Community Careers

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BACKGROUND 

For more than 85 years Federation has worked to create a vibrant, caring, connected and enduring Jewish Community by strengthening Jewish identity, caring for Jews in need and fostering deep connections with Israel and Jews around the world.  San Diego County is home to more than 100,000 Jews, in about 50,000 households. We are a thriving, vibrant, multi-faceted Jewish community of more than 100 Jewish communal organizations. More information about Jewish San Diego is available on our website, www.jewishinsandiego.org. Federation staff are passionate about community building, highly collaborative and always learning. We bring a wide range of experiences and backgrounds to our work and welcome all applicants for this dynamic position.  

POSITION SUMMARY 
The Jewish Federation of San Diego is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director, Leadership Development and Engagement to spearhead initiatives that cultivate, engage, and inspire Jewish leaders across generations and sectors. This position plays a critical role in advancing JFSD’s mission by shaping lay leadership engagement, stewarding leadership development programs, and supporting internal staff and governance efforts. This position does not supervise direct reports but collaborates cross-functionally with professional and volunteer leaders throughout the organization and broader community. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Leadership Development Programs 

• Serve as the primary liaison for Federation’s flagship leadership programs, including: 
• LEADS (emerging young leaders) 
• Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute 
• Courageous Leadership Initiative 
• Oversee the design, recruitment, selection, and execution of leadership development experiences that build core leadership competencies and connect participants to Jewish values, community needs, and each other. 
• Ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion are reflected across all program cohorts and experiences. 
• Engage actively with current participants, alumni, and potential candidates, maintaining strong relationships that promote long-term engagement. 
• Ensure all participants are aware of and connected to broader Federation opportunities and programs. 

Lay Leader Engagement and Pipeline Strategy 

• Partner with internal departments and external Jewish organizations to identify, place, and support lay leaders in meaningful volunteer roles. 
• Cultivate relationships with volunteer leaders to align their skills, interests, and leadership journeys with organizational needs. 
• Collaborate on expanding the range of available leadership roles to accommodate emerging leaders. 
• Develop and maintain a leadership tracking system using Federation’s CRM (Salesforce), ensuring accurate and strategic data on involvement and transitions. 
• Lead planning for leadership award nominations and recognitions. 
• Support lay leader recruitment and delegation planning for national gatherings such as the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly. 

Professional Development & Internal Culture 

• Coordinate staff meetings and internal learning opportunities focused on Jewish learning, team building, and professional development. 
• Support strategic design and implementation of staff leadership initiatives to promote internal growth and culture alignment. 
• Act as lead staff for JPro San Diego, coordinating with a committee to plan professional development and networking programs for Jewish communal professionals across the region. 
• Engage potential Federation leaders and participants in leadership development and training programs.  

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Actively communicate across departments to stay current on Federation initiatives and integrate leadership development where appropriate. 
• Represent the Leadership Development portfolio in cross-departmental planning and strategic conversations. 

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS 

• 7+ years of experience in leadership / organizational development, nonprofit management, Jewish communal service, or related expertise. 
• Proven experience designing and managing values-based adult leadership programs. 
• Relationship-oriented mindset with strong interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills. 
• Experience working with volunteer leadership and/or boards of directors. 
• Knowledge of Jewish culture, communal structures, and values; passion for building Jewish community. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently with attention to detail and a collaborative approach. 
• Familiarity with CRM or donor management systems (e.g., Salesforce) preferred. 
• Ability to juggle multiple projects, prioritize deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills. 
• Enthusiasm and experience working in a mission-driven environment. 

EDUCATION 
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field. MBA is nice to have.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EQUIPMENT 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear.  Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  The employee must occasionally crouch, stoop, or reach.   The employee must have the ability to travel and work weekends and evenings when needed. This position is required to work onsite (with the ability to work from home on most Fridays).  

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

This is a full-time position, working onsite in San Diego, CA, with the ability to work from home on most Fridays. 

Compensation range: $110,000-130,000 per year, with a generous benefits plan, retirement plan and comprehensive paid sick leave, vacation and 22 paid holidays per year. 

