Executive Director, Mount Zion Health Fund

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

As a center for Jewish philanthropy, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund (the Federation) mobilizes assets to support the most pressing issues of our time, while building and sustaining thriving Jewish communities in the Bay Area, Israel and beyond for generations to come. We inspire personal and collaborative philanthropy, and facilitate grantmaking, impact lending, and advocacy to make the world a better place.

A supporting foundation of the Federation, Mount Zion Health Fund (MZHF) traces its origins to the founding of Mount Zion Hospital in San Francisco at the end of the 19th century. Established to serve the Jewish and broader communities, Mount Zion Hospital was one of the eight original members of the Federation of Jewish Charities of San Francisco (the present-day Jewish Community Federation).

Over the course of almost a century, the hospital was guided by the values, culture, and traditions of its founders, with the support of engaged community leaders. Changes in the healthcare landscape provided an impetus for Mount Zion Hospital’s 1990 merger with UCSF Medical Center. The merger led directly to the establishment of Mount Zion Health Systems, Inc., later renamed Mount Zion Health Fund. The Fund has a corpus of nearly $60 million and funds grants at an approximate 5% spend rate and does not actively raise additional funds. The Fund’s board is composed of a majority of directors from the Jewish community, a minimum of 4 UCSF appointees as well as several At Large directors. In addition to grants made to projects supporting community health needs in and outside of the Jewish community, the Fund makes direct grants to UCSF research and clinical projects.

Mount Zion Health Fund’s Mission Statement:

Mount Zion Health Fund reflects the Jewish values and legacy of Mount Zion Hospital by supporting programs and research that improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health of vulnerable populations in San Francisco.

We are currently collecting applications, please submit your resume by September 6th, 2024.

ROLE SUMMARY

MZHF is seeking an Executive Director (ED) who is committed to the values, mission and goals of the Foundation and prepared to help advance the Fund’s bold new work centering innovation and community input to enhance impact within the UCSF Mount Zion campus and the broader San Francisco community. This is a new position.

The ED will work with the Board to enhance MZHF’s grant making strategy, ensuring that it remains rooted in our core Jewish values and honors the legacy of the organization, while simultaneously positioning the Fund as a field leader for innovative philanthropy. Through this approach we will build awareness and elevate the MZHF story and mission across key communities in the Bay Area.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to establish trusting relationships with philanthropic, nonprofit and other community partners, including UCSF, and experience working across health care and Jewish and non-Jewish community groups. As a strategic thinker, this individual will work with the MZHF Board to guide the Fund’s grant making, evaluate impact and raise brand awareness. This individual will be a strong communicator who is able to proactively work with a wide array of key stakeholders.

This role is an opportunity to help lead change at this longtime legacy organization and a unique opportunity to work with Fund directors from UCSF who are leaders in their respective fields and shepherd grants to UCSF and related health organizations.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This role is responsible for the supervision of one staff person

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

· In partnership with the Fund’s Board of Directors, develop the Fund’s philanthropic goals and strategy, with a particular focus on building an innovative grantmaking program.

· Create and execute implementation plan to deliver on Fund’s goals and strategies, including providing oversight of grantmaking administration (e.g. due diligence, surveying appropriateness of unsolicited proposals, grantee research, grant proposal review, and in-person or virtual site visits), working with relevant Board committees, and the Federation. 

· Serve as the outward facing leader for MZHF, representing the Fund at communal functions within the UCSF Community, Jewish Community, and broader Bay Area Community.

· Identify ways for MZHF to build community and relationships amongst grantees (existing and new potential grantees), key stakeholders and communal leaders to both amplify our work and gain better insight into the needs of our community.

· Evaluate and monitor progress of the Fund’s impact, reporting to the Board and working collaboratively to iterate on plans as appropriate/necessary.  

· Work with Board President and relevant Committee chairs to develop Board/Committee meeting agendas and accompanying materials, including coordinating with other Fund staff and the Federation Supporting Foundation team as needed.

· Work with Board President and relevant Committee chairs to develop and/or refresh governance structures, program evaluations including people and programs.

· Work with Board President and relevant Committee chairs to develop diversity training, language and practices that incorporate elements of UCSF and JCF protocols and best practices to establish agreed-upon MZHF standards. 

· Keep current on health and grantmaking issues of importance to MZHF, UCSF Mount Zion, and San Francisco through news sources, contact with professional communities, and relevant educational programs.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

· Exceptional organizational and project management skills.

· Proven ability to establish and maintain relationships with a broad cross section of internal and external constituents, while working collaboratively across organizations, departments and disciplines

· Forward-looking: Ability to research and identify emerging trends and make compelling arguments for prioritization.

· Strong interpersonal skills and team approach, and experience in communicating specialized information orally and in writing.

· Demonstrated ability to establish and meet objectives and performance standards.

· Knowledge of and appreciation for the Jewish community, its customs, and practices, preferred.

· Requires occasional attendance/participation at events outside of regular business hours including early mornings, evenings or on weekends.

· Proficiency in MS Office Suite.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred.

· 10+ years of experience in grants management, health care development or related fields. 

· Experience supporting the management of philanthropic grant programs preferred.

· Experience working with lay leaders (community volunteers) and in maintaining healthy lay/professional relationships preferred.

· Knowledge of and experience working within public or university healthcare systems preferred.

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES

The Federation views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a company culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible talent pool to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund is an equal opportunity employer