Mersky, Jaffe & Associates, a national executive search and consulting firm, has been engaged to conduct a search for the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Jewish Broadcasting Service in New York City.
Background:
The Jewish Broadcasting Service (JBS) is an American Jewish television network covering the panorama of Jewish life. Founded by the late Rabbi Mark S. Golub, who served as President and Executive Producer, JBS began broadcasting in August 2006. Originally known as Shalom TV, it was renamed Jewish Broadcasting Service in September 2014. JBS is available on virtually all major television providers, including Comcast, Spectrum, Optimum, Direct TV and Verizon FIOS. It currently reaches more than 75 million homes on television and the internet, with viewership estimated to be approximately 500,000 homes per month.
JBS programming includes daily news reports from Israel, live event coverage and analysis, cultural programming, interviews with leading Jewish figures, call-in programs, Jewish studies, 92Y events, live Shabbat and holiday services, children’s programs, films, music, books and entertainment.
JBS does not represent any specific movement or organization in the American or Israeli Jewish community. Rather, programs on JBS reflect and address the diversity and pluralism of the Jewish experience. They are directed to those with a sense of Jewish identity, those seeking their roots, for anyone with a passion for learning as well as a desire to gain a greater understanding of Jewish tradition, life and the land of Israel.
Building on the foundation and legacy of its founder, Rabbi Golub,JBS’s mission is to foster Jewish understanding, strengthen Jewish identity, and inspire a love of Israel and Jewish commitment among involved and unengaged Jews, as well as interested non-Jews.
Position Description & Compensation:
The CEO of JBS provides a clear vision and leadership for the organization. The CEO maintains strong relationships with the American Jewish Community and its leadership and is responsible for JBS’s fund-raising efforts with substantial donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. Working with the JBS President, the CEO helps to develop short and long-term strategies, staffing, programming priorities, and oversees the JBS budget. This is a full-time, on-site, position that will report to the JBS Board of Directors. The salary is $200,000 with a comprehensive benefits package.
Key Responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer:
- Serves as the predominant presence for JBS within the American and Israeli Jewish communities and maintains strong relationships with their leadership.
- Works with the President to develop and implement short and long-range strategic organizational goals, objectives, plans, policies and operating procedures.
- Develops a fundraising plan that will significantly increase contributions from current and new donors and funders – including individual philanthropists, foundations, program sponsors, and organizations.
- Responsible for personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors.
- Oversees marketing opportunities to increase awareness of JBS in the Jewish community.
- Works with the JBS President to maintain an effective organizational structure and staffing to accomplish the network’s goals and objectives.
- Monitors and evaluates programmatic and operational effectiveness.
- Oversees the development of an annual operating budget as well as cost and productivity analyses.
- Creates and executes initiatives to broaden viewership, services, and outreach to new constituencies in the United States and throughout the world.
- Develops community, business, and organizational strategic partnerships.
Qualifications of the Successful CEO Candidate:
- Minimum of 8 years of experience related to job responsibilities.
- A passionate, mission-driven executive who will successfully and confidently build trust with and inspire all stakeholders.
- Deep knowledge of and established relationships among the American Jewish community and its leadership.
- Strong fundraising track-record with ability to relate to high-net worth individuals, foundations, and corporations.
- Strong feeling for Jewish history, tradition, religion, and Israel.
- Understanding of contemporary Jewish issues and landscape.
- Ability to recruit, motivate, lead, and manage staff.
- Ability to create and communicate priorities and strategies, as well as market opportunities and challenges to drive growth and performance.
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Experience in strategic planning, budget processes, and fiscal management.
- Experience and familiarity with the current and evolving broadcast media landscape and technology preferred.
Mersky, Jaffe & Associates is proud of its association with the Jewish Broadcasting Service and to be conducting the search for its next Chief Executive Officer. If you, or someone you know, might be a suitable candidate for this position, please forward in confidence, the person’s name, cover letter, resume, and contact information to Lori Fodale by writing to lori@merskyjaffe.com.