The Organization Overview We’re 18Doors, a fast-paced, national Jewish nonprofit with a collegial, warm organizational culture and entrepreneurial spirit. We are the only national Jewish nonprofit laser focused on understanding, connecting with, and communicating the needs of Jewish interfaith couples and families.
We aim to empower people in interfaith relationships to engage in Jewish life, consider Jewish choices, and to encourage Jewish communities to welcome and include them. Our vision is for people in interfaith relationships—however they describe themselves—to be welcomed, embraced and valued by Jewish communities and to contribute to Judaism’s enduring strength and continuity.
18Doors diverse offerings include online and in-person programs for interfaith couples and families; a Jewish-clergy referral service; a renowned rabbinic fellowship program; learning opportunities for Jewish professionals, clergy, and lay leaders; a website full of essays, advice, resources, and recipes; and a robust social media footprint. Our innovation hubs in Atlanta and Chicago connect us with local Jewish organizations. All told, our programs and resources help couples and families to connect and build the Jewish life they want.
We want our team to reflect the diversity of our world and of interfaith couples and families.?18Doors is committed to diversifying our employees and welcomes applications from those groups that have historically been underrepresented in our organization—people of color,?people with disabilities and LGBTQ people.
History Nearly fifteen years ago, InterfaithFamily expanded from its beginnings as an online magazine through the launch of the InterfaithFamily/Your Community Initiative (IFF/YCI). It was one of the first significant efforts to place rabbis and staff in communities around the country, focused on working exclusively on meeting the needs of interfaith families and those Jewish organizations interested in working with them.
In 2020, InterfaithFamily went through a strategic planning process with Wellspring Consulting that included a comprehensive discovery stage. We spoke to more than 50 stakeholders, and one of the common themes throughout that process was the need for us to rebrand our organization so that our name and brand reflected the diversity of interfaith couples and families today.
18Doors represented everything we wanted in a name. The number 18 and the doors evoked:
The diversity of interfaith couples and families
The many journeys and entry points for interfaith families into Jewish life
How we help open doors (“Unlock Jewish”) for couples and families—and for Jewish organizations and communities in figuring out how to create inclusive spaces
The Jewish homonym “L’dor v’dor,” and the importance of passing Jewish values from generation to generation
That we are a Jewish organization, with the subtle reference to chai (“life”) by using the number 18
Our vision for our brand is to express that 18Doors is here to help interfaith families unlock being Jewish.
Mission & Vision Our Mission: 18Doors empowers people in interfaith relationships — individuals, couples, families and their children—to engage in Jewish life and consider Jewish choices and encourages Jewish communities to welcome them.
Our Vision: People in interfaith relationships are welcomed and embraced by Jewish communities and contribute to Judaism’s enduring strength and continuity.
The Opportunity Position: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Location: Remote Reporting Relationship: Reports to Board of Directors Website: www.18doors.org
Key Responsibilities Close to home and around the world, Jews and the people who love them are facing unimaginable challenges. 18Doors seeks a visionary and passionate leader who can recognize the challenges and opportunities of this unique time; determine the best way to serve and advocate for interfaith couples and families as they navigate what it means to engage in Jewish life; and lead the organization into a new phase of development and growth. There is a need to critically look at the programs, services, and content to determine the best way to move the organization forward while increasing our impact in North America.
The ideal candidate will have the passion, skills, and qualifications to successfully lead the organization through its next phase of development and impact. The CEO will create a strategic plan with the goal of increasing awareness of what 18Doors has to offer and the impact it has on the individuals and communities it serves.
The CEO will be a dynamic leader who values and promotes 18Doors’ rich history and mission and who can leverage their people management, relationship building, and strategic fundraising skills for the benefit of the organization. The CEO will assume ultimate responsibility for the leadership, vision, strategy execution, and overall management of 18Doors, as well as its operating budget.
Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to the following:
Strategic Leadership
Partner with the Board of Directors on the strategic visioning of the organization to promote growth and increase brand awareness.
Serve as the face of the organization proactively positioning 18Doors as the national leader of and thought partner for interfaith couples, families, and those looking to explore their Jewish connection.
Anticipate and identify challenges 18Doors may face as it transitions into the next phase of its strategic growth.
Develop a sound strategy for diversifying and expanding the organization’s foundational funding base, increasing support from regional offices, and setting aggressive development goals.
Effectively steward the human and fiscal resources of the organization in ways that achieve the organization’s goals while contributing to its immediate and long-term success.
Board Engagement
Build trust and rapport with the Board of Directors to ensure a productive working relationship and strategic approach.
Work closely with the Board and senior team to design and execute strategic and operational plans and determine the direction and priorities of the organization.
Act as a thought partner to the Board on all aspects of finance and operations, including program changes, future business strategy, and appropriate investments.
Ensure the Board of Directors has a thorough understanding of the organization’s performance, strengths, challenges, and opportunities.
Utilize the Board as a thought partner and problem solver in governance issues, including financial oversight and board recruitment and development.
