Senior Director, Israel & Overseas – Finance

Position Title: Senior Director, Israel & Overseas – Finance 

Reports To: Vice President, Israel and Overseas

 

The Jewish Federations of North America (“JFNA”) consist of 141 Jewish Federations and dozens of Network communities which collectively raise and distribute more than $3 billion annually to support flourishing Jewish life and the needs of the Jewish people in their home communities and around the world. The Jewish Federation system, among the top 10 charities on the continent, leads the largest network of volunteer and professional leaders who build and sustain Jewish communities that are healthy, safe, caring, welcoming and inclusive, educated and engaged, involved in the broader community, and deeply connected to Israel and the global Jewish people. 

Position Background: 

One of the Federation system’s key priorities is caring for people no matter where they live. JFNA plays a pivotal role in this regard, providing information necessary for Federations to make decisions in granting funds to beneficiary agencies caring for those in need outside of the US. Federations grant funds to JFNA for these agencies for the system to act collectively. JFNA stewards the funds, ensuring that the appropriate recipients receive the allocations as intended, ensuring compliance with all tax and OFAC regulations. This past year JFNA proudly disbursed over $430 million in funding related to Israel & Overseas allocations to relevant organizations around the world, including Israel and the US. United Israel Appeal is a subsidiary of JFNA and is responsible for monitoring and oversight of grants disbursed in Israel, which amounted to $350 million of the total grants. JFNA and UIA are trusted partners with both Federations and beneficiary agencies. Core to the partnership is ongoing open communication between the parties. 

 

United Israel Appeal also holds title to hundreds of charitable use properties in Israel such as community centers and pre-kindergartens. The properties continue to provide much needed services across Israel. 

 

Position Summary: 

The Senior Director, Israel & Overseas - Finance, will be responsible for overseeing the financial operations related to the Israel & Overseas allocations/grants. The position is responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, forecasting, monitoring trends, and compliance with regulations and will manage a US-based staff and work in partnership with Israel-based teammates. The position will play a crucial role in guiding financial decisions and providing key information to senior management. 

 

Key Responsibilities: 

Supervising Accounting Operations: 

Manage and oversee all aspects of the accounting team responsible for Israel & Overseas, including recording and collecting annual allocations receivables, special campaigns, recommended grants receivable and the recording and accurate distribution of grants payable. The Senior Director is expected to track finances and identify/flag shortfalls and/or monies over expectations, indicating the probable reasons for either scenario. 

 

Financial Reporting: 

Prepare and analyze United Israel Appeal financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards. 

 

Budgeting and Forecasting: 

Develop forecasts of funding available for beneficiary agencies (The Jewish Agency for Israel, The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and World ORT) and JFNA special campaign allocations. Monitor financial performance against the forecasts and ensure the collection of receivables in a timely fashion. 

 

Working with Partner Agencies: 

Interface regularly with core partners including The Jewish Agency, Joint and ORT. Provide regular updates on commitments and cash collections, problem solve, and work to achieve Jewish Federation’s goals. 

 

Internal Controls: 

Establish and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with regulations. 

 

Compliance: 

Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements, including tax and OFAC, and US Government Grant compliance. Evaluate potential beneficiaries for the same. 

 

Audits: 

Work with JFNA Finance team to provide schedules and documentation necessary for the UIA and JFNA Consolidated Financial Statements, US Government Grant Financial Statements and Forms 990. 

 

Data Analysis: 

Analyze financial data, identifying trends, and providing insights to management to support decision-making. 

 

Governance: 

Work with volunteer leadership from JFNA and UIA to present grant making and financial information to the UIA Board and to various committees and task forces of JFNA. Serve as Secretary, United Israel Appeal. 

  

Strategic Planning: 

Participate in and provide strategic financial planning and long-term financial goals. 

Qualifications: 

• Certified Public Accountant
• Min 10 years of experience leading finance team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• In-depth knowledge of and experience with US-Israel events and their impact on collections
• Knowledge of the history of Israel and Hebrew fluency a plus
• Experience with overseas grantmaking a plus

As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, JFNA celebrates and welcomes people of all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. 

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: JFNA offers a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, FSA), including a defined contribution plan, generous vacation policy, paid legal and Jewish holidays, life insurance, generous parental leave policies and flexible remote work practices. Our compensation philosophy strives to be externally competitive and internally fair. Additionally, we offer voluntary learning programs throughout the year in subjects of interest to our staff. 

 

Salary range: $170,000 - $190,000 

 

To Apply: Please apply below. 

 

FEDERATION APPLICANTS:  JFNA is committed to supporting local Jewish Federations and to identifying the best talent for the system. If a current Federation employee is hired for this role, we will work with the local Federation to ensure an appropriate timeline and communications strategy. We welcome initial confidential inquiries to learn more about the role; however, current Federation employees who move to a finalist round of interviews will be asked to communicate with the Federation about their candidacy.