About the Friends of the Jewish Chapel

The Friends of the Jewish Chapel (FOJC) is a nonprofit organization at the United States Naval Academy (USNA) that supports the religious and cultural lives of Jewish Midshipmen. "Midshipmen" refers to students at the USNA.

FOJC acquires and manages the resources necessary to enable and provide continuing support for enrichment programs, reinforcing the Midshipmen’s understanding of and appreciation for their religious and ethnic backgrounds, and of Jewish traditions and values. Such programs, proposed by the Naval Academy’s Jewish Chaplain and approved by the Board of Directors of FOJC include meeting the immediate needs and concerns of the Jewish Midshipmen; supporting the Jewish Chapel and visiting speaker and scholar-in-residence programs; field trips; and similar initiatives with the goal of preparing Jewish Midshipmen for their dual roles as career officers and Jewish lay leaders.

FOJC-sponsored activities are open to all midshipmen, faculty, staff and all uniformed personnel – including active duty, reserve, retired service members and veterans, regardless of the length of their service. These programs provide everyone the opportunity to learn about the religious customs and ethical values of their Jewish colleagues, fostering a greater understanding of Jewish issues and concerns.

History

The FOJC was established in 1994 to support the religious and cultural lives of Jewish Midshipmen at the USNA. In 1996, after recognizing the need for a facility dedicated to Jewish worship and ethics, visionary leaders proposed the creation of the Commodore Uriah P. Levy Center and Jewish Chapel. The Levy Center was named after Commodore Uriah P. Levy, a prominent 19th century Jewish-American naval hero. With approval in 1999 by the United Sates Naval Academy and the Secretary of the Navy, the FOJC began raising funds for the design, construction, and equipping of the new 35,000 sq ft. facility. The facility opened with a dedication ceremony in 2005.

Today, the Levy Center and Jewish Chapel provide a portal for the entire Brigade of 4,400 Midshipmen to develop a greater appreciation for faith-based traditions. Through this voyage of understanding, America’s future leaders will acquire the skills of tolerance, peaceful problem solving, and perspective. In this regard, this magnificent facility and the paradigm it presents is unique to our country.

Our Mission

The FOJC aims to enrich the religious and cultural lives of Jewish Midshipmen at the USNA. Our mission includes:

• Supporting religious and cultural programs: FOJC provides resources for various enrichment programs that help Midshipmen understand and appreciate their Jewish heritage and traditions.
• Maintaining the Jewish Chapel: FOJC ensures the Commodore Uriah P. Levy Center and Jewish Chapel are well-maintained and equipped for worship and community activities.
• Educational initiatives: FOJC sponsors visiting speakers, scholar-in-residence programs, and field trips to prepare Jewish Midshipmen for their roles as career officers and Jewish lay leaders.
• Community engagement: Programs and activities are open to faculty, staff, and local military personnel, promoting awareness of Jewish customs and values.

FOJC Programs

The FOJC and the Academy’s Jewish Chaplain work closely with the Jewish Midshipmen to formulate and execute a series of precedent-setting programs designed to meet the needs of the Academy’s Jewish community and for Midshipmen of all faith groups. To support ongoing programming, the FOJC created an endowment to provide necessary funding. It works to expand the scope of activities and programs to better serve the Naval Academy, its midshipmen and faculty. Today, the FOJC’s programs include:

• Journey to Israel: The FOJC provides financial support for this annual spring break trip to Israel. The Midshipmen meet with Israeli military personnel and dignitaries. All Midshipmen, regardless of religious affiliation, can apply to be considered for this experience.
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: The success of what was originally an FOJC-sponsored program has prompted the Naval Academy to now include this annual, in-depth visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC, as part of every USNA Midshipman’s education.
• Speakers Program: Features world leaders in education, politics and religion. To date, the program has hosted Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg, Holocaust survivor Gerda Weissmann Klein, Stuart Eiszenstat, the world-renown Dreyfus Exhibit provided by Lorraine Beitler and other experts among the world’s Jewish community.
• Jewish Studies: Jewish Midshipmen are invited to participate in Hebrew classes, Torah study and discussion groups on Jewish ethics and values, and American Jewish history. Intercollegiate programs are also offered with Jewish men and women from other colleges in the greater Baltimore-Washington area.
• Jewish Services and Programs: The observance of Shabbat, the High Holy Days, Passover, and other Jewish holidays are part of the Jewish Command Religious Program. FOJC enhances the services by providing Oneg Shabbats, holiday meals and other support as needed. Music and life-cycle events are some of the continuing projects that the Friends of the Jewish Chapel support.

To further encourage Midshipmen engagement and community, the Stein Fellowship Hall serves as a refuge for contemplative reflection and is home to a growing Judaic library. Additionally, the Jewish Midshipmen's Club (JMC) at the United States Naval Academy is an extracurricular activity that provides a space for Jewish Midshipmen to embrace their heritage and faith. It also welcomes Midshipmen of all faiths who are interested in learning about Judaism. The club organizes weekly gatherings at the Levy Center, featuring discussions, games, visiting speakers, and themed events. They also host Shabbat services and other activities like the Jewish Warrior Weekend and special banquets.

