Executive Director, Legacy of Light Goldberg Institute for Holocaust Education at Jewish Federation of San Diego – San Diego, California

The Executive Director of Legacy of Light Goldberg Institute for Holocaust Education (LLGI) provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership.. This individual is responsible for setting and advancing LLGI’s vision and strategy; overseeing programs, staff, and budget; leading fundraising and donor engagement; and activating an advisory board aligned with LLGI’s core objectives.

The Executive Director serves as the primary ambassador and thought leader for LLGI, positioning the Institute as a regional and emerging national model for innovative, inclusive, and impactful Holocaust education.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Vision & Strategy

• Articulate and advance a clear, compelling vision for LLGI grounded in its theory of change and core beliefs
• Translate long-term goals into actionable strategies that strengthen Holocaust education, memorialization, and universal justice efforts
• Ensure alignment with the broader mission and priorities of Jewish Federation of San Diego
• Identify emerging opportunities, challenges, and community needs related to Holocaust education and antisemitism

Organizational & Program Leadership

• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of core program areas, including public memorialization, mobile and school-based education, professional development, events, and communications
• Ensure programs are historically rigorous, pedagogically innovative, and emotionally resonant
• Foster a culture of collaboration, learning, and accountability

Staff Leadership & Management

• Lead, supervise, and develop a team of four professional staff members
• Establish clear goals, expectations, and performance metrics
• Support professional growth and cross-functional collaboration

Budget, Operations & Oversight

• Develop and manage the annual budget in partnership with Federation leadership
• Ensure strong financial stewardship, operational excellence, and compliance
• Oversee systems related to program operations, communications, and reporting

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Lead fundraising strategy including annual giving, major gifts, and grants
• Cultivate and steward donors in partnership with Federation development staff
• Serve as a compelling spokesperson for LLGI’s vision and impact

Advisory Board & Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage and partner with an advisory board to advance strategic objectives
• Collaborate with survivor families, educators, community organizations, and civic leaders
• Build partnerships and position LLGI as a central hub for Holocaust education

External Relations & Thought Leadership

• Represent LLGI at community events, conferences, and with regional and national partners
• Elevate survivor and second-generation voices in educational initiatives
• Contribute to broader conversations on Holocaust education, antisemitism, and civic responsibility

• Significant senior-level leadership experience in nonprofit, educational, or communal organizations
• Ability to balance visionary leadership with operational execution
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, team leadership, and organizational management
• Proven fundraising experience, including donor cultivation and stewardship
• Deep understanding of Holocaust education, antisemitism, Jewish communal life, and/or human rights education
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and public speaking skills

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree strongly preferred in Holocaust studies, genocide studies, Jewish studies, history, education, or a related field. Candidates should possess deep subject-matter expertise in Holocaust history and genocide studies, including current scholarship, pedagogical approaches for the diverse needs of California public K-12 students, and the ethical dimensions of remembrance and education.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EQUIPMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must occasionally crouch, stoop, or reach. The employee must have the ability to travel and work weekends and evenings when needed (if applicable). This position is required to work onsite (with/ without the ability to work remote on most Fridays).