Job Announcement:

Chief Programming Officer (CPO)

Reports to: CEO
Category: Full-Time, Exempt

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

On October 27, 2018, 11 Jews from three congregations were murdered while worshiping in what was the deadliest antisemitic attack in the United States. In the years since the tragedy, incidents of antisemitism and identity-based hate, often coupled with deadly violence, have continued to rise. The Tree of Life is on a mission to uproot antisemitism by remembering those taken from us and building relationships across difference to repair our world. We are creating a new, locally grounded institution with broad national impact. The reimagined Tree of Life is a place that will celebrate Jewish life and tradition and remember each victim and the horror that happened here on this sacred ground. It is a place that educates people of all ages and backgrounds, builds connections, and inspires courageous action to create compassionate communities.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chief Programming Officer (CPO) will play a pivotal role in shaping the programmatic vision of our organization, ensuring that all initiatives align with our values and mission. The CPO reports to the CEO and works closely with the Leadership team, community, and board members to develop and implement programs that align with the four organizational pillars: Remembering, Educating, Bridging, and Celebrating.

In addition to building new initiatives, the CPO will oversee the existing programs that have come under Tree of Life (including LIGHT and the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh) and work with established teams to nurture and integrate these long-standing programs and relationships meaningfully into the larger programmatic vision of The Tree of Life. The CPO will be instrumental in forging strong relationships and partnerships and will serve as a key member of the Leadership team.

PRIMARY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development and Management

  • Design and oversee a comprehensive portfolio of innovative, inclusive, and accessible programs with local, regional, and national outreach and audiences.

  • Oversee an existing department of program staff and consultants across the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh and LIGHT Education Initiative, anticipating continued departmental growth and oversight as The Tree of Life establishes its programmatic offerings with national impact.

  • Utilize technology to enhance educational and public impact, positioning the organization to offer top-tier programming both physically and virtually.

  • Coordinate with volunteer leaders and committees to enhance program delivery and community engagement.

Strategic Planning

  • Work with the CEO and Leadership team to ensure programs reflect The Tree of Life’s mission, values, and commitment to Jewish life.

  • With the CEO and Leadership Team, develop and implement a strategic plan, as well as programs and partnerships to strengthen Tree of Life’s position as a thought leader and content provider.

Community Engagement

  • Represent the organization at community events and serve as a spokesperson for programmatic initiatives.

  • Collaborate with other local and national Jewish and non-Jewish organizations to strengthen community ties and amplify impact.

Evaluation and Reporting

  • Design and utilize benchmarks and assessment to show programming’s ability to effectively change culture and address community needs.

  • Prepare and present reports to the Leadership Team and the board of directors on program performance and outcomes.

ABOUT THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

The successful candidate will need to be a creative and entrepreneurial thinker, with the ability to act decisively while balancing competing priorities and interests. The person in this role will need to be able to bring innovative ideas to life, identify and address needs as they arise, and pivot as necessary. They will need to be an expert communicator and relationship builder, both within the organization and the broader community.

Education and Experience

  • Advanced degree or commensurate experience in Jewish Studies, Nonprofit Management, Education, or a related field. Rabbinical training is a plus.

  • At least 10 years of program development and senior management experience within a community-facing organization.

  • Proven track record of results, and meaningful experience with the full life cycle of developing community-facing programs including ideation, piloting, assessing, sustaining, and scaling programs.

  • Solid prior experience and understanding of using technology to enhance educational and public impact.

  • Possess financial acumen, including experience with budgeting, forecasting, and cost center ownership.

  • Experience in identifying and addressing organizational blind spots.

  • Deep knowledge of museums and Jewish life and culture.

  • Experience working with and presenting to boards of directors of non-profit or for-profit institutions.

Skills, Abilities, and Personal Qualities

  • Strong leadership, decision-making, and team-building skills.

  • Excellent written and oral communication, with the ability to motivate and project professionalism.

  • Dedication to the mission of Tree of Life; passionate about creating inclusive community spaces and working to uproot antisemitism and identity-based hate. Tree of Life Inc. CPO Job Description

  • Ability to think strategically and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

  • Empathetic, patient, and approachable, with a genuine interest in the well-being of community members.

Other Requirements

  • Day-to-day, the job will be hybrid; however, the applicant must be based in or relocate to the Greater Pittsburgh Area.

  • Applicant must be willing to travel locally and nationally as needed. Some evening and weekend hours will be needed.

  • Must have access to reliable transportation.

COMPENSATION

Annual salary range of $110,000 – $125,000 depending on experience and includes a generous benefits package.

TO APPLY

Please submit resume, cover letter, and references to jobs@thetreeoflife.org.

The organization provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, alienage or citizenship status, disability condition, marital status or any other protected characteristic as established by law. In addition, the organization affirmatively seeks to advance the principles of equal employment opportunity as it applies to all policies and procedures related to recruitment and hiring, compensation, benefits, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.