Careers
Leadership Development Manager
- Job Title
- Leadership Development Manager
- Work Remote
- Yes
- Description
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Leadership Development Manager
Location: Remote (some in-person meetings and conferences)
Organization: Union for Reform Judaism
Employment Type: Full Time, Benefits Eligible, Exempt, MNGT
Department: Jewish Life & Leadership
Reporting to: Director, Leadership Development
Start Date: 1/4/2027
Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000 plus competitive benefits package
The Role
Strong leaders build strong communities. At the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), we invest in developing, connecting, and supporting leaders who inspire others, strengthen Jewish life, and help shape the future of the Reform Movement. The Leadership Development Manager plays an important role in this work by creating opportunities for volunteer and professional leaders to build their skills, deepen relationships, and grow their involvement in the Reform Movement. Through leadership programs, peer networks, and ongoing engagement, this role helps cultivate confident, connected, and effective leaders who can make a lasting difference in their communities. Working collaboratively with colleagues and volunteer leaders across the Movement, you will bring leadership development experiences to life, strengthen networks of congregational leaders, and help connect emerging and established leaders with opportunities to learn, contribute, and lead. Your work will help expand the reach and impact of URJ leadership initiatives, strengthen relationships across communities, and build a more connected and engaged Movement.
What You Will Do
Leadership Programs & Learning Experiences
Equip leaders with knowledge, skills, and confidence to strengthen their communities and contribute to the future of the Reform Movement.
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Coordinate and strengthen leadership development experiences, including Leadership Boot Camp, Board Governance Boot Camp, the Conference of Presidents, and the Scheidt Seminar, ensuring programs are relevant, engaging, and responsive to leaders' needs.
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Partner with URJ colleagues, subject matter experts, and facilitators to deliver high-quality learning experiences that build leadership capacity and encourage continued involvement.
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Expand access to practical leadership resources and tools that help leaders apply what they learn and navigate challenges within their communities.
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Support emerging leader initiatives through research, resource development, and new learning opportunities that help prepare the next generation of congregational and Movement leaders.
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Gather participant feedback and assess program outcomes to strengthen learning experiences and increase their impact.
Leadership Networks & Engagement
Bring leaders together through meaningful experiences and relationships that strengthen their connection to one another, their communities, and the Reform Movement.
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Strengthen the URJ Presidents Network as a community for peer learning, shared problem-solving, relationship-building, and ongoing leadership growth.
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Recruit, onboard, train, and support volunteer coaches and facilitators, equipping them to lead meaningful experiences and extend URJ's leadership development reach.
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Develop and implement outreach and engagement strategies that bring new leaders into URJ programs and deepen participation among existing and emerging leaders.
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Partner with congregational relationship, youth, camp, and other URJ teams to connect leaders with experiences, resources, and opportunities that support their growth and strengthen Movement-wide relationships.
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Support leadership pipelines by helping emerging and established leaders identify meaningful next steps for learning, service, and involvement across the Movement.
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Build relationships with leaders across congregations and networks, gathering insights into their evolving needs and identifying opportunities to strengthen connection, participation, and engagement.
Who You Are
You believe that investing in people is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen communities. You are a relationship-centered, organized, and collaborative professional who enjoys bringing people together, creating opportunities for learning, and helping others grow as leaders. You understand that meaningful engagement is built through trust, connection, and follow-through. You are comfortable coordinating multiple initiatives, attentive to the details that shape a positive experience, and energized by seeing people develop the confidence and relationships to make a difference. You bring curiosity, initiative, and a genuine commitment to strengthening Jewish life and community.
Keys to Success (the must-haves)
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You help leaders grow and succeed. You create welcoming, relevant experiences that build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and help people make a meaningful difference in their communities.
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You build relationships and communities of belonging. You connect with volunteers, community leaders, and colleagues, fostering trust, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.
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You turn participation into lasting engagement. You communicate thoughtfully, understand what motivates people, and help leaders discover opportunities for continued learning and involvement in the Reform Movement.
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You bring people and ideas together. You collaborate across teams, engage diverse stakeholders, and turn shared goals into meaningful experiences.
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You deliver with care and purpose. You bring strong organization, communication, and follow-through to your work, balancing multiple priorities while ensuring high-quality experiences and continuously improving based on feedback.
Required Qualifications
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At least 3 years of relevant experience in program coordination, community engagement, volunteer management, leadership development, or a related field.
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Experience coordinating programs, workshops, events, or learning experiences, including logistics, communications, and participant engagement.
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Experience supporting volunteer-led initiatives, leadership networks, or community engagement programs.
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Proficiency with digital collaboration tools, virtual meeting platforms, and systems used to manage programs and communications.
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Commitment to the mission and values of the URJ.
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience working in Jewish communal organizations, congregations, or other mission-driven nonprofit settings.
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Familiarity with nonprofit board governance, congregational leadership, or volunteer leadership development.
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Experience supporting adult learning programs, peer networks, or leadership training.
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Experience developing educational resources, facilitating workshops, or supporting curriculum development.
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Experience implementing recruitment, outreach, or engagement strategies to increase program participation.
Application Process
Please apply online and include a resume and a one-page cover letter describing your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the qualifications listed. We look forward to hearing from you!
About the Union for Reform Judaism
Serving more than 800 congregations and reaching nearly 2 million people, the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is the engine of Reform Judaism in North America, strengthening the communities, leaders, programs, and experiences that help people find meaning, belonging, joy, justice, and purpose through Reform Jewish values and teachings.
Through congregational partnerships, 14 overnight camps, youth and teen programs, Jewish learning opportunities, Israel engagement, leadership development, work to build communities of belonging, and the justice efforts of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, we help people and communities connect to Jewish life at every stage of their journey.
We believe Jewish life is strongest when it is rooted in tradition, responsive to the world around us, connected to Israel and the Jewish people, committed to justice, and expansive enough to welcome many voices, identities, and pathways into community and belonging.
Together with our congregations, camps, leaders, and partners, the URJ is building a more connected, resilient, and joyful Reform Movement, helping shape a Jewish future grounded in peace, justice, belonging, and joy.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The URJ is committed to creating a workplace where people of diverse backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives feel welcome, respected, and able to thrive. We believe inclusiveness strengthens our organization and our work. We make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We encourage applications from people whose identities and experiences have been historically underrepresented in our workplaces and communities.
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