Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Principal Responsibilities:

Position Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Organization: Shalom Institute

Position Category: Executive Director/CEO

Reports To: Board of Directors/Board President

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt (Salaried)

Location: Greater Los Angeles Area

Salary: 190,000+, commensurate with experience

Normal Work Hours: Monday-Friday; frequent evenings and weekends required

ABOUT SHALOM INSTITUTE
Shalom Institute is a premier Jewish residential camp and retreat center serving the greater Los Angeles area, affiliated with the JCC movement and rooted in the values of Jewish community, tradition, and belonging. For decades, its camping, conference, and retreat experiences for youth, families, and adults have cultivated Jewish identity, lifelong friendships, and a love of community and nature. The organization operates across two Southern California campuses--the Alan D. Leve Campus in the Malibu mountains and the Gold Creek Center in the Angeles National Forest--where every participant can grow, connect, and thrive. Guided by a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, it stands as one of the most impactful Jewish camping institutions in North America.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is Shalom Institute's chief professional officer, reporting to the Board of Directors and leading its mission, strategy, and daily operations. This role calls for a leader who combines vision with practical management--someone who can inspire staff, engage the community, and partner with the Board to ensure the organization's growth, financial health, and mission impact. The CEO is the face of the organization, representing Shalom Institute with confidence, warmth, and integrity across all stakeholder relationships.
The ideal candidate brings a passion for Jewish camping and a proven record of building high-performing teams, cultivating donor relationships, and delivering programming that transforms the lives of children, families, and communities.
The role also demands high integrity, creative problem-solving, sound financial judgment, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all participants. The right leader is equally at home in the boardroom and around the campfire and understands that leadership in the Jewish nonprofit sector is both a professional calling and a personal honor.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

• Participate with the Board of Directors in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organization.
• Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect the organization.
• Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Directors on all aspects of the organization's activities.
• Foster effective teamwork between the Board and the CEO, and between the CEO and staff.
• In addition to the Board President, act as a spokesperson for the organization.
• Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board as appropriate.
• Represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization's community profile.

Operational Planning and Management

• Develop an operational plan incorporating goals and objectives aligned with the organization's strategic direction.
• Ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its clients, Board, and funders.
• Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization.
• Draft policies for Board approval and prepare implementing procedures; review existing policies annually.
• Ensure that personnel, client, donor, and volunteer files are securely stored and confidentiality is maintained.
• Provide support to the Board by preparing meeting agendas and supporting materials.

Program Planning and Management

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the organization's programs and services.
• Ensure programs and services reflect the organization's mission and the priorities of the Board.
• Oversee the planning, implementation, execution, and evaluation of special projects.

Human Resources Planning and Management

• Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery.
• Oversee the implementation of human resources policies, procedures, and practices, including the development of job descriptions for all staff.
• Establish a positive, healthy, and safe work environment in accordance with all applicable legislation and regulations.
• Recruit, interview, and select staff with the right technical and personal abilities to advance the organization's mission.
• Ensure all staff receive a thorough orientation and appropriate training.
• Implement a performance management process for all staff, including ongoing monitoring and annual performance reviews.
• Recommend and approve year-round staff salary increases, bonuses, and benefits adjustments.
• Coach and mentor staff to improve performance; apply appropriate disciplinary procedures when necessary.

Financial Planning and Management

• Work with staff and the Board Finance & Budget Committee to prepare a comprehensive budget.
• Work with the Board to secure adequate funding for the organization's operations.
• Research funding sources, oversee the development of fundraising plans, and write funding proposals.
• Participate in fundraising activities as appropriate.
• Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board.
• Ensure sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed.
• Administer the organization's funds according to the approved budget and monitor monthly cash flow.
• Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on revenues and expenditures.
• Ensure compliance with all legislation covering taxation and withholding payments.
• Ensure completion of an annual audit and Form 990 filing by a certified accountant.

Community Relations and Advocacy

• Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the organization's work and to identify community needs.
• Establish strong working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, community leaders, and partner organizations.

Risk Management

• Identify and evaluate risks to the organization's people, property, finances, goodwill, and image; implement appropriate risk controls.
• Ensure the Board and organization carry appropriate and adequate insurance coverage.
• Ensure the Board and staff understand the terms, conditions, and limitations of insurance coverage.
• Maintain American Camp Association (ACA) Standards and accreditation.
• Ensure emergency and evacuation policies and procedures are current and regularly drilled.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory bodies.

SUPERVISION

Supervises Executive Staff and Key Administrative Staff

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a comprehensive compensation package. Specific benefit details will be shared with qualified candidates during the interview process.


WORK ENVIRONMENT


Moderately quiet during the off-season; loud and high-energy during the summer camp season.


HOW TO APPLY

Shalom Institute is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to View email address on click.appcast.io

Minimum Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Demonstrated role model of professionalism, integrity, and mission alignment.
• Passionate about working with people of all ages--children, teens, young adults, parents, seniors, and other professionals.
• Proactive problem-solver with excellent public relations skills.
• Strong character, adaptability, sense of humor, patience, and self-control.
• Proven team player with the ability to accept guidance and work collaboratively with Board and staff.
• Deep commitment to Jewish values and the mission and impact of immersive experiences .

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree in Nonprofit Management preferred.
• 5-7 years of leadership experience in a residential camp setting required.
• Prior experience in a CEO, Executive Director, or senior leadership role in a nonprofit organization strongly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Excellent manager of people, with proven ability to work closely with Board Members, staff, community leaders, and clients.
• Ability to work with a diverse team of staff and volunteers in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) and nonprofit databases.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Ability to use diplomacy and maintain confidentiality in sensitive situations.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently and accurately; highly detail oriented.
• Proven ability to hire, train, and supervise staff at all levels.
• Experience with budget development and financial management.
• Demonstrated program innovation and administration.
• Proven ability to delegate responsibility and follow through to achieve results.
• Crisis management capability and demonstrated ability to multi-task under pressure.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work extended hours (up to 18-20 hours per day during peak camp season).
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.

Salary:

$190000


Agency Information:

ABOUT SHALOM INSTITUTE

Shalom Institute is a premier Jewish residential camp and retreat center serving the greater Los Angeles area, affiliated with the JCC movement and rooted in the values of Jewish community, tradition, and belonging. For decades, its camping, conference, and retreat experiences for youth, families, and adults have cultivated Jewish identity, lifelong friendships, and a love of community and nature. The organization operates across two Southern California campuses--the Alan D. Leve Campus in the Malibu mountains and the Gold Creek Center in the Angeles National Forest--where every participant can grow, connect, and thrive. Guided by a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, it stands as one of the most impactful Jewish camping institutions in North America.