Chief Executive Officer – Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts
About The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts
Established in 1924, the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts (JFWM) strengthens Jewish life in the Pioneer Valley, Israel, and around the world while caring for Jews in need and building a vibrant, connected community. Guided by the values of justice, repairing the world (Tikkun Olam), and Jewish unity, JFWM supports educational, social service, and community-building initiatives through a network of agencies, synagogues, organizations, professionals, and volunteers.
JFWM's Annual Campaign raises approximately $800,000 each year. Its planned giving arm, the Jewish Endowment Foundation (JEF), was established in 1972 and manages more than $60 million in charitable assets that sustain the Federation's Annual Campaign and support local Jewish organizations, synagogues, Israel, and Jewish communities worldwide.
Located along the Connecticut River in Springfield, Massachusetts, JFWM serves a region known for its natural beauty, strong healthcare and financial sectors, and renowned colleges and universities, including Amherst College, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, and UMass Amherst. The area is home to a vibrant Jewish community with multiple synagogues, day schools, an active JCC, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Springfield also offers convenient access to Boston, New York City, Hartford, Vermont, and the New England coastline.
The CEO Opportunity
The CEO will lead JFWM’s financial resource development efforts, overseeing fundraising strategy while cultivating and sustaining strong relationships with current and prospective donors. They will supervise the professional team and ensure the effective and efficient operation of the organization. The CEO must be a compelling and confident communicator, both internally and externally.
Serving as a collaborative and visible community leader, the CEO will strengthen JFWM’s partnerships, including local organizations, schools, synagogues, and other key stakeholders. Through strategic leadership, the CEO will advance and expand programs and create meaningful opportunities that deepen engagement and ensure the long-term vibrancy and sustainability of the Jewish community.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, a successful candidate must be an action-oriented relationship builder and a collaborative and energetic leader. A successful record of accomplishment of fund development and community building is highly desired.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership and Strategic Vision
- Provide strategic leadership to the Board, staff, and broader community by developing and advancing a clear vision that strengthens JFWM’s role as a central convener and leader.
- Lead, develop, and inspire the professional team through strong supervision, coaching, and mentorship, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing organizational culture.
- Recruit, lead, and evaluate a high-performing professional and lay team capable of effectively advancing JFWM’s mission and core programs.
- Ensure that JFWM’s human resources, data platforms, and systems are aligned and optimized to support organizational goals and evolving needs.
Resource Development
- Lead the organization’s fundraising strategy, strengthening donor engagement and growing both the annual campaign and overall donor base.
- Actively cultivate relationships with major donors and personally solicit leadership gifts for the annual campaign, designated initiatives, and endowment.
- Leverage data, analytics, and prospect research to strengthen fundraising systems and inform strategic decision-making.
Community Relations
- Advance JFWM’s role as a convener and facilitator of strategic partnerships, programs, and community-wide initiatives.
- Partner closely with volunteer and professional leaders to foster collaboration with community agencies and stakeholders.
- Serve as the organization’s chief ambassador and spokesperson, representing JFWM with community partners, funders, and local, national, and international stakeholders.
- Ensure that JFWM’s story, messaging, and positions are clearly articulated and effectively communicated to both the Jewish and broader community.
- Maintain a visible and engaged presence across the religious, cultural, and social life of the community.
Board and Lay Partnerships
- Develop and execute short- and long-term strategies to engage, cultivate, and sustain a strong pipeline of lay leadership.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the Board across areas including finance, policy, programs, and governance.
- Partner with the Board to shape and advance JFWM’s strategic vision and leadership priorities.
- Cultivate, recruit, and retain top lay leaders, ensuring thoughtful placement and ongoing engagement.
Financial and Operational Management
- Provide sound fiscal leadership and strong fiduciary oversight to ensure the organization’s financial health and sustainability.
- Partner with staff and volunteer leadership responsible for finance and administration to ensure effective financial management and oversight.
- Lead the development of JFWM’s annual budget, ensuring alignment, transparency, and buy-in from lay leadership.
Qualifications
- Senior-level experience with strategic leadership, development and management experience in Jewish Federations or other Jewish communal organizations, business, and/or non-profit sectors.
- Proven success leading an organization of comparable size and/or complexity to JFWM, ideally within a nonprofit or mission-driven environment
- Track record of building, developing, and inspiring high-performing teams through effective supervision, coaching, and empowerment.
- Significant experience in total financial resource development oversight, including successful planning, implementation, and execution across campaigns and giving levels.
- Ability to personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and build long-term philanthropic relationships.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to build consensus, navigate complexity, and collaborate effectively across diverse stakeholders.
- Excellent interpersonal, diplomacy, and organizational skills, with a leadership style grounded in integrity, authenticity, and the ability to inspire trust.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to a wide range of internal and external audiences.
- Aptitude for partnering with professional and volunteer leadership utilizing a collaborative approach that fosters strong lay–professional relationships.
- Willingness to support the global objectives of the JFWM and be a strong advocate for Israel are essential.
- Knowledge of Jewish customs, traditions, and values, and is committed to advancing the Federation's mission and supporting Israel.
Compensation Package
Salary Range: $180,000-$210,000
Benefits: JFWM offers a robust benefits package, including PTO, medical coverage, retirement contribution, and Long-Term Disability.
The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts is an equal opportunity employer.
