Senior Director, Changemakers - JFNA

Position Title: Senior Director, Changemakers

Reports To: Vice President, Lay Leadership Development

Location: Preferably based in NY; remote candidates considered. Occasional travel to NY required.

About JFNA

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

JFNA’s Lay Leadership Development department fosters visionary Jewish leadership for today's complex challenges. Working across departments and Federation partners, the team aligns leadership development efforts to ensure consistency, innovation, and community-wide impact.

About the Jewish Changemakers Fellowship

The Jewish Changemakers Fellowship is a leadership initiative for Jewish Gen Z adults (ages 21–27). Launched in 2020, the program begins with a six-week virtual intensive rooted in Jewish values, career development, global Jewish peoplehood, and social impact. Over 2,500 participants have completed the fellowship to date.

Changemakers attracts diverse young leaders—from deeply engaged Jewish individuals to emerging professionals with limited Jewish connections—who are poised to lead in their fields and communities.

Position Summary

The Senior Director, Changemakers leads the strategic vision and execution of the Changemakers Fellowship and Alumni Network. This role oversees the quality, innovation, and growth of the program, introducing new models and formats to engage Gen Z leaders year-round.

The Senior Director manages the full fellowship experience, alumni engagement strategy, staff team, and key partnerships. This is a high-impact leadership role with the opportunity to shape the next generation of Jewish communal leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Program Oversight & Innovation (50%)

• • Lead and adapt the six-week online fellowship experience; explore new delivery models to expand reach and impact within the Federation system and the wider Jewish community.
  • Manage cross-department collaboration to support program goals.
  • Manage relationships across the Federation system to communicate the ROI of Changemakers for federations.
  • Oversee the recruitment and training of program faculty (speakers and facilitators).
  • Supervise fellowship implementation, including application process, participant support, cohort building, and vendor management.

Alumni Engagement & Strategy (25%)

• • Oversee the year-round strategy to deepen alumni engagement and leadership involvement moving alumni along the engagement continuum for Changemakers.
  • Define success metrics for alumni leadership outcomes.
  • Conduct surveys, focus groups, and peer feedback to inform ongoing alumni program design.

Team Leadership (20%)

• • Supervision of three FTEs:
  • Associate Director, Changemakers Network (FT)
  • Senior Manager, Community Management (FT)
  • Fellowship Faculty Lead (Contract)
  • Fellowship Intern (Contract)

Administration & Communications (5%)

• • Collaborate with the Vice President, Lay Leadership Development and key lay leaders to report progress and align on strategy.
  • Partner with JFNA Marketing & Communications to shape the Changemakers brand and media presence.
  • Contribute to strategic planning and evaluation efforts.

Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
  • 7–10 years of relevant experience, ideally in Jewish engagement, young adult education, leadership development, or related fields
  • Proven success in launching, growing, and scaling programs, especially in virtual or hybrid formats
  • Experience designing and implementing educational curricula grounded in best practices for adult and experiential learning
  • Strong understanding of Gen Z engagement, Jewish identity development, and leadership pipelines
  • Comfort with data and metrics, including experience using data to inform program design and strategy
  • Skilled in managing cross-functional teams and navigating complex stakeholder relationships (internal and external)
  • Culturally competent with experience engaging diverse communities
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Highly organized, strategic thinker with strong project management skills
  • Effective team leader with prior supervisory experience
  • (Preferred) Familiarity with digital learning platforms, online community management, and/or edtech tools
  • (Preferred) Understanding of fundraising, donor engagement, or nonprofit program sustainability

Compensation and Benefits

JFNA offers a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, FSA), including a defined contribution plan, generous vacation policy, paid legal and Jewish holidays, life insurance, generous parental leave policies and flexible remote work practices. Our compensation philosophy strives to be externally competitive and internally fair. Additionally, we offer voluntary learning programs throughout the year in subjects of interest to our staff.

Salary range: $135,000 - $145,000

To Apply

Please click here to apply.

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.