Job: Director of Lay Leadership Development & Engagement, Jewish Federation of Cleveland

The Director of Lay Leadership Development & Engagement will primarily carry out the duties of engagement, placement, and development of new and existing lay leaders. This critical role works to continually identify and implement best practices and innovations in engagement and leadership development to support our high results, high performing environment. The ideal candidate possesses superior communication skills and is an experienced relationship-builder. Keys to success in this role include an initiative-taking attitude, great listening skills, and the ability to operate both independently and collaboratively as part of a team. A passion for the Jewish Community is a must, along with a strong commitment to the Federation’s mission, the ability to interpret this mission, and a deep understanding of Jewish culture and traditions. The position reports to the Vice President, Mandel Leadership Excellence Center.

About the Federation:
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland is a 110-year-old community cornerstone that aspires to leave no community member behind. Rooted in traditional Jewish values of justice (tzedek), repairing the world (tikkun olam), acts of loving kindness (gemilut hesed), and Jewish peoplehood (klal yisrael), we commit our values into action every day. By honoring and respecting those who have come before us, and paving the way for those who will come after, we exist to build a better world and care for those who share it. Together we make a difference for Jews and non-Jews in the Cleveland area and worldwide.

About the Mandel Leadership Excellence Center and the Position:
The Mandel Leadership Excellence Center, encompassing the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Human Resources Development (HRD) efforts, strives to find the best and the brightest individuals and develop them to their highest potential. HRD fulfills this role for both lay leadership and professional staff. The HRD team, comprised of five staff members, collaboratively works to accomplish the mission and goals of the Center.

Responsibilities:

LAY LEADERSHIP ENGAGEMENT AND PLACEMENT

• Outreach to individual community members and guidance to Federation staff members across the organization to ensure connection of lay leaders with appropriate opportunities for engagement.
• Develop strategy to maximize value and impact of placements, meeting the needs of individual leaders and Federation.
• Manage committee member appointment process, identifying and recommending individuals for committee membership and leadership.
• Coordinate placement of graduates of Federation’s Mandel leadership development programs.
• Train staff on committee management best practices.
• Consultation to staff regarding opportunities and challenges related to committee management.

LAY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

• Recommend, coordinate, and implement continuing education opportunities for lay leadership.
• Develop and implement Lay Leadership development programming.
• Develop and implement alumni activities for former Mandel leadership program participants.
• Provide coaching and other scaffolding for individuals in lay leadership roles.
• Jewish Federation of Cleveland August 2014
• Assist in succession planning for committee and Board leadership by identifying and developing lay leaders demonstrating potential, working in partnership with staff and committee chairs.
• Orientation of new committee chairs and board trustees to ensure they are provided a foundation to support successful involvement.

DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• As a member of the Federation staff, carry out annual campaign assignment.
• Participate in additional development assignments as appropriate for position.
• Keep abreast of organizational and communal priorities and programs; participate in ongoing professional development.
• Participate in special events, recognition and stewardship programs.
• Other related duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• 5-7 years of experience in leadership development, engagement, and cultivation and/or human resources management, with a track record of accomplishments and progression.
• Master’s Degree in related field or equivalent experience required.
• Proven ability to interact with and form effective partnerships with all levels of management, community leaders, donors, and volunteers.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professional integrity, with an ability to inspire confidence and become a trusted advisor.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a high level of “emotional intelligence.”
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, including strong facilitation, presentation, listening and interviewing skills.  
• Possess a passionate commitment to the Jewish community, and working knowledge of Jewish culture and traditions.
• Experience with Jewish communal work, fundraising and development, lay-professional relationships, and/or non-profit organizations desirable.
• Strong organization, prioritization, and time management skills, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency in computer software skills (MS Office applications) required; HRIS and/or CRM experience preferred.

Position offers competitive salary, benefits, and a great work environment.

If you are qualified and interested in this exceptional opportunity, please send your resume to careers@jcfcleve.org. TO SEE A FULL LIST OF OUR CURRENT OPENINGS, PLEASE CLICK HERE.