Director of Strategy & Impact (Grants & Allocations)

Description:

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is a grantmaking public charity that delivers over $60 million of annual philanthropic impact. Grantmaking activities are directed by the Strategy and Impact Department. The Local Director of Strategy & Impact plays a crucial role in overseeing the Federation's local grantmaking programs in the areas of Jewish education and engagement and social services within Greater Philadelphia. Reporting to the Chief Strategy and Impact Officer, this role will be responsible for identifying and supporting innovative projects that align with the Jewish Federation's mission and strategic goals. In addition this role supports the overall Strategy and Impact department and its committees, while also supervising the Program Officer and Program Associate. The Director of Strategy & Impact will work closely with grantees, community partners, and other stakeholders to ensure the success and sustainability of funded initiatives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Grant Responsibilities:

• Define and document funding priorities for grant processes, objectives, and desired outcomes
• Set and adhere to budgetary grant allocations to ensure committees do not approve more than the funds available.
• Set and oversee the grantmaking process including identifying agencies invited to submit grant applications, reviewing completed applications and the post-award compliance requirements

Committee and Lay Leader Management:

• Support the Community Impact Committee (CIC) and Emergency Response Committee (ERC) in preparing presentations for meetings, corresponding with committee members, and following up on next steps after committee meetings.
• Provide structured grant compliance updates to stakeholders on a regular cycle and on demand
• Perform regular assessment of the grants and impact measurement process to identify and propose areas for improvement

Department Management:

• Work with Chief Strategy & Impact Officer on strategic planning for the Strategy & Impact department, including working with the Director of Israel and Global Operations to align funding priorities, budget operations, and missions and lay leader travel, and restricted gift workflow.
• Supervise the local program officer and program associate.
• Supervise, maintain, and improve process flow documentation and implement best practices to ensure strategy and impact projects are delivered on time and on budget
• Develop operating budgets based on planned annual grantmaking activities
• Gather, curate, and report on community impact investment needs and results reported by grantees that align with our three areas of focus
• Track strategy and impact performance periodically to ensure the organizations short-term and long-term goals are met
• Stay current with industry best practices, techniques and standards, and work collaboratively to implement improvements
• Manage interdepartmental coordination to ensure smooth execution of all strategy and impact deliverables
• Serve as primary liaison between S&I and other departments on all workflows, including but not limited to:

1. Fundraising department and S&I departments for grantmaking committees (Jewish Federation Real Estate, Weinberg, Women of Vision) and philanthropic guidance for restricted gifts, including identifying funder priorities and community needs
2. Marketing workflows on agency and other impact features
3. External Affairs and Jewish Community Relations Council coordinating of agency-lay leader relationship management

• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong writing skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable insights.
• Judgment & Independence: Demonstrated ability to manage projects and priorities with limited supervision and sound professional judgment.
• Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders and navigate complex organizational environments.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with grant management systems.
• Knowledge: Understanding of the Jewish community, its needs, and the broader nonprofit landscape.
• Familiarity with best practices in grantmaking, program evaluation, and philanthropy. Knowledge of Jewish customs and traditions required.
  

Education & Training Requirements:

• Education: Bachelors degree or equivalent, related experience required; Masters degree in a related field preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in program management, grantmaking, or a related field, preferably within the nonprofit sector.

Work Conditions & Environment:

• This position requires working in the Philadelphia office two days per week and collaborating with colleagues located in Philadelphia and Israel.
• The role involves local travel for site visits and meetings across the five-county Greater Philadelphia area, as well as occasional domestic travel for conferences.

Overview

Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including a hybrid work schedule, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug program, life insurance, generous paid time off and 403b retirement savings program.

Our Mission

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes financial and volunteer resources to address the communities most critical priorities locally, in Israel and around the world.

Commitment to Diversity

We deeply value the diversity of insight, perspective, and experience brought by people from backgrounds typically underrepresented in Jewish institutions. This includes Black, Latinx, and Asian people, Black Jews, Jews of Color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and gender non-conforming people, and people with disabilities. We also welcome applications from people of diverse religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds.

About the Organization:

Since 1901, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has served as the hub of the regions Jewish communities, providing an infrastructure of support for Jewish people and organizations in need. Through grants, emergency funding, restricted gifts, endowments, and our partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools, we care for those in need, combat antisemitism and global crisis, and strengthen Jewish identity.

Benefits

Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including a hybrid work schedule, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug program, life insurance, generous paid time off and 403b retirement savings program.

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