Call to Action: How Lay Leaders Can Overcome the Jewish Community’s Leadership Pipeline Challenge
In 2015, Leading Edge brought together 25 lay leaders (board members, funders, critical volunteers) from across the country to form the Lay Leadership Commission for Professional Recruitment & Retention. This report outlines practical steps lay leaders can take to help address the barriers keeping Jewish organizations from having the robust talent pipeline they need.
“Who will lead them, so that God’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd?” — Numbers 27:17
Outstanding leaders drive powerful results. They inspire staff. They forge meaningful partnerships with boards and donors. They lead with purpose. Recruiting, cultivating, and retaining outstanding leaders is one of the most powerful levers organizations have in fulfilling their missions. Yet, finding the right leaders to fill these roles in the Jewish community is becoming increasingly challenging.
Over the next five to seven years, 75 percent to 90 percent of Jewish nonprofit CEOs and other senior leaders will retire or otherwise leave the sector in the United States.
To assure the vitality and continuity of our treasured Jewish organizations, lay leaders must take action to bridge this gap.
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