Chief Executive Officer- Western Massachusetts

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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Advance JFWM’s role as a convener and facilitator of strategic…