Jewish Federation of San Diego County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veterans’ status or any other protected category. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position. All qualified candidates must be able to provide proof of their ability to work in the United States without support. All candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check prior to beginning work at JFSD.  

Interested candidates should provide a cover letter and a detailed resume to ‘[email protected]’.  

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POSITION TITLE: Director, Operations & Special Projects
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Chief Planning and Strategy Officer (CPSO)
DEPARTMENT: Community Planning

BACKGROUND
Jewish Federation of San Diego (JFSD) is looking for a director of operations and special projects to lead the day-to-day implementation of core strategies for the Center for Holocaust Education.  

For more than 85 years Federation has worked to create a vibrant, caring, connected and enduring Jewish Community by strengthening Jewish identity, caring for Jews in need and fostering deep connections with Israel and Jews around the world.  San Diego County is home to more than 100,000 Jews, in about 50,000 households. We are a thriving, vibrant, multi-faceted Jewish community of more than 100 Jewish communal organizations. More information about Jewish San Diego is available on our website, www.jewishinsandiego.org. Federation staff are passionate about community building, highly collaborative and always learning. We bring a wide range of experiences and backgrounds to our work and welcome all applicants for this dynamic position.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Operations & Special Projects is responsible for ensuring the seamless execution of the Center for Holocaust Education’s programs and initiatives. Acting as a bridge between the vision and operational implementation, this position oversees daily operations, budget management, logistics, and database administration. The Director of Operations & Special Projects will also supervise staff managing educational learning, professional development, and the mobile museum while coordinating efforts with other Federation staff and external consultants.

This role requires exceptional organizational skills, a keen eye for detail, and strong leadership abilities that support and empower team members. Additionally, the Director of Operations & Special Projects may be assigned special projects as they arise, requiring flexibility and strategic problem-solving.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations & Programmatic Management

• Act as a conduit between the vision and the implementation of initiatives.
• Oversee daily operations to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with the Center for Holocaust Education’s mission.
• Supervise staff responsible for educational programming, professional development initiatives, and mobile museum operations.
• Implement and manage systems to track program impact, engagement, and operational success.
• Serve as a liaison to the Development, Marketing, and Finance departments.

Budget & Financial Oversight

• Track expenses and assist in securing funding for programs.
• Work closely with the Center For Holocaust Education Director and CPSO to align financial priorities with strategic goals.

Logistics & Database Management

• Oversee logistical coordination for events, programs, and mobile museum visits.
• Maintain and improve database systems for program tracking, participant engagement, and evaluation metrics.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to optimize workflow efficiency.

Collaboration & Communication

• Oversee implementation of marketing plan
• Collaborate with other Federation staff, external consultants, and key stakeholders.
• Facilitate cross-departmental communication to ensure alignment and support for the Center’s initiatives.

Special Projects

• Take on special projects as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.
• Develop innovative solutions to operational challenges and emerging needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational needs.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS

• Minimum of 6-8 years of experience in operations, project management, or nonprofit administration.
• Experience managing budgets and overseeing logistics for large-scale programs.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to multitask.
• Detail-oriented with a strategic mindset for improving operational processes.
• Effective leadership skills that empower and support staff.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, able to coordinate across teams.
• Comfortable working with databases and technology to track program impact.
• Adaptable and solution-oriented in handling special projects and emerging priorities.
• Passionate and knowledgeable about Holocaust education and the mission of the Center.
• A team player with a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Education, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EQUIPMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear.  Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  The employee must occasionally crouch, stoop, or reach.   The employee must have the ability to travel and work weekends and evenings when needed (if applicable). This position is required to work onsite (with the ability to work from home on most Fridays).

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a full-time position, working onsite in San Diego, CA, with the ability to work from home on most Fridays.

Compensation range: $100,000- 125,000 per year, with a generous benefits plan, retirement plan and comprehensive paid sick leave, vacation and 22 paid holidays per year.

