Director, Cabinet Alumni Leadership & Engagement
DEPARTMENT: Lay Leadership Development
REPORTS TO: Associate Vice President, National Young Leadership Cabinet
LOCATION: New York, NY (currently hybrid) strongly preferred
STATUS: Full time, exempt
About JFNA
The Jewish Federations of North America (“JFNA”) represents 141 Jewish Federations and over 300 Network Communities, which raise and distribute more than $3 billion annually for social, humanitarian, and educational needs. The Federation movement, collectively among the top 10 charities in North America, protects and enhances the well-being of Jews worldwide through meaningful contributions to community, Israel, and civil society. JFNA’s mission is to build flourishing Jewish communities around the world.
Department Overview
JFNA’s Lay Leadership Development department builds the pipeline of volunteer leaders who guide Jewish Federations and the broader Jewish community. Working across JFNA and the Federation system, the department helps communities develop prepared, connected, confident leaders while strengthening governance, lay/professional partnership, and leadership continuity.
This position sits within the Cabinet and Cabinet Alumni portfolio within the Lay Leadership Department.
About National Young Leadership Cabinet and Cabinet Alumni
National Young Leadership Cabinet is JFNA’s flagship investment in Jewish volunteer leadership development, with more than 500 active members and 4,300 alumni. Its alumni chair Federation campaigns, serve on national boards, and lead across business, government, philanthropy, and civic life. JFNA is now building the structures to turn this powerful network into a lifelong leadership movement—connected to one another, their local Federations, and the broader Jewish community.
Position Summary
The Director will lead implementation of JFNA’s Cabinet Alumni Strategy, building the structures and partnerships that turn Cabinet participation into lifelong leadership across the Federation system and beyond. Working with national lay leaders, local Federation professionals, and JFNA colleagues, the Director will establish an alumni leadership structure, strengthen recruitment and transition practices, track alumni engagement and progression, connect alumni to meaningful leadership roles, and design compelling gatherings and immersive experiences.
This is a leadership development and engagement role—not a fundraising position—and carries no solicitation portfolio or revenue target. The ideal candidate is both a relationship-builder and a builder of systems to support leadership planning and continuity. They will be someone who can earn the trust of accomplished volunteer leaders, create buy-in across a complex network, and translate long-term vision into measurable progress.
Primary Job Responsibilities
Alumni Volunteer Leadership Structure (20%)
Establish a Cabinet Alumni Leadership Group with the National Cabinet Alumni Co-Chairs, defining portfolio roles, onboarding members, and setting annual work plans and accountability measures.
Partner with the Alumni Co-Chairs to set, monitor, and report on key performance indicators, and develop alumni volunteer leaders, so the network is increasingly alumni-led.
Federation Partnership, Recruitment, and Leadership Pathways (35%)
Build sustained relationships with local Federation professionals and develop best practices spanning Cabinet recruitment, nomination, onboarding, transition, and alumni engagement.
Advise JFNA colleagues and Federations on identifying candidates with long-term leadership potential and addressing gaps across communities and leadership profiles.
Equip Federations to connect Cabinet members and alumni to meaningful local and national leadership pathways.
Leadership Continuity, Tracking, and Placement (25%)
Work with JFNA’s Data and Growth team to track alumni engagement, placements, and progression across 141 Federations and JFNA, and apply the learnings.
Cultivate key alumni to…