Director of Arts + Ideas

About the role

Director, Arts + Ideas

The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater (UJFT) seeks a Director of Arts + Ideas to provide leadership and strategic direction for its Jewish and Israeli arts and cultural programming. Through film, literature, visual arts, performance, conversation, and cultural exploration, the Director creates opportunities for people to connect with Jewish life, Israel, and the broader community.

The Arts + Ideas portfolio includes the Virginia Festival of Jewish Film presented by Alma & Howard Laderberg, the Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival, the Leon Family Art Gallery, and a range of other cultural programs and engagement initiatives. The Director reports to the Senior Director, Jewish Innovation.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Arts + Ideas initiatives, including long-range planning, annual goals, program development, and evaluation.

• Lead the planning and implementation of festivals, exhibitions, speaker programs, celebrations, and other arts and cultural experiences.

• Serve as the staff partner to the Arts + Ideas Steering Committee, Film Festival Screening Committee, and other volunteer committees, working closely with committee chairs and lay leaders.

• Identify and collaborate with artists, authors, presenters, scholars, cultural institutions, and community organizations to develop meaningful programs and expand participation.

• Oversee program budgets and work with colleagues on marketing, branding, outreach, and fundraising plans.

• Partner with the Development team to cultivate donors, sponsors, and supporters with an interest in arts and culture.

• Develop opportunities for participants and volunteers to remain engaged with Jewish life, culture, and learning.

• Collaborate across UJFT and the Simon Family Jewish Community Center to align initiatives with organizational goals and assess their reach and impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in an arts-related field, nonprofit management, event planning, or a related field.
• At least three years of experience developing and implementing cultural, educational, community engagement, or nonprofit initiatives. Experience in an arts, cultural, or Jewish communal setting is preferred.
• Experience with initiative development, budgeting, marketing, staff supervision, and program evaluation is preferred.
• Strong organizational, planning, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs, deadlines, and relationships.
• Ability to work effectively with volunteer leaders, artists, presenters, sponsors, colleagues, and community partners.
• Strong knowledge of Jewish heritage, traditions, culture, and contemporary Jewish life, and a commitment to the missions of UJFT and the Simon Family JCC.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by programs and events.

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