Senior Talent Development Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Senior Talent Development Specialist 

DEPARTMENT: Mandel Center for Leadership Excellence 

REPORTS TO: Associate Vice President, Talent Development 

STRUCTURE: Full-Time Employee 

SALARY: $110,000 - $120,000 

LOCATION: New York or DC Metro Area Preferred (Remote Candidates Also Considered) 

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.   

Department Overview: 

The Mandel Center for Leadership Excellence supports approximately 6,000 professionals across 141 local Federations in North America. Our vision is that Federations have the professional talent they need at every level to support and sustain flourishing Jewish communities. We do this through online and in-person training and conferences, recruitment efforts, analysis and assessment, consulting support and coaching services. The Mandel department has 3 key priority areas: 

• Recruiting top talent for key roles across the system; 

• Retaining and developing Federation professionals by providing professional development in data-driven best practices and building networks, leadership skills, and communities of practice; 

• Supporting Federations with data, analysis, HR systems, and resources. 

Position Description: 

The Senior Talent Development Specialist will work closely with the Associate Vice President, Talent Development and the full Talent Team to provide recruitment and search services for senior professional roles across the Federation system, including sourcing top talent aligned with specific position requirements, building candidate pipelines, and liaising with local Federation search committees and hiring managers throughout all stages of the search cycle. This position will support multiple fast-paced and complex searches, upholding a standard of service excellence across all Federation and candidate engagement.   

Key Responsibilities: 

Recruitment & Sourcing 

• Source and track qualified candidates using platforms such as LinkedIn Recruiter and Greenhouse 

• Build and maintain strong pipelines of candidates for multiple current and future executive and C-suite searches 

Candidate Introductions & Application Vetting 

• Reach out to prospective candidates to provide role-specific information, gauge interest, and move candidates through the search process efficiently and supportively 

• Review all application materials 

• Conduct initial screenings to assess candidate qualifications and alignment with position requirements 

Search Project Management 

• Manage communications with candidates, search committees, and hiring managers for C-suite searches, ensuring regular updates, feedback, and follow-through 

• Track search stages, timelines, and milestones, ensuring deliverables are on track and deadlines are met 

Data Management & Utilization 

• Maintain accurate records in applicant tracking systems, logging all candidate interactions, feedback, and documentation for searches 

Talent Team Collaboration 

• Participate in team meetings and support overall recruitment and pipeline building goals of the JFNA talent team, contributing to high efficiency and collaboration 

Key Qualifications & Requirements: 

Talent Acquisition/Recruitment Experience 

• Understanding of best practices in talent acquisition/recruitment, with experience in sourcing, screening, and engaging candidates for executive-level positions preferred 

• 5+ years of experience leading senior-level hires with search committees strongly preferred 

• Well versed in and compliant with prevailing labor laws surrounding searches, including selection criteria, screening methods, interviews, record keeping, and offer letters 

Operations & Project Management Skills 

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines 

• Demonstrated ability to execute tasks in a fast-paced environment, ensuring timely and efficient outcomes 

Communications & Relationship Building Savvy 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage candidates and professional and lay stakeholders at all levels 

• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to build rapport and maintain lasting relationships with lay leaders, hiring managers, and candidates 

• Professional presence and sound judgment to represent JFNA and its partners in external engagements 

Technology & Research Proficiency 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite 

• Strong research skills, with the ability to use various channels and tools to identify and engage professionals  

• Experience with recruitment platforms such as LinkedIn Recruiter and Greenhouse a plus 

Flexibility & Adaptability 

• Self-motivated and able to take initiative while also collaborating effectively with a team 

• Able to manage competing priorities and adapt to changes in a dynamic environment 

Travel Requirements 

• Ability to travel for in-person search engagements and to serve as on-site support for JFNA-related conferences and gatherings 

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. 

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.