Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine
1342 Congress St
Portland, ME 04102
Summary:
The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine (JCA), a combined agency of Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Center and Jewish Family Services, seeks an exemplary community-minded and collaborative chief executive to provide visionary leadership and excellent organizational oversight, build philanthropic support, and further the mission of the JCA: to enhance and promote Jewish life and continuity locally, in Israel, and throughout the world, and to generate the financial resources to develop, provide and support diverse programs, education and services to accomplish these goals.
The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and inspirational leader, excel in building authentic, lasting relationships, and have a proven track record of successful fundraising and fiscal management. The CEO will lead with empathy, competence, and trust, maintaining a positive culture of staff productivity, and promoting open communications, clear expectations, collaborative teamwork, and accountability.
About the JCA:
The JCA is the vibrant hub of Jewish programming in Portland and Southern Maine with 40 full-time and 12 part-time staff members. The JCAs striking, contemporary 20,000 square foot building features an NAEYC-accredited early childhood center, dedicated Jewish Family Services wing, a large social hall, kosher-style kitchen, and a library. The JCA also maintains a spectacular 22-acre day camp located on Sebago Lake in Windham, and satellite HIAS offices to support refugee resettlement efforts in Augusta and Lewiston.
In addition to preschool and camp, JCA programs and services include after-school care; educational programs for children and adults; clubs and groups; volunteer opportunities; wellness activities; community programs; PJ Library; HIAS refugee resettlement; diaper bank distribution and an essentials pantry; and so much more.
The JCA's $3.8 million operating budget includes $700,000 in independent grant funding for HIAS. In 2023-24, the annual campaign has already reached $570,000, representing an ongoing increase of more than 50% over the past five years, and with several months left in the fiscal year to go. The JCA's annual campaign funds JCA programs and other organizations in Maine and Israel with a focus on interfaith outreach, Israel advocacy and connections, combating antisemitism, and other key initiatives.
Guided by values rooted in Jewish tradition, the JCA practices radical inclusivity and is a safe, non-judgmental space for all. Our community is incredibly diverse, and we welcome families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and identities.
About the Portland Jewish Community:
In recent years, the Portland Jewish Community has experienced significant growth with many Jewish professionals, families, and active retirees relocating from larger cities. The Jewish population census, estimated as 12,000 individuals in 2007, is currently being updated to account for the influx of new residents through a JCA-sponsored statewide community study by Brandeis University.
Portland and its surrounding communities are home to modern orthodox, conservative, reform, Chabad, unaffiliated and independent congregations, a Jewish day school, and a kosher-style kitchen at the JCA. Local grocers stock a variety of kosher foods, and, in advance of major holidays, the JCA helps organize and subsidizes a group delivery of products from a Brookline, MA kosher market and butcher.
Portland is also home to the Maine Jewish Museum, an exploration of Maine's Jewish history and art, and the Maine Jewish Film Festival, a celebration of filmmaking and inspiring conversation through the lens of global Jewish experience.
About Portland:
Portland has been nationally recognized as one of the best places to live by US News and World Report. Beautifully situated on a peninsula in Casco Bay on the Gulf of Maine, Portland is a progressive community which is rich in diversity. With neighborhoods ranging from urban settings to island communities, Portland's city center is filled with charming 19th century seaport warehouses and merchant exchanges, artfully transformed into unique restaurants, boutiques, and specialty shops.
Portland is a walkable community with outdoor enthusiasts enjoying 30 different year-round trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Every residence in Portland is within a half mile of a trail or green space. Portland serves as Maine's cultural showcase with institutions including Portland Museum of Art, Portland Symphony Orchestra, Portland Ballet, Portland Ovations, and dozens of art galleries and performing arts theaters. Major colleges and universities in the Portland area include the University of Southern Maine, Maine College of Art and Design, Bowdoin College (Brunswick) and the University of New England (Biddeford and Portland).
Portland is Maine's economic capital with Maine's largest port, major banking centers and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. While it is the largest city in Maine with a metropolitan population of 570,000, Portland retains its small-town feel. Just a two-hour drive from Boston's Logan Airport, Portland readily connects to the rest of the world.
About the Position:
The CEO of the JCA reports to the board of directors and is responsible for engaging key stakeholders and constituencies. To maximize the CEO's engagement in the community, the CEO will hire a new chief operating officer to oversee day-to-day operational activities.
Leading a dedicated and talented staff to successfully manage the organization's operations, the CEO will advance the JCA's mission by partnering across the Jewish community and creating lasting connections with the broader community. The CEO will serve as the primary spokesperson for the JCA and be decisive in action, adaptable, and accountable. The CEO will be a strong advocate for Israel and the Maine Jewish community, while ensuring respect for all cultures in the broader community.
The ideal candidate will exemplify the following leadership competencies and fulfill the key responsibilities for each:
Presents Visionary and Strategic Direction
The CEO will create and articulate an exciting vision for the JCA which recognizes tremendous growth in Portland and plans for emerging opportunities with flexibility and adaptability. Actively building strong and lasting relationships with other Jewish and broader community organizations, the CEO will engage donors, members, and other key stakeholders, imagining new and innovative partnerships.
Provides Exemplary Executive Leadership
The CEO will be a highly accomplished leader who builds trust through genuine encounters with staff, community members, and external collaborators. By welcoming others with compassion, and modeling Jewish values, the CEO will promote a culture of inclusion, caring and continued enthusiasm for the JCA in the community.
Creates a Culture of Philanthropy
In partnership with the chief development officer, the CEO will serve as a critical fundraiser for the JCA, engaging donors and seeking gifts of significance. Always attuned to individual interests and needs, the CEO will skillfully steward the JCA's major donors, while building meaningful relationships with new donors. The CEO will develop an ambitious plan to grow the annual campaign, reimagining the JCA's ability to support broader funding opportunities.
Represents JCA in the Community
The CEO will serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the JCA in the Jewish and broader community. To strengthen the JCA's cooperation with local synagogues and other Jewish organizations, the CEO will seek to expand the JCA's role as a major convener and facilitator of strategic partnerships, programs, and initiatives.
Displays Financial Acumen
The CEO will develop a realistic annual operating budget in partnership with the chief financial officer, other staff, and the finance committee. Working closely with the chief financial officer, the CEO will oversee all financial matters, including ongoing financial performance and financial strategy. The CEO will be flexible and make necessary changes to ensure financial stability.
Minimum Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have:
Minimum of bachelor
- s degree with 8 + years of strategic leadership and senior management experience in JCCs, Jewish Federations, Jewish communal organizations, business, and/or not for profit sectors. An advanced degree is preferred.
- Proven ability to build strong and lasting partnerships with Jewish, corporate, government and other organizations.
- Ability to develop and drive short and long-term strategies for the organization which are fiscally responsible and align with the JCA's mission.
- Excellence in organizational management.
- Inspirational and empathetic leadership for staff, lay leaders, donors, and other key stakeholders.
- Knowledge and understanding of Jewish traditions, culture, and practices.
- Successful track record in fundraising efforts, especially with major donors.
- Appreciation and real commitment to diversity, access, and inclusion, working effectively with people of all backgrounds.
- Genuine executive presence as internal and external face of organization.
Compensation:
A competitive compensation package is available for the successful candidate. Base salary range is $145,000-$160,000.
To Apply:
Qualified candidates can apply for this position at executivesearch@jcca.org. Please include a cover letter and resume.
$145,000-$160,000
