The Opportunity
Eastside Jewish Commons (EJC) is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to guide our organization into its next phase of programmatic and financial growth. This individual should share our excitement for EJC’s mission, values, unique place in the Jewish community, and future potential. The position is suited for a visionary, proactive, and resourceful leader with a deep understanding of nonprofit management, Jewish culture, and the diverse populations we serve.
The new Executive Director (ED) will lead EJC’s small and talented team of staff and contractors, providing oversight of programs and operations. This requires organizational skills, resourcefulness, and the ability to manage a range of activities – and offers considerable room for creativity and initiative. In terms of focus, the ED should be enthusiastic to assume an active role in outreach and fostering community partnerships, developing and promoting new programming, and raising funds. EJC has relied on contributed funds and the ED should be prepared to lead efforts to diversify our funding base, including through development of earned revenue.
EJC’s next leader will work closely with our experienced Board in shaping a new strategic plan for the organization. Our direction forward may shift EJC’s facility/space and staff capacity needs, among others, and the new ED should be able to successfully lead possible organizational change initiatives. This is an exciting time for EJC as we look to welcome a new ED, build upon our solid foundation, and expand our role in Portland’s Jewish community and beyond.
About Us
The Eastside Jewish Commons mission is to create and sustain a joyful, inclusive, and inspiring community space on Portland’s eastside where people can connect, learn, and grow.
Since opening in July 2021, EJC has become an integral part of Portland, Oregon’s Jewish community. Our space serves as a venue for educational, cultural, spiritual, religious, and social programming offered by partner organizations, individual community members, and by EJC. In the past year alone, EJC hosted hundreds of events attended by thousands from across a diverse community. Our unique “Jewish living room” model fosters collaboration and inclusivity by offering non-membership-based access to programs, events, and space, on the eastside of Portland.
EJC shares our rented space with various organizations including an independent congregation, Shir Tikvah, and we offer co-working space for Jewish professionals. We take pride in our partnerships with more than 30 organizations, including most of Portland’s synagogues, Jewish institutions, and emerging organizations.
The EJC ED oversees the Director of Programming (.63 FTE), as well as part-time staff and contractors handling social media, bookkeeping, events support, and more. EJC has an annual budget of roughly $550,000 and a solid financial foundation, with commitments for a future endowment.
The Ideal Candidate – Experience and Capacities
EJC is seeking an Executive Director with the following profile.
- Strategic Leadership. A creative and entrepreneurial leader with a deep commitment to the EJC mission and values, and awareness of the complex community needs and diverse populations we serve. Strategic and resourceful, with skills to partner with the Board and others to shape EJC’s direction forward, inspire engagement, and turn vision into action.
- Partnerships and Programming. A skilled communicator who is energized to be the public face of EJC, to nurture and build relationships, and to raise EJC’s visibility. The motivation, ideas, and experience to shape and expand EJC programming, in response to community interests, and to broaden our audience. A great listener, able to collaborate and build trust with a wide range of people, foster diverse viewpoints, and navigate difficult conversations with strength and grace.
- Management and Organization. Demonstrated experience in overseeing programs, operations, and systems (financial, HR, facilities/space, events, etc.), supporting colleagues, and nurturing a high-performing team and organizational culture. Solid financial skills, business acumen, and creativity to rethink how things are done and find opportunities for improvement. A track record of working well with and further building an engaged nonprofit Board.
- Fundraising. Proven experience to shape and execute fund development strategies and plans, working closely with Board members and others. The initiative and skills to cultivate and steward donor relationships and to lead efforts to expand and diversify EJC’s funding base through donations, grants, sponsorships, and earned revenue, to support sustainable growth.
Salary and Benefits
- Starting salary of $110,000 to $130,000.
- Full-time, exempt position, in-person in Portland, Oregon.
- Benefits include healthcare, 401k, and PTO.
To Apply
Please submit the following by Sunday, April 6, 2025:
- A cover letter that demonstrates how your experience and skills would make you a good fit for this position, and what about this opportunity most interests you.
- A complete chronological resume.
- Note how you heard about this opportunity.
Please send your application as a PDF via email to: EJC@pagetwopartners.com, attention: ED Hiring Committee. We will acknowledge receipt of your application, and all inquiries will be handled confidentially.
For more information, including the Executive Director job description, visit https://ejcpdx.org/.
Equal Opportunity Employer
EJC is an equal opportunity employer. We value and celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that each individual brings to our community. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.
More Info
https://ejcpdx.org/
Salary
$110,000-$130,000
Location
Portland, OR
Contact Email
EJC@pagetwopartners.com