Complete all system-wide reporting and paperwork requirements in a timely and accurate manner.
• Oversee the Y's Kashrut policy and provide training and support to colleagues for appropriate implementation.

Professional Development

• Responsible for the Professional Development of the Jewish Life team members, including ongoing coaching, mentoring, performance feedback, and training opportunities.
• Work with Human Resources to attract, recruit, develop, retain, and perform evaluations of high-quality staff.
• Expose the Y staff to general Jewish learning opportunities relevant to their roles.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Directly supervise at least one full-time staff member, a half-time Shlichah, and various part-time staff members.
• Manage an interdepartmental Jewish Life Team comprised of Program Directors and Department Heads.

Compensation and benefits

• Compensation range of $100,000 - $125,000 based on experience, skill set, and education.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and competitive benefits package: Health Insurance; Retirement Plan; Optional 403b Plan; Life Insurance; Flexible Spending Account; Commuter Benefit Plan; Free Y Fitness Center Membership

Minimum Qualifications:

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full- time position
• This position will require availability to work on Sundays and ensure presence for Jewish Life programming during evenings and potential Shabbat and/or Jewish holiday activities.
• Able to travel to different sites in New York City (mainly Washington Heights).

The successful candidate will have

• A master's degree required, preferably in a field related to Jewish Education (formal or experiential), Jewish Arts and Culture, Nonprofit Management, Organizational Planning and Development, and related fields.
• At least eight (8) years of experience running programs and Jewish experiences, preferably with diverse populations in age, affiliation, and background; with at least four (4) years of proven track record in a supervisory capacity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to communicate clearly and appropriately in a variety of settings and styles.
• An ability to set priorities, manage projects and meet deadlines;
• The capacity to deal with ambiguity and organizational change;
• Bilingual in English and Hebrew, preferred.
• Proficient in the use of Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and social media.

Work Authorization and clearance

• Documentation of U.S. citizenship or eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Must pass background checks by the Y, Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Education (DOE).
• Must be COVID-19 fully vaccinated.

This job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other functions and responsibilities may change or may be assigned.

Salary:

$105,000 - $120,000

Agency Information:

Established in 1917, the YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood (the "Y") is a nonprofit Jewish Community Center that welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs. It offers a wide range of educational, recreational, and social service programs to enhance the quality of life of the people whom the Y serves. From topnotch early childhood education and youth development programs to innovative senior center services, there's always something for everyone at the Y!

Blessed with beautiful landscapes, easy access to public transportation, and a more affordable lifestyle, Upper Manhattan has become the area with the largest demographic growth of Jewish individuals and families in all of NY. The Y's solid reputation and capacity have made it a trusted convener and connector of Jewish organizations in the area. To meet the growing needs and dreams of the community, the Y is seeking a Director of its Norman E. Alexander Center for Jewish Life.

Mersky, Jaffe & Associates is proud of its association with the YM-YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood, New York, NY and to be conducting the search for its Director of the Norman E. Alexander Center for Jewish Life. If you, or someone you know, might be a suitable candidate for this position, please forward, in confidence, the person's name, cover letter, resume, salary requirements and contact information to Lori Fodale at lori@merskyjaffe.com.