Mack Ness Fund Director

Reports to: Advisory Council Chair/Council members and JCF Foundation Executive Director

Salary: $25,000 - $30,000

Location: Whippany, NJ

Part Time: Approximately 7-10 hours per week.Hybrid In Office Mondays, Thursdays & one other day to be determined (subject to change)


About the Fund:

The Mack Ness Fund is a legacy “advisory council fund”, referred to as “the Fund” of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ that is dedicated to economic development and demographic growth in the Negev region of Israel. The Fund provides strategic grants to nonprofits aligned with its mission and values, as determined by its members of the Advisory Council, or “Council”, and approved by the Jewish Community Foundation’s Grant Review Committee (JCF-GRC).

Position Summary:

The Director will serve as the chief executive officer of the Fund, responsible for implementing the strategic vision set by its Council members. This is a part-time leadership position focused on collaborating with the Director-Israel in managing day-to-day operations and grantmaking activities, coordinating activities with the Executive leadership including the Fund’s chair, and all committees, and representing the foundation to non-profit organizations, other funders, municipal leaders in Israel, and Federation/Foundation leadership and staff.

The Director is overseen by the JCF Executive Director for day-to-day activities.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with the Council to implement the foundation’s mission and goals and set strategic priorities. Work closely with the Chair and Director-Israel.
• Provide guidance and recommendations to the Council regarding grantmaking strategy and philanthropic trends.
• Provide guidance and recommendations to the Council regarding new council members and any needed updates to the Fund’s guidelines.
• Grantmaking & Program Oversight
• Manage the full grantmaking cycle, including reviewing proposals, conducting due diligence, making funding recommendations, monitoring grantee performance, payment to the grantees, addressing issues with grantee performance, etc. in collaboration with the = Director-Israel and Council.

Financial Management, Operations & Administration

• Along with the Council’s Chair and Financial Oversight Committee, oversee the Fund’s operations, including budgets/financial issues, documentation and requests for grant payments, grant reporting, and ensuring that financial information is transmitted to the Fund’s oversight committee in a timely manner.
• Provide regular financial reports and timely Council updates to the Council.
• Oversee meeting arrangements, recordkeeping and reporting are completed in a timely manner and all necessary communications with the JCF GRC, Finance Dept and all involved in payment of grants and Israel office expenses including the =Director-Israel’s salary.
• Along with the Director-Israel, plan and coordinate all activities for the Annual Grantmaking trip to Israel, (5-day trip with participating Council members).
• Director- US is responsible for overseeing the Annual Grantmaking trip to Israel-related budget, Council member participation, and payments.
• Oversee Ness-related operations in the US, oversight of the Ness property, promotion or presentations as requested, and represent the Fund to Federation and Foundation staff, identifying opportunities for shared activities.
• In collaboration with the Director-Israel, oversee maintaining the website and newsletter production.
• Oversee administrative staff to assist with the following activities: Thank you notes to donors, assist with scheduling of meetings, communications with Council members, grant check payment requests, record keeping on and use of Foundant-grantmaking software, etc.

Council Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Ness Fund, JCF and the community in the US.
• Orient new Council members.
• Prepare materials for meetings and assist in scheduling and facilitating board activities.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years proven leadership and management experience, ideally in the nonprofit or philanthropic sector.
• Strong understanding of and passion for the State of Israel and grantmaking processes.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
• Experience with financial oversight and working with boards.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage a flexible schedule.

Preferred Experience:

• Familiarity with philanthropic best practices.
• Comfort with working part-time, flexible hours with limited staff.