The Opportunity

Purpose of the Position

The Friends of the Jewish Chapel is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization alongside its Board of Directors to support and enrich the religious and cultural lives of Jewish Midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy. The Executive Director will partner with the FOJC Board of Directors to serve as a visible and dynamic leader, responsible for advancing the organization’s mission. As the most senior leader of the organization, this individual will be energized by collaborating with USNA faculty, Midshipmen, the United States Navy, and other stakeholders to advance the organization’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will serve as the chief executive of the organization, as well as its most senior administrative and development officer. The Executive Director will be responsible for further developing and executing the organization’s philanthropic work, overseeing all FOJC operations, combating antisemitism within USNA, expanding the scope and activities of FOJC-sponsored programs, and creating and executing organizational strategies. The executive will serve as an ambassador of the FOJC and USNA, and a staunch advocate of its mission to enhance the religious and cultural lives of USNA’s Jewish Midshipmen.

Executive Leadership and Management

• Create FOJC strategic and operational plans in coordination with the FOJC Board of Directors and USNA.
• Collaborate with the FOJC Board of Directors and USNA leadership to expand the scope of activities and programs offered to better serve the Naval Academy, its Midshipmen, and faculty.
• Oversee the organization’s endowment, maintaining fund management records and reporting on investment performance to interested donors. Create and execute a revenue generation strategy for endowment growth.
• Oversee the adequacy, accuracy, and sustainability of the organization’s financial structure, ensuring coordination of annual auditing of FOJC accounts and implementation of audit recommendations.
• Ensure the Commodore Uriah P. Levy Center and Jewish Chapel are well-maintained and equipped for worship and community activities.
• Develop, enrich, and sustain relationships at USNA, including faculty, staff, and local military leaders.
• Foster a positive staff and institutional culture that emphasizes understanding and appreciation for diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds while celebrating Jewish traditions and values.

Revenue Generation

• Develop a fundraising strategy to create new revenue channels, targeting the expansion of existing donor relationships and the cultivation of new donors.
• Evaluate and continuously update short- and long-term fundraising strategies to support annual, endowment, and capital campaigns.
• Ensure an unparalleled value proposition to donors, aligning institutional needs to the interests of FOJC’s donor base.
• Expand FOJC’s branding initiatives to ensure the organization is recognized as a trusted steward of donations. Lead donor and member communications on behalf of FOJC and the Board of Directors. Collaborate on the identification, introduction, stewardship, and cultivation of major donors in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Serve as the primary ambassador of FOJC, impactfully conveying the history, mission, and vision of the organization.

Board Engagement

• Further a culture of philanthropy, partnering with the President and broader Board Members on fundraising initiatives.
• Serve as the primary advisor to the Board of Directors, providing meeting agendas, timely and transparent information, and notice of events as applicable.
• Participate with the President and other Board Members, as applicable, in USNA events, representing the FOJC and its commitment to Jewish Midshipmen.
• In partnership with the Board of Directors, ensure the financial health and stability of the organization. Prepare and oversee annual operating and transfer budgets as well as monthly budget monitoring.
• Work with the Board of Directors to ensure that all policies and procedures are current and adhered to by the organization and USNA.
• Identify potential Board Members, partnering with the Executive Committee on subsequent recruitment.

Experience and Professional Qualifications

The FOJC seeks a passionate and dynamic leader who embodies its commitment to supporting and enhancing the religious and cultural lives of Jewish Midshipmen. With combating antisemitism as critical as ever in modern history, the incumbent must be deeply connected with Jewish life and current events, and passionate about leading the organization into its next chapter.

The Executive Director must be an exceptional communicator and an experienced leader with the ability to establish strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. This individual will create new partnerships and strengthen existing ones within the community, engage with alumni, and position the Jewish Chapel brand as integral to both existing and prospective partners. 

The successful candidate will bring the following skills and traits:

• Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience with oversight across multiple functional areas; experience within Jewish non-profit or higher education organizations is preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to the FOJC’s mission and values, with a focus on achieving its philanthropic objectives and strategic goals.
• Outstanding communication skills, both oral and written, paired with enthusiasm for the FOJC’s mission and a passion for serving as its ambassador to various stakeholders.
• Proven public speaking experience and diplomatic skillset, especially with audiences that include but are not limited to current and former USNA and military service members.
• Strong fiscal management expertise, connecting institutional strategy with both existing and prospective revenue generation efforts.
• Preferred experience in reporting to, serving on, or collaborating with a Board of Directors.
• Demonstrated success in critical areas such as philanthropy, fundraising, organizational management, and staff supervision.
• A strong track record in generating philanthropic revenue, including contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other institutions.
• Respect and interest in diverse interests, beliefs and constituencies.
• Uncompromising personal ethics, integrity, and accountability.

Education

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required. A master’s or advanced degree is desired. 

Compensation

• The expected compensation for the role is $200,000. In addition to base compensation, candidates will be eligible for medical, dental, PTO, sick leave, life insurance, 403(b) retirement, and opportunities for professional development.

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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis.