Chief Executive Officer

The Jewish Federation of the Desert 

The Jewish Federation of The Desert is the central communal organization dedicated to promoting the values and quality of Jewish life spanning the greater Palm Springs community, including Whitewater, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Thousand Palms, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, Indio, Coachella – Thermal, Sky Valley, Idyllwild & Pinyon Pines, and the Santa Rosa Mountain Area. Our core focus areas include: 

 

Caring for the Vulnerable 

We convene communal agencies, organizations and congregations to identify the needs of the vulnerable and determine how to address them, so they may live with dignity no matter what their circumstances. 

 

Education & Engagement 

We encourage Desert Area Jewish community members to explore, strengthen and expand engagement with vibrant Jewish living and learning opportunities at all life stages. We provide creative insight, expertise and financial resources to organizations to inspire Jewish community and deepen Jewish identity, including meaningful and accessible Jewish education. 

 

Israel & Overseas 

We are actively working to build a more meaningful, mature relationship with Israel and grow our support for global Jewish communities in need, including combatting economic and social hardship, isolation, and anti-Semitism.  

 

The Greater Palm Springs Community 

Surrounded by four picturesque mountain ranges, Greater Palm Springs is home to one of California's largest Jewish communities. With sunshine nearly all year long, the area boasts an outstanding outdoor recreation culture, including golf, tennis, and hiking.  

 

Core CEO Competencies 

• Nonprofit Operational Management Experience 

• Strong Philanthropic Track Record (Prospecting, Soliciting & Stewarding) 

• Strategic Vision & Execution Ability 

• Expertise in Lay/Professional Partnerships 

• Proven Success in Community Relations & Partnership Building 

• Executive Level Communication & Interpersonal Skills 

• Sophisticated Understanding of the Global Jewish Community & Israel 

 

Scope of the CEO Role 

Reporting directly to the Chair of the Board, the CEO will work toward the fulfillment of the Jewish Federation of the Desert’s mission and core values.  

The CEO will: 

 

• Guide strategy toward the realization of the Federation’s and the Greater Palm Springs Jewish community’s large-scale goals and objectives.  

• Articulate a compelling vision for growth in philanthropy and engagement. 

• Lead staff and volunteers in an environment of collaborative planning, resource generation, and program delivery.  

• Bring industry knowledge, fundraising expertise, financial acumen, and business savvy to the day-to-day oversight of all organizational activities.  
• Hold significant responsibility for stewarding and soliciting major donors; managing the 7-person professional team; nurturing relationships with community partners; collaborating closely with lay leadership; and serving as the voice of the local Jewish community.  

Executive Leadership & Strategic Vision: 

• Partner with lay and professional stakeholders to create a welcoming home to serve and support the entire Greater Palm Springs Jewish community. 

• Serve as a public face of the local organized Jewish community, as well as a key presence in the broader civic landscape.  

• Grow and maintain strategic community partnerships by guiding the community around issues of concern to the Jewish community both locally and globally.  

• Liaise proactively with elected and government officials, advocating for the interests of the Jewish community and Israel. 

 

Financial Resource Development: 

• Hold responsibility for a significant portfolio of major donors and foundations, including direct involvement in major gift solicitations and grants. 

• Partner with lay leaders in executing year-round fundraising activities and events, as well as special campaign efforts.  

 

Organizational Management: 

• Assure that the Federation’s facility is safe and has appropriate security protocols, in effective collaboration with the Board of Trustees.  

• Supervise and champion the professional growth of the Federation’s current staff. 

• Spearhead all aspects of resource allocation, in alignment with budgetary oversight.  

• Play a key role in developing the annual operating budget and ensuring fiscal compliance. 

• Guide the Board of Trustees in best practices related to policy and governance.  

 

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred. 

Compensation Package 

Base Salary Range: $185K - $220K 

The Jewish Federation of the Desert offers a suite of benefits, including medical insurance (100% paid for the employee), 401K, and life insurance. 

 

Application Instructions & Deadline - Please Apply Below. 
The Jewish Federation of the Desert is an equal opportunity employer.