Reporting to Harold Grinspoon and the executive team of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PJ Library® will be part of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation senior management group.

A newly created position, the CEO of PJ Library will oversee the day to day management, development, and the growth strategies for the PJ program. He/she will grow the program from its current enrollment of 80,000 to its next goal of reaching 180,000 children.

Working in partnership with a dedicated mission-driven team, the Board and Harold Grinspoon, the CEO will ensure the organization fulfills its goals, creates and executes strategies to ensure its future success, and builds strong collaborative partnerships with all PJ Library stakeholders.

A critical task will be to develop and implement fundraising strategies that support local partners and secure national and international partners.

ABOUT PJ LIBRARY

Based in West Springfield, MA, PJ Library is a Jewish family engagement program implemented on a local level throughout North America. It mails free, high-quality Jewish children's literature and music to families across the continent on a monthly basis.

PJ Library is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, made possible through partnerships with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations. Today, families in hundreds of communities across the United States and Canada are able to explore the timeless core values of Judaism through books and music.

Launched in 2005, PJ Library was inspired by Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a literacy program Harold Grinspoon sponsors in Springfield, Massachusetts. PJ Library has grown exponentially, with program participation now reaching 80,000 children and families in more than 130 communities across the United States and Canada. A spin-off sister program now exists in Israel, where 100,000 children receive "Sifriyat Pijama" books in 1,500 classrooms. Recently launched in Australia, the program is poised for further international growth.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

PJ Library operates as a set of partnerships between the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, local donors, and local implementing partners or affiliates.

In a majority of communities, the Jewish Federation or JCC acts as the implementing partner, while in non-federated communities, a synagogue, Jewish community foundation, or Jewish school may take that role.

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation underwrites a significant portion of the subscription cost of the free children's books and music. The Foundation also provides funds to the implementing agency for administration, programming, and marketing efforts. The funds are matched by local philanthropists.

The PJ Library home office team supports its partners in the field through fundraising, marketing, and an annual conference for program professionals, leaders, and donors. The national team also oversees the book selection, writes the parenting resources, mails the materials, and manages the operational infrastructure. The Foundation also provides local affiliates with a matching staff subsidy and a marketing allowance along with branded marketing materials and tools.

POSITION DETAILS

The PJ Library CEO position will be based in West Springfield, MA at HGF's home offices. Significant travel will be required.

Responsibilities of the CEO will include the following.

STRATEGIC VISION & LEADERSHIP

• Lead the development and execution of a long-term growth strategy and annual operating plan for the program.
• Act as an ongoing liaison to the Board and to funding and implementation partners.
• Identify long-term funding requirements (over and above funds committed by the Foundation).
• Maintain close working relationships with local Federations and other implementation agencies, including national and regional organizations. Elicit and respond to their input on strategic policy and operational matters.
• Ensure PJ Library® maximizes its marketing opportunities, using quality in-house print, web, and event creative to support comprehensive branding and outreach strategies.
• Identify new products and services, prioritizing new opportunities that reflect the needs of all partners and PJ families.

FUNDRAISING & DEVELOPMENT

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies that will support local communities and partners.
• Cultivate new relationships with national and regional philanthropists and foundations.
• Build, inspire, and support Federations and other local partners in their committment to securing long-term funds from their local implementations.
• Ensure compelling and consistent branding and vibrant marketing of PJ Library in order to engage and interest Federations, implementation partners, donors, publishers, early childhood educators, Jewish community leaders and families.
• Serve as a key spokesperson and representative for PJ Library.
• Build, maintain, and lead an advisory council to advise and assist in establishing long-term directions and support.

ORGANIZATIONAL & PROGRAMMATIC LEADERSHIP

• Lead, motivate, and support a dedicated and high-performing team through all aspects of operations, adminstration, development, and marketing including:

  • Book & Music Selection
  • Distribution
  • Cost Control and Efficiency Monitoring
  • Programming Efforts (Events, Lesson Plans, Conferences, etc.)
  • Marketing and Communications (Web-Based and Traditional)
  • Data Management
  • Information Systems
  • Ongoing Evaluations and Improvements

• Identify and anticipate strategic policy issues and work with the appropriate PJ team members in developing suitable adjustments.
• Ensure market research, data, and financial analysis systems are in place to support efficient and effective operations and growth.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Possesses a minimum of a BA or BS; ideally, possesses an MBA or related advanced degree.
• Proven fundraising ability, with track record in cultivating major donors and gifts.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement local and global fundraising strategies.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships at the most senior levels of the Federation world.
• A professional record of success as a CEO or divisional leader of a rapidly growing and entrepreneurial organization.
• Experience leading and growing an international multi-site organization.
• Comprehensive understanding of modern branding, marketing, public and media relations tactics and techniques.
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including a Board of Directors.
• A combination of both for and nonprofit experience is ideal.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Passionate about the importance of strengthening the identity of Jewish families and their relationship with the Jewish community.
• A strategic thinker, with the foresight and collaborative skills necessary to deepen beneficial relationships with potential partners.
• An energetic team leader with a track record of motivating and enabling high-performing groups.
• An entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to recognize new opportunities as they arise.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to speak effectively and persuasively on behalf of the organization.

TO APPLY

Send cover letter and resume with references to jobs@HGF.org . No phone calls please.