Director of Programs & Operations, Maas Center in Sherman Oaks, California at American Jewish University

Employer: American Jewish University

Job Title: Director of Programs & Operations, Maas Center for Jewish Journeys

Status: Full-Time/Exempt

Hours: 35 Hours

Supervisor: Vice President for Jewish Engagement, Director of the Maas Center for Jewish Journeys

Program/Department Description:

The Maas Center for Jewish Journeys at American Jewish University creates transformative, accessible experiences in both digital and physical spaces. Through a wide range of inclusive programs, the Maas Center empowers individuals to explore Jewish identity and practice in ways that are personally meaningful.

Flagship offerings include:

• Miller Introduction to Judaism Program – The most successful Jewish introduction course in the United States, serving more than 1,000 learners annually through AJU and a growing network of affiliated partner institutions.
• The Partnership Project (Marriage for Life) – A relationship enrichment initiative supporting individuals and couples as they build Jewish homes and create meaningful Jewish family life.
• Jewish Home Project – Programs, workshops, and experiences designed to help individuals, couples, and families create vibrant Jewish homes rooted in Jewish values, traditions, and community.
• Jewish Practice Project – Experiential learning opportunities that help participants deepen Jewish knowledge, strengthen Jewish practice, and build confidence navigating Jewish life beyond introductory learning.
• Together, these initiatives create the Maas Jewish Journey—a continuum of Jewish learning, belonging, and practice. Whether someone is exploring Judaism for the first time, pursuing conversion, building a Jewish home, or seeking to deepen Jewish life and practice, the Maas Center provides meaningful pathways for growth, connection, and engagement at every stage of the journey.

Position Summary: The Director of Programs & Operations

American Jewish University seeks a dynamic, highly organized, and mission-driven Director of Programs & Operations for the Maas Center for Jewish Journeys.

Reporting to the Vice President for Jewish Engagement, this role serves as a key operational leader responsible for the successful implementation, growth, and day-to-day management of the Maas Center's programs and initiatives. Working closely with the Vice President and Senior Rabbi & Director of Jewish Education, this individual translates vision into action by managing staff, overseeing systems and budgets, driving cross-functional projects, and ensuring programs are delivered with excellence.

The Director of Programs & Operations serves as a key leader within the Maas Center, ensuring that programs, people, and strategic initiatives are supported by strong systems, thoughtful implementation, and operational excellence. This individual will help strengthen existing programs, launch new initiatives, support grant reporting and evaluation, and build the infrastructure necessary for continued growth and impact.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Maas Center and its portfolio of programs and initiatives.
• Supervise program and administrative staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, workflows, and operational systems that support organizational effectiveness.
• Partner with the Vice President for Jewish Engagement and Senior Rabbi & Director of Jewish Education to operationalize strategic priorities and launch new initiatives.
• Manage departmental budgets, financial tracking, contracts, invoices, and reporting.
• Coordinate with marketing, advancement, faculty, vendors, and institutional partners to support program growth and success.
• Support grant reporting, evaluation, data collection, and impact measurement efforts.
• Identify opportunities to improve organizational systems, participant experience, and operational efficiency.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with communal organizations and strategic collaborators.
• Represent the Maas Center at meetings, events, and programs as needed.
• Ensure the effective operation and continued growth of Maas Center programs and initiatives.
• Build systems, processes, and accountability structures that support organizational excellence.
• Strengthen collaboration across staff, faculty, and institutional partners.
• Support the successful launch and implementation of new programs, workshops, and engagement opportunities.
• Contribute to the continued growth and impact of the Maas Center as a national leader in Jewish engagement and learning.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in program management, nonprofit leadership, Jewish education, community engagement, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational, administrative, and project management skills.
• Experience managing budgets, operational systems, and reporting processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to manage up, down, and across an organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience supporting educational, communal, or mission-driven programs preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment (e.g., computer, phone, copier).
• The role requires the ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time and to perform repetitive tasks such as typing and data entry.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in person, via video conferencing, and by phone.
• Occasional movement throughout campus and to off-site locations may be required.
• Minimal travel is expected for donor meetings, events, and conferences.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This may not be all inclusive and responsibilities may change over time.