Spertus Institute
Dean of Jewish Leadership
Chicago, IL (Preferred)
Salary: $180,000 - $210,000
BACKGROUND
About Spertus Institute
For a century, Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership has been a central force for training Jewish educators and communal professionals and it has been a leader in creating and expanding the field of higher Jewish education. Committed to applied Jewish learning, Spertus offers master’s programs in Jewish Professional Studies and master’s and doctoral degrees in Jewish Studies in addition to a range of certificates, professional training workshops, and public programs. With hundreds of degree and certificate students and thousands of adult learners across North America and around the globe, Spertus is committed to maintaining and expanding its outstanding Jewish Leadership offerings. Related to its Strategic Plan, which calls for programmatic and geographic expansion, Spertus seeks a talented Dean of Jewish Leadership.
Position Overview
A newly created position, the Dean of Jewish Leadership will serve as an academic leader for Spertus’ growing portfolio in leadership and professional studies. The Dean will guide Spertus’ work across existing programs within the Center for Jewish Leadership, while generating new initiatives, partnerships, and ideas that expand Spertus’ public presence and communal impact.
Reporting to the Vice President/Chief Academic Officer, this is a highly visible position that blends academic leadership, teaching, partnerships, and entrepreneurial program development. The Dean of Jewish Leadership will shape the future of Jewish leadership education at Spertus, stewarding rigorous curricula, and representing the institution in the field through scholarship, thought leadership, public and community engagement, and convening across difference. The curriculum portfolio includes:
· Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies (MAJPS).
· Certificate in Jewish Leadership (in partnership with Northwestern University).
· Leadership Certificate in Combating Antisemitism.
· Certificate in Synagogue Executive Leadership (for the National Association for Temple Administration).
· Future leadership certificates and adjacent initiatives.
· Developing and expanding new certificate programs in core leadership areas, including combating antisemitism.
· Serve as a thought partner in the development and piloting of new initiatives in other areas, especially related to Israel education and leadership.
Responding to the real and evolving needs in the Jewish communal landscape, the Dean of Jewish Leadership will have tremendous impact on students as well as on the field of leadership in the Jewish community through teaching, writing, speaking, and representing Spertus. The Dean also will have the opportunity to influence emerging areas such as antisemitism education and Jewish workplace improvement.
Team Structure
· Reports to the Vice President/Chief Academic Officer.
· Supervises related program director as well as faculty responsible for degree and certificate implementation and instruction.
· Works with the academic team in managing administration, including registration, enrollment, and program operations.
· Collaborates with the senior academic team, including the Assistant Director of Jewish Studies (who oversees master’s and doctoral programs in the Jewish Studies), Director of Academic Administration, and the Director of Strategic Communications and Advancement.
ROLE OVERVIEW
Strategy, Program Leadership & Growth
· Set and advance the academic vision and strategic direction for Jewish Leadership education at Spertus, aligned with institutional mission and priorities.
· Provide academic and operational leadership for the full leadership portfolio, including the Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies and all leadership-related certificate programs.
· Ensure academic excellence, coherence, rigor, and consistency across programs while maintaining responsiveness to learner needs and evolving communal contexts.
· Assess, pilot, and expand priority growth areas within existing leadership programs, such as Jewish workplace leadership, antisemitism education, among others.
· Identify emerging trends, field developments, and unmet needs in Jewish leadership and adjacent domains to inform programmatic priorities.
· Develop new programs, certificates, partnerships, and initiatives, from concept through launch, evaluation, and potential scale.
· Cultivate strategic partnerships and funding relationships to support program development, piloting, and growth.
· In partnership with senior leadership be a thought partner on other academic and institutional initiatives within areas such as Jewish Studies and Israel education and leadership.
Program Management
· Guide the design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of programs, including curricular arc, delivery models, instructional quality, and learning impact.
· Supervise and guide program director and develop their capabilities to make aligned decisions independently.
· Support and collaborate with program director to design, evaluate, and refine leadership programs.
· Partner with senior leadership and Advancement team to prepare grant reports and communications.
· Oversee the assessment of student learning and measurement of the impact of Spertus educational offerings in the leadership area.
Academic Scholarship, Teaching & Thought Leadership
· Remain current with the research and developments in Jewish Professional Studies and relevant areas of professional expertise (e.g., aspects of Jewish Studies, leadership, antisemitism, etc.) in order to guide programmatic development.
· Teach in the Master’s and certificate programs in areas related to expertise.
· Represent Spertus publicly through speaking, writing, podcast appearances, community visits, and convenings.
· Produce scholarship, writing, and thought leadership and make presentations that advance Spertus’s visibility and credibility.
· Engage in scholarly work and/or practitioner research in area(s) of expertise leading to publications in academic and popular press.
Stakeholder Engagement
· Partner closely with senior leadership, including the President/CEO and the VP/CAO to advance the strategic direction of Spertus.
· Partner with senior leadership and Advancement team to identify and solicit new funding opportunities.
· Collaborate with administrative and Advancement team to support recruitment and external relations.
· Work with staff across the institution to develop strategy for engaging alumni, community leaders, donors, and other key constituents.
· Engage students, alumni, community leaders, funders, and potential institutional partners.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate for the Dean of Jewish Leadership position will possess the following competencies:
Additional Qualifications
· Scholarly credentials suitable for leading a Master’s-level academic program; Doctorate highly preferred.
· Demonstrated ability to evaluate curriculum, review syllabi, and drive continuous academic improvement.
· Experience overseeing faculty and ensuring academic excellence.
· Entrepreneurial spirit to develop new initiatives, partnerships, and academic offerings, and brings organizational savvy, resourcefulness, and a strategic mindset.
· Record of scholarship and thought leadership in relevant fields.
· Strong teaching ability and experience, and comfort engaging directly with students.
· Creative thinking about trends in leadership, Jewish communal life, and related areas.
· Ability to convene across differences and maintain a non-polarizing, inclusive environment.
· Deep understanding of Jewish learning and relationships within the Jewish communal ecosystem.
· Experience managing remote or hybrid teams.
· Expertise in adjacent fields such as leading change, nonprofit management, Standards of Responsible Employment, antisemitism, and Israel Studies/Education.
Location
Chicago, IL (preferred) with flexibility for remote candidates able to travel as needed, hybrid schedule.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary: The salary range for this role is $180,000 -- $210,000.
Benefits
· Health, dental, and vision insurance
· 403b
· 4 weeks of paid vacation per year
· Time off for Jewish holidays and other key federal holidays
· Support for professional development
TIMELINE AND NEXT STEPS
If you are interested in this position, please click here. All applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their application.
Ami Abramson
Senior Partner
Sherry Ettleson
Principal
Submit an application HERE.