Program Executive, Leadership Engagement Department

About the Organization

UJA-Federation of New York is the largest local philanthropy in the world. For more than 100 years, we’ve brought New Yorkers together to solve some of the most pressing problems facing our community. Thanks to our network of hundreds of non-profits, we can leverage our expertise across any number of areas — including health and human services, arts and culture, and education — to care for Jews everywhere and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, respond to crises close to home and far away, and shape our Jewish future. Our reach extends from New York to Israel to nearly 70 other countries around the world, touching 4.5 million people each year.

Position Overview

The Leadership Engagement Department (LEAD) is seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven Program Executive to help cultivate and inspire the next generation of leaders at UJA-Federation of New York. This role is an exciting opportunity to shape meaningful leadership experiences for emerging through innovative programming and immersive learning opportunities.

As a key member of the LEAD team, the Program Executive will oversee three signature cohort-based leadership programs: Leadership Labs, Observership, and the Shapiro Family Fellowship. Together, these programs deepen participants’ connection to Jewish communal life, strengthen leadership capacity, and create pathways for long-term engagement within UJA and the broader community.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and strong relationship builder who thrives on creating impactful experiences, fostering community, and guiding participants through transformative leadership journeys. This position offers extensive collaboration across UJA departments, partner agencies, lay leaders, and young professionals, with the opportunity to influence and grow UJA’s next-generation leadership pipeline.

Program Areas

Leadership Labs introduces emerging leaders to the breadth of UJA’s work and impact while building leadership skills through dynamic learning sessions and cohort-based experiences.

Observership, a flagship leadership initiative, places participants on nonprofit agency boards or UJA grantmaking committees for a year-long, hands-on learning experience.

Shapiro Family Fellowship explores Jewish identity, Israel-Diaspora relations, and the major issues shaping Jewish life today, culminating in a 12-day immersive educational experience in Israel to explore its society, economy, politics, and culture.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership Labs (30–40 participants)

• Lead all aspects of program planning and execution
• Partner with colleagues across UJA to identify and recruit high-potential young leaders
• Review nominations and manage participant selection
• Design and implement an engaging multi-session curriculum, including speakers, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities
• Build strong relationships with participants and support participants’ continued engagement with UJA following the program

Observership (50–60 participants)

• Manage recruitment, application review, and interview process
• Match participants with appropriate host agencies, nonprofit boards, or UJA committees based on interests and experience
• Serve as the primary liaison to partner organizations and internal stakeholders to ensure a meaningful participant experience
• Develop supplemental programming and networking opportunities that enrich the cohort experience
• Conduct exit conversations and help guide participants toward future leadership opportunities within UJA

Shapiro Family Fellowship (12–15 participants + 200 alumni)

• Oversee recruitment, application review, and participant selection
• Collaborate with Israel-based educators and facilitators to develop a thoughtful year-round curriculum
• Foster strong relationships with fellows throughout the program experience
• Coordinate logistics and staffing for the fellowship’s immersive Israel trip
• Engage and grow the alumni network through ongoing programming, events, and leadership opportunities
• Manage the program budget and related administrative responsibilities

Cross-Departmental Leadership & Engagement

• Serve as LEAD’s liaison to the Young Leadership division to ensure strong collaboration and alignment across initiatives
• Help identify, cultivate, and steward the next generation of lay leaders
• Develop meaningful pathways for alumni engagement
• Contribute creative ideas and strategic thinking to strengthen leadership development across the organization

Qualifications & Competencies

• 2–4 years of experience in program management, leadership development, community engagement, donor stewardship, or a related field
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-management skills
• Strong project management with careful attention to detail and follow-through
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Self-starter with creativity, initiative, and a solutions-oriented mindset
• Passion for leadership development and alignment with UJA-Federation’s mission
• Bachelor’s degree required

Salary Information:

The salary range for this role is $75,000 to $78,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications listed above.

Reporting Line:

This role reports to the Executive Director, Leadership Engagement Department and is a hybrid position, with a set three days/week in office.

Great Perks. Because We Appreciate Great Employees.

TIME OFF

We offer a generous number of vacation days and have the Jewish holidays off as well. Fridays our offices close early (October to March at 3:00 pm and April to September at 4:00 pm). All so you can relax and recharge.

HYBRID MODEL

We’re operating on a hybrid work model: three set days in the office and two days remote. So enjoy the best of both worlds — the comforts of home and the energy of the office.

HEALTH CARE

UJA provides a top-tier medical and dental plan, along with a flexible spending account. We also offer life insurance. And for a small cost you can take part in on-site yoga and exercise classes at our Manhattan office. Wellness matters to us.

PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT

UJA employees can enroll in a pension plan and tax deferred annuity.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Classes, workshops, and compelling speakers will keep you at the top of your game.

COMMUNITY

We come together as a staff to commemorate holidays (from Rosh Hashanah to MLK Day), volunteer at nonprofits, and celebrate our accomplishments together. (Our chocolate chip cookies are legendary!)