Planning Lead, Jewish Life

The Jewish Life Department leads UJA-Federation of New York's strategic planning, grantmaking, and community investments in Jewish education, identity, engagement, and community development. Through a diverse portfolio of initiatives, partnerships, and philanthropic investments, the department works to strengthen and inspire Jewish life in New York, Israel, and around the world.

Guided by more than 100 dedicated volunteer leaders and supported by a team of committed professionals, the department seeks a Planning Lead (or Senior Planning Lead) to join its team.

Planning Leads are responsible for advancing UJA's strategic priorities across multiple content areas and planning committees. They drive strategic planning processes, develop and implement innovative initiatives, manage complex grant portfolios, and cultivate relationships with key communal stakeholders. Planners oversee all aspects of grantmaking, including the design and management of Funding Opportunities, proposal review, due diligence, and ongoing grantee stewardship. They also serve as ambassadors for the Jewish Life Department, representing UJA at conferences, convenings, and other forums related to their areas of expertise. This role is focused on UJA’s NY based grantmaking priorities.

Strategic Planning and Grantmaking

• Manage a diverse portfolio of grants and strategic investments, ranging from large-scale initiatives to emerging programs, with a particular emphasis on two of UJA’s New York based strategies; Immersive Jewish experiences as a catalyst for Jewish engagement and neighborhood based, hyper local Jewish engagement.
• Maintain ongoing relationships with grantees, monitor progress through reporting and evaluation processes, and ensure alignment with departmental priorities and outcomes.
• Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities, partnerships, and investment strategies that advance departmental goals.
• Develop expertise in assigned content areas and remain current on emerging trends, research, and best practices.
• Represent the Jewish Life Department and UJA-Federation to internal and external audiences, including donors, community leaders, and partner organizations.

Committee Leadership and Staffing

• Serve as the primary staff partner to two or more volunteer-led planning committees. Responsibilities include:
• Partnering closely with lay leaders to deepen their knowledge of content areas and meaningfully engage them in planning and grantmaking.
• Designing and facilitating strategic planning and community engagement processes.
• Identifying new opportunities for learning, innovation, and investment.
• Managing funding opportunities, special initiatives, and related grantmaking processes.
• Reviewing research, evaluations, and field trends and developing recommendations for committee consideration.
• Managing committee communications, records, and Salesforce processes.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Participate in departmental and organization-wide initiatives, working collaboratively across divisions to advance UJA's mission and strategic objectives.
• Contribute to Jewish Life staff meetings, retreats, cabinet meetings, and other departmental forums.
• Engage in building-wide and cross-divisional programs and projects.

• Master's degree in Jewish education, public policy, social work, law, public administration, community service, or a related field preferred.
• 3-7 years of professional experience in a Federation, nonprofit, foundation, or related communal organization preferred. (Job title determined by years of experience.)
• Experience in one or more areas of Jewish communal life, such as Jewish education, camping, teen engagement, Hillel, Israel engagement, community development, or related fields preferred.
• Exceptional project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical abilities, with the capacity to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with volunteer leaders, donors, grantees, and community partners.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and pluralistic Jewish community.
• Understanding of and sensitivity to the diversity of Jewish life in New York, Israel, and global Jewish communities.
• Intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Self-motivated, creative, adaptable, and eager to learn.
• Comfort using Microsoft Office tools, Salesforce, and emerging AI technologies to manage information, streamline processes, and strengthen planning, communication, and grantmaking workflows, preferred.
• Passion for Jewish life and alignment with UJA-Federation's mission and values.

Salary Information:

The salary range for this role is $80,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. For candidates with more extensive relevant experience, the role may be leveled and titled Senior Planning Lead, with compensation aligned accordingly within the posted range.

Reporting Information:

This role reports to the Planning Manager and is a hybrid position, with a set three days/week (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) in office.