Job Information
Educational Alliance, Inc. Director of Jewish Life in New York, New York
The 14th Street Y (14Y) seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial Director of Jewish Life to develop, lead and promote new and innovative cultural, educational, and artistic programming that engages downtown New York City’s diverse and inclusive Jewish community.
Each year, tens of thousands of New Yorkers of all ages, races, and ethnicities come to 14Y as members, visitors, or partners to experience our high quality and varied programs centered around arts and culture, early childhood education, summer camps, fitness and aquatics, and older adult services. 14Y is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment to downtown New York’s entire community. Our staff oversee Jewish programming that includes:
LABA New York, a groundbreaking Jewish artist residence that originated at 14Y and has inspired a global network of residencies
The Downtown Jewish Life Network, consisting of dozens of synagogues and cultural institutions, for which 14Y is the lead partner and primary convener
Jewish preschool and afterschool serving over 200 families each academic year
Jewish day camp on UJA’s Henry Kaufman campus serving 1,000 children each summer
Project ORE, a renowned Jewish social services program for at risk older adults
Under new leadership and the auspices of the Educational Alliance’s network of Lower Manhattan community centers, 14Y is now poised for transformation as the premier downtown destination for Jewish arts and culture, wellness and spirituality, education, and community engagement. Reflective of this unique moment in our organizational history funders have provided 14Y with a 16-month initial grant to support a full time Director of Jewish Life; it is our expectation that this will become a permanent role at 14Y.
The successful candidate will have a deep commitment to Jewish values, heritage, and culture, recognizing that Jews and Jewish life are extremely diverse and include people of all races, observance, experience, ideology, and interest. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with our senior staff as well as partners at the local and national level, the Director of Jewish Life will create programs, events and initiatives that reflect 14Y at its best: dynamic, inclusive and creative.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Vision and Leadership
With the Executive Director, develop and communicate an inspiring, original programmatic vision for 14Y that elevates the organization’s status as downtown’s premier destination for Jewish arts and culture, wellness and spirituality, education, and community engagement.
Serve as a key convener, connector, and collaborator with an array of stakeholders including: 14Y members and visitors of all ages, interests, and demographics; our partners in the Downtown Jewish Life Network; funders and sponsors; existing and prospective programming partners; interfaith leaders and elected officials; and staff.
Identify and advise Executive Director and senior leadership team on relevant and emerging national, City and hyperlocal downtown trends, areas of interest, and needs within Jewish communities.
Program Planning and Implementation
Develop and produce a calendar of programs supporting Jewish life at 14Y; programs may include performances, panel discussions, film screenings, affinity groups, and holiday and Shabbat experiences designed to elevate and showcase 14Y’s profile as the premier hub for downtown Jewish Life.
Collaborate with 14Y leadership and staff to identify opportunities for quality Jewish programming within our core programs (Arts and Culture, Early Childhood and Preschool, After School, Camps, Older Adult Services, Health and Wellness, Adult Programs), while maintaining our organization’s big tent, inclusive values and commitment to serve all New Yorkers.
Support and foster connections with Israeli culture and arts through new 14Y programming; expand 14Y outreach and engagement with the downtown Israeli community.
Establish and model 14Y’s commitment to interfaith bridge building through the creation of new initiatives and partnerships with neighbors, clergy, and community organizations to foster cross cultural dialogue and understanding.
Design and implement service learning and social justice opportunities for 14Y audiences guided by Jewish values.
Build and maintain strong relationships with 14Y stakeholders, including members, staff, and a variety of external organizations and partners, to develop programmatic ideas and areas for collaboration.
Coordinate and oversee details, both large and small, to ensure smooth program operations and implementation.
Develop metrics to measure programmatic success and impact; identify takeaways and areas for improvement.
Fundraising and External Relations
Collaborate with the Executive Director and EA’s development team on strategy and fundraising with individuals and foundations, research relationships, and opportunities with potential donors.
Oversee areas of grant reporting, including gathering and tracking data on programs and events.
Work closely with the marketing team to ensure programs have effective branding, reach, and impact.
Operations and Administration
- With support from 14Y’s leadership team, develop and manage the Jewish Life department budget.
*A cover letter is required to be considered for this position.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education
7+ years of leadership experience designing and executing creative, unique, and compelling programs and experiences of varying scale and audience, preferably in an urban setting reflective of diverse and inclusive Jewish values.
Experience in bridge building, interfaith, social justice or community service work.
Familiarity and knowledge of Israel and its diverse cultures.
Experience in fundraising and grant writing preferred.
Experience managing multiple and often simultaneous complex projects,
Outstanding verbal and written communication; experience with branding and social media as a storytelling and outreach tool.
Demonstrated ability to work as a team player with the willingness to adapt to, and support, organizational culture to achieve shared goals.
Availability to work on certain nights and weekends outside of regular business hours relating to programming and events.
Benefits:
Competitive Salary
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy
Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
Pension Plan
403(b) Retirement Plan
Free Gym Membership at our 14Y and Manny Cantor Center gyms
Limitations and Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.
EEO Info
Educational Alliance is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Educational Alliance takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Educational Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
For further information about Educational Alliance, please visit https://edalliance.org.