Chief Executive Officer

Description

The Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) stands at a critical juncture in its organizational journey, poised to navigate post-pandemic dynamics and the impacts of significant events within the Jewish community and Israel. FJC’s prominence in the Jewish communal landscape is underscored by its stellar reputation and robust financial grounding. FJC’s deep commitment to the Jewish camping sector is well-recognized, positioning the organization as a central convener of day-camp and overnight-camping movements throughout North America.

The initiation of a comprehensive strategic plan for 2026–2030 signals a transformative era, leveraging vital feedback from camp directors, staff, and the larger community to hone in on the most effective, impactful initiatives. The strategic plan underscores opportunities for FJC to focus on program depth and innovation to maximize impact, strengthen its collaborations, enhance regional presence, and foster local engagement. It’s an opportune moment to explore potential growth through mergers, partnerships, and tapping into global connections that could amplify the foundation’s reach and influence. Guided by the strategic plan, the incoming CEO will lead FJC into the next tier of fundraising growth and field impact.

The incoming CEO will inherit an organization fortified by committed Board members and a strong senior leadership team characterized by mutual respect and collaboration. This leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment and offers exceptional growth opportunities for FJC and the new CEO will be a vital contributor to the new strategic plan: championing FJC’s vision, articulating its diverse programs’ value proposition to stakeholders, and steering the organization towards sustainable growth and increased impact.

FJC is set to transition from strength to strength, embracing new challenges and opportunities. The next CEO will play an instrumental role in harnessing these opportunities, ensuring the foundations laid down by previous leadership continue to foster growth and development within the Jewish camping landscape.

Pivotal Experience and Expertise

• Strategy & Vision – Strategic thinker; can develop and execute strategies for an organization and credibly articulate the vision to a complex set of stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to drive organizational progress, balance multiple priorities, and lead through change.
• Stakeholder Management – Communication and relationship-building skills to advance the FJC’s mission and collaborate with stakeholders (including camps, movement heads, foundations, Board, and other external partners and employees). Demonstrated commitment to Jewish camping.
• Fundraising Acumen – A proven track record of fundraising and/or revenue development at scale. Experience cultivating funds from various sources, including individuals, foundations, etc. Can navigate complex relationships and challenges with discernment. Inspirational communication and ambassadorial skills are critical.
• Organizational Leadership – Experience managing priorities and developing people, processes, and budgets while delegating effectively and confidently to the team. Experience building, retaining, and harnessing highly talented, diverse teams; understands team dynamics and professional development.

Culture Fit & Impact

• Inspiring Leadership – Cultivates team-oriented culture among the Board, staff, and camp leadership, rewarding achievements and maintaining a high standard of accountability. A leader who cultivates buy-in, leads through influence, and can inspire different groups to action. Brings passion and energy for the mission of FJC in all that they do.
• Clarity of Direction – Aligns with values of FJC; deeply invested in the FJC’s mission and empowering Jewish summer camps to deliver the best possible experience for every family.
• Collaboration & Trust – Possesses high emotional intelligence and the ability to build collaborative relationships with senior leaders and a dispersed staff. Excellent listener who seeks to empower others and catalyze and leverage existing talent within the organization.

Reports to: Chair, Board of Directors

Direct Reports: Chief Programs and Strategy Officer; Chief Advancement Officer; Senior Director, Human Resources; Senior Director, Finance and Technology; Executive Assistant

Compensation

$450,000 to $525,000 plus benefits, determined based on experience and skill set.

Requirements

• Serve as the face and external ambassador of FJC to diverse constituencies, ensuring FJC’s priorities and programs are well-represented in the broader community
• Provide visionary leadership to ensure FJC remains ahead of trends in Jewish camping; uphold FJC’s history, culture, and reputation while evolving to meet the changing needs of the Jewish community and camping landscape
• Partner with the Board and staff to develop innovative programming, grant-making, and strategic initiatives aligned with FJC’s mission
• Motivate and lead core institutional fundraising, recruit and develop major donors and key volunteers
• Collaborate with other private and/or public funders and grantees to amplify FJC’s impact through partnerships and collaborative efforts
• Maintain trust with the network of 300 camps, understanding the workings and importance of their goals
• Oversee the operational work of the organization, ensuring efficient and effective functioning
• Oversee performance against the annual operating budget in consultation with the Senior Director of Finance and review with the Board of Directors
• Provide staff leadership to Board, Executive Committee, and relevant management committees
• Provide inspiration, support, and guidance to the staff while fostering an organizational culture that encourages open communication and collaboration
• Build and maintain accountability standards and systems to track and enhance FJC’s long-term effectiveness and impact

 

How to Apply

Review of candidates will begin immediately. Applications, inquiries, and nominations can be sent to FJCCEO@heidrick.com