Chief Executive Officer - Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange

Location and

Job Title:

Chief Executive Officer - Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County
- Merage JCC of Orange County
One Federation Way
Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92603

POSITION

PURPOSE:

The Chief Executive Officer of the Merage Jewish Community Center serves as a dynamic, transformational, and participative leader dedicated to advancing the Center's mission of strengthening Jewish life and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. This role demands the ability to inspire and maintain a high-performing management team, while projecting credibility and trust within the broader community and among major donors.

As the public face of the JCC, the CEO communicates a compelling vision and ensures its alignment with strategic goals, representing a positive brand image in the marketplace and community. They actively engage and guide the Board Chair and Board of Directors, supporting the recruitment, development, and training of board members.

With a strong commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, and integrity, the CEO effectively manages resources, both human and physical, and cultivates collaborative relationships with Jewish and non-Jewish organizations alike, modeling the values and work ethic that define the Center's culture.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to the Merage JCC mission and actively contribute to building and strengthening the Jewish community.
• Ensure the development and communication of a compelling Vision Statement; serve as the primary spokesperson and public face of the Merage JCC.
• Represent the Merage JCC in the broader community, projecting credibility and fostering trust with stakeholders and donors.
• Maintain a strong commitment to Judaism and Israel as foundational values of the organization, including cultivating global partnerships that integrate international perspectives into programming and foster meaningful cultural exchange.

• Involve and guide the Board Chair and Board of Directors in strategic planning and governance.
• Assist in the identification, recruitment, training, and retention of Board Members and volunteers.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and the Board to set measurable goals and evaluate progress.
• Maintain open and consistent communication with the Board Chair and Directors to ensure alignment and accountability, providing timely updates, actionable insights, and recommendations.

• Recruit, hire, supervise, and, when necessary, terminate key staff positions.
• Maintain and motivate a management team of high-quality professionals, fostering a culture of professional growth through tailored training programs, mentorship, and identification of leadership potential.
• Provide and encourage professional development opportunities for staff, including leadership development initiatives to prepare future organizational leaders.
• Lead by example in work ethic, integrity, and transparency, serving as a role model for staff and board members.

• Ensure effective execution and oversight of the following key operational areas (prioritized in order of strategic emphasis):
• Fundraising & Event Management:
  Lead donor identification, cultivation, and solicitation efforts; oversee successful fundraising events and capital campaigns, including securing major gifts and supporting access to programs such as early childhood education and day camps.
• Finance & Controls:
  Ensure sound financial practices, budget preparation (including oversight of multi-million-dollar operating budgets), and human resources management.
• Programming:
  Support diverse, inclusive, and mission-aligned programs, including camp operations, preschool/early childhood education, Jewish life initiatives, fitness, sports, and community enrichment rooted in Jewish values.
• Membership Enrollment & Marketing:
  Drive growth and engagement through outreach, branding, CRM upgrades, digital enhancements, and innovative member retention strategies.
• Security &
  
  Risk Management:
  
  Maintain a safe environment through partnerships with law enforcement, proactive risk mitigation, and crisis response planning; address challenges such as antisemitism.
• Facilities Management:
  Oversee the maintenance, strategic use, and capital improvements of physical resources, including state-of-the-art campuses and execution of projects like outdoor spaces, childcare centers, and…