Provide the board with regular and detailed information on organizational challenges with the appropriate context to make well-informed decisions.
Work collaboratively with the Board Chair to set and implement the Board of Directors’ governance, policies, and bylaws.
Stakeholder Engagement
Enhance the overall reputation and visibility of 18Doors to grow and strengthen the community of supporters.
Promote 18Doors’ values, programs, and contributions to garner support and interest from donors, community partners, and foundations.
Play an active role in the fundraising process by maintaining a personal portfolio of high-level donors as well as partners with the board and Chief Advancement Officer on major donor stewardship and funder relationships.
Develop and implement public relations strategies that effectively communicate the critical role 18Doors plays within the Jewish communal space.
Foster and cultivate positive relationships with Jewish communal partners, relevant professional groups, donors, volunteers, and program participants.
Operational Oversight
Provide the necessary vision and strategy to effectively lead and engage staff to ensure operational excellence.
Cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture that promotes excellence, innovation, and accountability.
Thoughtfully engage with staff at all levels of the organization to actively solicit feedback, foster transparency, and recognize employee contributions.
Ensure that the organization’s programs are of the highest quality, reach those in need of services, create positive impact, and fulfil 18Doors’ mission and vision.
Develop and institute metrics for monitoring and evaluating the performance of programs and their impact on participants while addressing their ongoing needs.
Promotes an organizational model aimed at delivering high-quality programs.
Organization Mission and Values
Serve as a visionary to guide and oversee the organization’s mission and principles in partnership with the Board of Directors.
Develop a thorough understanding of 18Doors’ values, mission, culture, and history to lead the partners, stakeholders, programs, and donors.
Inspire, lead, engage, and steward a network of organizational partners, staff, and Board members as both a partner and a champion.
Communicate the organization’s vision in a way that is compelling and effectively implemented.
Promote a culture of strong integrity, high performance, meaningful collaboration, and continuous improvement that values learning and commitment to quality.
Key Relationships
Reports to: Board of Directors
Direct reports/Leadership: Chief Operating Officer Chief Digital Strategy Officer Chief Program Officer Chief Advancement Officer
Professional Qualifications The ideal candidate will have high-level organizational leadership experience, excellent interpersonal and communications skills, and the ability to provide the necessary strategy and innovation for increasing the impact of an organization. The successful candidate must possess significant experience as a senior executive in an organization of relevant size, scale, and complexity along with a broad background in finance, operations, and fundraising with a focus on strategic planning and best practices. Experience in the Jewish communal space is strongly preferred.
The successful candidate will possess many of the following skills and characteristics:
10+ years of progressive leadership experience along with extensive fundraising, operations, financial management, and long-range strategic planning skills.
Strong business acumen and ability to effectively manage, lead, and supervise a talented, passionate, and dedicated team.
Ability to effectively engage and partner with national and regional staff, volunteers, and constituents.
A strategic and creative visionary who champions others’ perspectives and innovative approaches.
Demonstrated experience in leading people, providing professional development opportunities, and fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment.
Strong, compelling communication skills along with a high degree of comfort engaging with major donors and organizational funders.
Prior experience in the diversification of an organization’s revenue sources.
A deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion along with cultural competency regarding issues of multiculturalism.
A collegial and collaborative leadership style with a commitment to open communication and consensus building.
An ability to balance day-to-day operations with overarching strategy to anticipate the future needs and options for the organization.
A strong collaborator with excellent organizational and communication skills.
Digital savvy with a desire to further 18Doors’ commitment to innovation and creativity.
Proven track record of successful fiscal management and effective resource allocation.
Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Travel Expectations The CEO will work remotely from their home office in the United States. However, the position will require moderate to significant travel as needed.
Education A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required.
Compensation 18Doors offers a base compensation of approximately $190,000 - $210,000. Additional benefits will be provided to the successful candidate
Benefits include but are not limited to:
Ability to work remotely or collaboratively in one of our regional hubs.
Employer sponsored 3% annual 401K contribution vesting immediately with no required employee contribution.
A comprehensive benefits package, including 100% employer paid medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance for staff.
Life, short-term and long-term disability insurance 100% employer paid.
Medical and Dependent Care FSA accounts.
Annual $500 technology stipend reimbursement and company provided PC.
$500 home office setup stipend.
Up to 25 days off for Jewish and secular holidays. In addition, the office closes the week of July 4 and the last week of the calendar year.
120 hours per year of paid vacation time within the first 3 years of employment and 160 hours per year after that.
Unlimited sick time.
4 days per year of paid time to volunteer for the organization or cause of your choice.
Application Process Interested and qualified candidates are welcome to submit a resume and cover letter to: 18Doors_CEO@KornFerry.com
18Doors provides equal opportunity to all people regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, body configuration, age, disability, marital status, height, weight, or political belief.
18Doors is committed to building an organization that is representative of the broad diversity of the Jewish community. We welcome applications from those groups that have historically been underrepresented or marginalized in the Jewish community — people of color, people with disabilities and LGBTQ people.