
Executive Director Position
Organizational Overview
The Jewish Federation of El Paso & Las Cruces serves as the central convener for Jewish life in the region, connecting people, resources, and organizations to strengthen and sustain a vibrant Jewish community locally, in Israel, and around the world. Through leadership, philanthropy, community engagement, education, and strategic partnerships, the Federation supports a broad range of programs and services that enrich Jewish life and address emerging community needs.
Guided by an active Board of Directors and a dedicated professional team, the Federation works collaboratively with congregations, schools, agencies, and community partners to foster unity, build resilience, and ensure a strong Jewish future.
For more information, visit www.jfedeplc.org
About El Paso & Las Cruces
El Paso, Texas, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, form a vibrant and growing bi-state community of approximately 800,000 residents. The region offers a unique blend of cultural diversity, affordability, outdoor recreation, and strong community connections.
The Jewish community includes multiple congregations, educational institutions, community organizations, and one of the nation's few standalone Holocaust museums. The Federation serves both affiliated and unaffiliated Jewish individuals and families throughout the region, fostering meaningful connections and enriching Jewish life across generations.
The Opportunity
The Jewish Federation of El Paso & Las Cruces seeks a dynamic, mission-driven Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth, impact, and community engagement.
The Executive Director partners closely with the Board of Directors, community leaders, donors, and stakeholders to strengthen the Federation's role as the central convener and catalyst for Jewish life across the region. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced professional who combines strategic vision with operational excellence, possesses a passion for Jewish life and peoplehood, and excels at building relationships across diverse constituencies. A successful candidate will be a collaborative leader, skilled fundraiser, strong communicator, and effective manager who can inspire confidence, galvanize support, and translate vision into measurable outcomes.
Key Priorities
The Executive Director will:
• Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing professional team that advances the Federation's mission and strategic objectives.
• Strengthen organizational culture by fostering accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Expand philanthropic resources through strategic fundraising initiatives, donor engagement, and leadership development.
• Partner with the Board to implement a clear strategic vision and long-term sustainability plan.
• Serve as the primary ambassador and spokesperson for the Federation throughout the Jewish and broader communities.
• Build and strengthen relationships across congregations, agencies, civic organizations, funders, and community partners.
• Cultivate the next generation of Jewish leaders, volunteers, and philanthropists.
• Identify and respond to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the local and global Jewish community.
Responsibilities
Executive Leadership & Organizational Management
• Provide visionary leadership and overall management of the Federation's programs, operations, finances, and personnel.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional staff while fostering a culture of excellence, engagement, and professional growth.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to establish strategic priorities and ensure organizational alignment with mission and goals.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, forecasting, and reporting in collaboration with the Treasurer, finance committee, and financial staff.
• Ensure sound governance practices, operational effectiveness, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• Monitor organizational performance and implement processes that drive efficiency, accountability, and impact.
• Engage partner agencies and community organizations through regular communication, collaboration, and shared planning.
Philanthropy & Resource Development
• Lead all fundraising and development efforts, including annual campaigns, major gifts, endowment development, sponsorships, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and special initiatives.
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospective contributors.
• Develop innovative strategies to broaden and diversify the donor base.
• Partner with volunteer leaders to achieve fundraising goals and strengthen community engagement.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of future donors, volunteers, and community leaders.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization and community.
Community Relations & External Engagement
• Serve as the Federation's chief spokesperson and representative.
• Build trusted relationships with community stakeholders, elected and civic leaders, partner organizations, and national and international Jewish institutions.
• Position the Federation as a convener, collaborator, and catalyst for community-wide initiatives.
• Oversee strategic communications and ensure consistent, compelling messaging across all platforms.
• Support and strengthen collaboration among congregations, agencies, schools, and community organizations throughout the region.
• Promote the Federation's mission, achievements, and impact within both Jewish and broader community audiences.