Chief Executive Officer

The Chief Executive Officer Position 

Jewish Federation & Foundation of Central New York  

 

The Jewish Federation of Central New York 

 For over 100 years, the Jewish Federation of Central New York has been at the center of the Jewish community, fulfilling our obligation to take care of one other. Today, we are at the heart of a community that values and celebrates Jewish life. Guided by Jewish values and in collaboration with our agency partners and other institutions and organizations throughout the community, we sustain and grow a caring and connected 21st century Jewish community in which all can engage in meaningful collective Jewish experiences, access Jewish tradition in powerful and transformative ways, and assure the continuity of the Jewish people. The Jewish Federation’s annual campaign is approximately $1.2 million, with approximately 700 donors. 

 

The Jewish Foundation of Central New York 

 The Jewish Foundation of Central New York (a distinct 501(c)3 from the Jewish Federation) provides donors of all ages with meaningful opportunities to fulfill their philanthropic interests both locally and around the world, according to the traditions and teachings of the Jewish faith. The Foundation serves the interests and well-being of our Jewish community, ensuring that the vision of Jewish identity and continuity is realized by building a thriving, inclusive and engaged Jewish community. The Foundation’s work includes planning, fundraising, coordination, and leadership development. Focus areas include enriching the educational, cultural, and social life of our Jewish community; maintaining connections with local, national, and overseas Jewish philanthropic agencies; advocating for the security of the State of Israel; safeguarding, deepening, and advocating for the civil, economic and religious rights of the Jewish people; and representing the interests of our Jewish community in interfaith matters.  

 

Central New York Jewish Life 

With approximately 9,400 Jewish residents, the Greater Syracuse area offers all the amenities of Jewish life, including mikvah, eruv, school, and many kosher food options at nearby grocery stores, as well as kosher butcher delivery services monthly. There are four synagogues, a strong Jewish Community Center, a thriving Jewish Day School, a community Hebrew school for K-12 grades, a Jewish home for the elderly, and many nearby Hillel programs at universities. 

 

Central New York Community 

Central New York is a beautiful, friendly and very affordable place to live. Summer and winter, there are ample outdoor recreational options at our numerous nearby county and state parks. Downhill and cross-country skiing, ice skating, swimming, boating and hiking opportunities are all within a 30-minute drive of the medical center. The growing downtown business district offers shops, restaurants, experiences and upscale housing.  

Syracuse is the economic and educational hub of Central New York. It hosts several convention sites, including a large downtown convention complex, and is home to prominent institutions such as Syracuse University, SUNY Upstate Medical University, SUNY ESF, and Le Moyne College.  

Syracuse is also home to the Erie Canal Museum, tracing the waterway’s history in the 1850 Weighlock Building. In the old state armory, the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) offers interactive exhibits and a planetarium. Designed by I.M. Pei, the Everson Museum of Art focuses on American artwork. The opulent 1920s Landmark Theatre hosts Broadway hits and concerts, and the new Empower FCU Amphitheater is the premier destination to see today’s biggest talent in a world-class outdoor amphitheater overlooking the shore of Onondaga Lake.  

The pace of life in Syracuse also allows one to focus on family and community more than in big cities. The cost of living in Syracuse is well below that of most Jewish communities, and the quality of life is superior. Our public schools are excellent, and there is a wide variety of housing available at prices well below other metropolitan areas in the country. We are extremely proud of our welcoming Jewish community, where each person is a vital contributor. We are a smaller community, and as such we all work together - all denominations, synagogues, and organizations - to ensure vibrant Jewish life thrives in the area. Our Jewish community is well established and offers much to draw on, and the school is a recognized vital part of the community.  

Core CEO Competencies 

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

• Nonprofit Operational Management Experience 

• 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 Board Chairs of both the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation, the joint CEO role will work toward the fulfillment of the missions and core values of both entities: 
 

Leadership & Management

• Serve as the spokesperson for the Jewish community, representing its interests within both the Jewish community and interfaith groups like the Interfaith Council and the Round Table of Faith Leaders. 

• Champion high-quality, inclusive local programming, ensuring safety and thorough program evaluations. 

• Oversee financial management, including budgeting, campaign planning, and resource development to maintain fiscal health and sustainability. 

• Develop and implement strategic plans that secure the Federation and Foundation’s future. 

• Lead and support office management, fostering a cohesive and efficient team. 

 

Fundraising

• Direct the planning and execution of the Annual Campaign for Federation, as well as fundraising efforts for the Foundation and broader resource development. 

• Expand local revenue streams and fundraising initiatives to support the community’s needs. 

• Strengthen Donor-Advised Funds and Endowment Funds to ensure long-term community benefits. 

• Serve as the Federation’s primary major gifts fundraiser, maintaining and growing relationships with existing donors and cultivating new donor prospects. 

• Ensure tracking systems are in place to monitor campaign progress effectively. 

 

Communications 

• Act as the primary representative of the Jewish community across Greater Syracuse. 

• Enhance all aspects of communication, building a strong brand presence through website, social media, and print. 

• Coordinate publicity efforts to support Federation and Foundation activities. 

• Publish an annual Foundation report to showcase achievements and impact. 

• Collaborate with beneficiary agencies and Jewish organizations across the Syracuse area. 

• Partner with the Jewish Observer editor to curate content and select articles. 

• Engage and energize volunteers, board members, event committees, partner organizations, synagogues, donors, and the wider Syracuse community.

Programming

• Regularly assess program components to showcase successes to the board, funders, and other stakeholders. 

• Support existing programs while exploring regional expansion opportunities. 

• Develop new programs that advance the Federation’s mission. 

• Ensure all community events meet necessary security standards. 

Planning

• Coordinate program planning efforts with local organizations to align and strengthen community efforts. 

• Develop, maintain, and support strong boards for both the Federation and the Foundation. 

• Serve as an ex-officio member on all committees. 
• Cultivate board involvement in shaping the strategic direction of local operations. 

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred. 

Compensation Package 
Base Salary Range: $145K - $175K 

 Application Instructions & Deadline 
Please submit an application here by no later than December 30, 2024. 

 

The Jewish Federation of Central New York is an equal opportunity employer.