Jewish Federation of San Diego County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veterans’ status or any other protected category. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position. All qualified candidates must be able to provide proof of their ability to work in the United States without support. All candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check prior to beginning work at JFSD.

Interested candidates should provide a cover letter and a detailed resume to [email protected].

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POSITION TITLE: Senior Campaign Director
FLSA STATUS: Exempt  
REPORTS TO: Chief Development Officer (CDO)
DEPARTMENT: Development

Be Part of the Momentum 
Jewish Federation of San Diego is in a season of growth, impact, and bold ambition. Over the past few years, we’ve reimagined how we engage our community and activated hundreds of new and long-standing donors around a renewed sense of purpose, unity, and urgency. 

With this surge in energy and commitment, we are expanding our development team to deepen donor relationships, scale our efforts, and execute high-impact annual and special-project campaigns. The Senior Campaign Director is a new leadership role designed to harness this momentum and take our core fundraising engine to the next level. If you are a strategic thinker, an operationally-minded leader, and a strong cross-functional team player, this is an opportunity to shape the future of Jewish life in San Diego — and be part of a rapidly growing organization. 

The Role 
The Senior Campaign Director is a key leadership role responsible for strategy and operations of Federation’s integrated fundraising efforts. This includes direct mail, digital, events, donor engagement, and campaign infrastructure. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Senior Campaign Director will collaborate closely with colleagues across the organization. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Leads strategy and operations of a data-informed, multi-channel annual campaign — including direct mail, digital, and community outreach — while supporting the seamless integration of special project campaigns across Federation’s fundraising portfolio. 
• Provides strategic direction and management for development staff, ensuring alignment with campaign priorities, donor engagement strategy, and departmental goals. (This role may supervise additional development team members as the team grows.) 
• Collaborates cross-functionally with marketing & events, programs, and finance, aligning messaging, grant strategy, and donor experience across departments. 
• Develops and upholds standards for campaign gift entry, donor segmentation, and recognition to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with development strategy. 
• Partners with finance to oversee pledge collection efforts, ensuring accurate tracking, proactive follow-up, and donor-centered resolution. 
• Oversees campaign integration for signature events — including Fed360, Cornerstone, the Lion of Judah luncheon, and other fundraising and stewardship gatherings — ensuring aligned messaging, donor targeting, volunteer leadership, and coordinated follow-up in partnership with the Events and Marketing teams. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Fundraising, or a related field preferred. 
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in development operations. 
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing high-performing teams. 
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, innovate, and lead complex projects from conception to completion. 
• Familiarity with Jewish communal life and Federation mission is highly desirable. 
• Proficiency in donor management software (CRM), data analytics, and Microsoft Office Suite. 

Physical Requirements and Equipment 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must occasionally crouch, stoop, or reach. The employee must have the ability to travel when needed, with the flexibility to adjust work hours to meet the organization’s needs, including some evenings and weekends for donor meetings and events. This is a full-time position, working onsite in San Diego, CA, with the ability to work from home on most Fridays.  

Compensation and Benefits 
We offer a competitive salary range of $110,000 – $130,000 annually, along with a generous benefits package, retirement plan, and comprehensive paid leave, including vacation, sick leave, and 22 paid holidays per year. 

About Jewish Federation of San Diego 
For over 85 years, the Federation has been a pillar of support for the Jewish community, fostering connection, compassion, and resilience. Our mission is to strengthen Jewish identity, care for Jews in need, and build deep, lasting connections with Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.  San Diego County is home to more than 100,000 Jews, in about 50,000 households. We are a thriving, vibrant, multi-faceted Jewish community of more than 100 Jewish communal organizations. More information about Jewish San Diego is available on our website, www.jewishinsandiego.org. Federation staff are passionate about community building, highly collaborative and always learning. We bring a wide range of experiences and backgrounds to our work and welcome all applicants for this dynamic position.   

Jewish Federation of San Diego County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veterans’ status or any other protected category. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position. All qualified candidates must be able to provide proof of their ability to work in the United States without support. All candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check prior to beginning work at JFSD.  

Interested candidates should provide a cover letter and a detailed resume to [email protected].