Chief Executive Officer - Valley of the Sun J

Valley of the Sun J is pleased to work with DRG to conduct this search.

BACKGROUND

The Organization

Since its inception as the anchor of the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus in 2002, The Valley of the Sun JCC (“The J”), has been a vibrant center for community, wellness, and culture. Dedicated to fostering connections within the Jewish and non-Jewish communities, the J provides a welcoming environment that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Serving as a key pillar in the broader Scottsdale and Phoenix communities, The J is committed to maintaining the highest standards in both its facilities and programming.

Over the past eight years, the J has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its operating budget from $4 million to over $12 million and reaching a historic milestone of 2,300 member units. Today, the organization is thriving, both in terms of financial health and operational sustainability, with strong reserves and a strategic commitment to investing in future growth.

To learn more, please visit: https://valleyofthesunj.org/

The Campus:

The J sits on a beautifully maintained, 32-acre campus, serving thousands of members and visitors every day. The campus features state-of-the-art fitness and wellness facilities, outdoor heated pools, an indoor track, Pilates, yoga and cycle studios, indoor basketball courts, a café, and versatile event spaces that allow the J to host a variety of community events. The J recently completed a series of renovations, including upgrades to the first-floor facilities, the addition of outdoor pickleball courts, and a new playground.

Programs and Services:

The J offers a wide range of programs designed to serve individuals of all ages and interests:

• A thriving Early Childhood Center (ECC) that offers a safe, loving, and Judaic-infused, experienced-based education for infants through Pre-K. The 180 spaces in this sought after program are consistently filled.
• Engaging Summer Camp experiences for children from 2 years old through 8th grade. Day camp programming is offered for 10 weeks each summer.
• After School Programs to ignite passions in children Kindergarten through 6th grade. 75 children from 5 area schools come to the J daily to enjoy activities ranging from sports, cooking, mindfulness, STEM and art.
• The state-of-the-art fitness center boasts a full-size gymnasium, modern cardio and strength training equipment, group fitness, and personal training.
• Aquatics with outdoor heated pools, The J’s aquatics facilities are a cornerstone of the campus. The pools accommodate year-round activities, including swimming lessons, lap swimming, and family fun.
• Sports & Recreational Leagues for all ages and skill levels including basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and swimming.
• Arts & Culture Programs enrich the mind and spirit and foster connection. As a center for lifelong learning, the J offers a wide range of adult education classes, programs, and events, bringing people together around important cultural and social causes.
• Event Space for JCC programming and rentals for celebrations such as bar/bat mitzvahs, theater performances, lectures and a variety of other needs.

Budget: $12.8M

Member Units: 2,300

Annual Fundraising: $2.2M

The Position

The Valley of the Sun JCC (The J) seeks a strategic, visionary and entrepreneurial leader with a commitment to Jewish life to become its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO will join the J at an exciting moment of transition and growth, with the opportunity to play a central role in crafting and executing a forward-thinking strategic plan that sets a dynamic course for the J’s future. This includes evaluating the J’s current goals, shaping a clear vision for growth, and guiding the J toward sustainable, long-term success. The CEO will need to balance high-level vision with hands-on management.

A primary role for the CEO will be to actively build relationships with donors, and partners, playing a leading role in the fundraising activity of the organization. As the face of the organization, the CEO will be a visible leader both within the J and throughout the broader Scottsdale community.

The CEO will oversee a leadership team of six direct reports, manage a budget exceeding $12 million, and set the tone for the J’s culture and daily operations. The CEO reports to and works in very close partnership with the Board of Directors.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Strategic Vision and Leadership

• Develop and communicate a compelling vision that inspires the community, grows membership, energizes staff, and strengthens The J’s reputation in both the Jewish and general communities.
• Provide inspirational leadership and direction to the senior team and ensure the continued development and management of a professional and efficient organization; establish effective and transparent decision-making processes that will enable The J to achieve its long- and short-term goals and objectives.
• Maintain a focus on proactive planning that will identify and take advantage of, or respond to, emerging trends and needs.

Organizational Leadership and Culture

• Lead, motivate, supervise and evaluate a high-performance senior management team.
• Attract, hire, retain, and promote qualified professionals, developing the ability to delegate and distribute responsibility.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance at all levels of the organization.
• Create and promote a positive work environment that supports consistency throughout the organization's strategy, operational methods, and data collection needs.
• Ensure that the J’s vision, values, brand, and strategic priorities are evident and consistent in every aspect of the organization, including its staff and programs.

Fundraising and Community Building

• Serve as the J’s primary spokesperson, representing the organization to the community, donors, and other partners.
• Engage and excite the imagination of high-net worth individuals and foundations, and steward trusted relationships with donors and prospects, positioning the J and the Campus as the venue for fulfilling their philanthropic objectives.
• Continue to develop a pipeline of new members for the Board and work in close partnership with the Board on the strategic direction of the J.
• Continue and improve the constructive relationship with the leadership of the Center for Jewish Philanthropy, as well as Jewish and secular nonprofit organizations in the area.

Financial and Operational Oversight

• Lead the J in determining and achieving financial goals, including annual budgets and key performance metrics.
• Drive innovation and leverage financial acumen, technology, and business expertise to optimize internal operations and enhance organizational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Controller and senior management team to maintain strong fiscal management, systems, and accurate financial reporting.

Additional Qualifications

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to articulate vision, manage from a strategic perspective, and foster inclusive decision-making.
• Senior executive experience in nonprofit or business sectors with a strong record in leadership, management, administration, financial operations, and fundraising.
• Proven track record in fundraising and relationship management with donors, boards, and foundations.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and diplomatic skills, fostering trust and inspiring leadership.
• Open, flexible leadership style that promotes collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving.
• Commitment to staff development, with success in recruiting and retaining diverse teams.
• Excellent presentation and communication abilities, with experience as an outgoing spokesperson and fundraiser.
• Experience with facilities management, ensuring that the building is well-maintained, secure, and in excellent repair, with a strong focus on the safety of the entire campus.
• Passion for Jewish community, Israel, and enhancing Jewish life and culture.
• Depending on experience, the role may include responsibility for overseeing day-to-day operations of The Campus.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this role is $250,000-$300,000 commensurate with experience. The J also offers a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement options, and a generous vacation package and holiday schedule.

Application

If you are interested in this position, please click here. All applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their application.

We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply even if you do not meet all the qualifications outlined above.

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