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JBoardMatch is a J Leaders initiative that connects motivated Jewish young adults with Jewish nonprofits seeking young adult board members in the San Francisco Bay Area.  This program provides young professionals with leadership experience, and organizations benefit from the energy and insights of the next generation.

For Jewish Young Adults

Serve with inspiring Jewish nonprofits and make a lasting impact

Are you a motivated Jewish young adult looking for a leadership opportunity and a way to make a lasting impact with an organization that shares your values?  Look no further than JBoardMatch. We connect motivated Jewish young adults with Jewish nonprofits seeking fresh perspectives and dynamic leaders.

JBoardMatch offers a unique opportunity for you to:

  • Make a meaningful impact on your community by contributing your talents and passion to Jewish organizations.
  • Gain leadership experience in nonprofit governance and strategic planning.
  • Develop your professional skills through J Leaders’ training programs and workshops.
  • Build valuable relationships with seasoned professionals and fellow board members.
  • Receive recognition for your board member service from your matched organization and J Leaders.

As a JBoardMatch board member, you will:

  • Participate in board meetings and contribute to strategic decision-making conversations.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.
  • Engage with potential donors to support fundraising efforts.
  • Represent the organization in the community.
  • Serve on committees aligned with your interests and skillset.
  • Attend J Leaders leadership development sessions for ongoing skills enhancement.

To be eligible for JBoardMatch, you must be a Jewish young adult in your 20s or 30s with a passion for contributing to the Jewish community. You should also be committed to active participation and board service.

For further information, please contact team@jleaders.org.

Apply to be a JBoardMatch Board Member

For Jewish Community Organizations

New Ideas, New Energy: Welcome a Jewish Young Adult to Your Board

Are you looking to invigorate your board and gain fresh perspectives? JBoardMatch connects your Jewish non-profit with passionate young adults eager to contribute their skills and energy to your mission.

Benefits of a JBoardMatch Young Adult Board Member:

  • Fresh Ideas and Perspectives: Young adults bring a contemporary viewpoint, helping your organization stay relevant and adaptable.
  • Digital Savvy: Leverage the expertise of digital natives to expand your reach and engagement with younger demographics.
  • Passion and Enthusiasm: Young adults bring a dynamic energy that can revitalize your board and inspire others.
  • New Networks and Relationships: Tap into their connections to build bridges with new donors, volunteers, and supporters.
  • Leadership Development: JBoardMatch provides training and support, helping young board members thrive in their roles.

What JBoardMatch Offers

  • Matched Pairings: We carefully match your organization’s needs with the skills and interests of our young adult applicants.
  • Qualified Candidates: Our pool includes engaged and committed Jewish young adults with a passion for community service.
  • Ongoing Support: We offer resources and guidance to ensure successful integration and a positive board experience.

Ready to Strengthen Your Board?

JBoardMatch is a win-win for your organization and the future of the Jewish community. Contact us at team@jleaders.org to learn more about how a young adult board member can energize your efforts.

Apply to be a JBoardMatch Organizational Partner

FAQ

What are the eligibility requirements for a young adult to apply for the program?

  • Age:
    Jewish young adults in their 20s and 30s.
  • Interest in Community Service:
    A demonstrated commitment to community service and leadership within the Jewish community.
  • Professional and Leadership Development :
    Show evidence of professional growth and leadership experiences, such as participating in the J Leaders and JMentors programs, previous roles in organizations, volunteer work, or academic achievements.
  • Relevant Experience:
    Experience in areas such as nonprofit governance, finance, marketing, fundraising, or leadership is preferred but not required.
  • Commitment:
    A willingness to actively participate in board meetings and committee work, contributing time and expertise to the organization.
  • Cultural Alignment: 

Alignment with the organization’s mission, values, and culture to ensure a positive contribution to the board and the community it serves.

What are the key responsibilities of a board member?

  • Strategic Leadership:
    Participate in board meetings, providing guidance on the organization’s mission, strategic goals, and overall governance. Collaborate with fellow board members to drive the organization’s strategic initiatives and enhance its impact within the Jewish community.
  • Fundraising:
    Participate in fundraising efforts to support the organization’s financial sustainability. Collaborate with board members and staff to identify funding opportunities, develop fundraising strategies, and engage in outreach to potential donors and sponsors. While most organizations understand that young adults are typically not able to contribute at the same level as other board members, some level of contribution is expected. (It’s a good conversation for you to have with the organization leadership before beginning.)
  • Community Engagement:
    Act as an ambassador for the organization, helping to build connections within the community and support its mission. Engage with community members and stakeholders to enhance visibility and support for the organization.
  • Committee Involvement:
    Participate in or lead board committees that align with your skills and interests, contributing to specific areas such as fundraising, marketing, governance, or program development. Work collaboratively with committee members to achieve committee goals and report progress to the full board.
  • Training and Development: 
    Attend J Leaders facilitated training sessions, including the JBoardMatch kickoff and your organization’s board development sessions  to enhance your effectiveness as a board member. Engage in ongoing professional development opportunities provided by J Leaders, such as workshops and networking events.

Is this program available for areas outside of the SF Bay Area?

We are currently offering JBoardMatch within the SF Bay Area. If you’d like to bring JBoardMatch to your community, please reach out to us at team@jleaders.org and we’d be pleased to talk.

What is J Leaders’ process for selecting, onboarding, and supporting candidates?

  • Matching:
    Candidates will be matched with an organization based on alignment of skills, interests, and the nonprofit’s needs.
  • Onboarding:
    Selected candidates will receive an orientation and training to prepare for their board role.
  • Ongoing Support:
    Continued support from J Leaders will be available throughout the duration of your board service.

What’s the process timeline?

There are two deadlines to apply – December 31 and July 1. We expect to be able to begin to connect board candidates and organizations for initial meetings within 2 months of each timeline. It will be up to both the candidate and organization leadership to get to connect to learn about each other and determine if there’s a good fit. 

Is onboarding training provided to newly selected board members?

Once confirmed, J leaders will hold a virtual board training session on effective boardsmanship for approved and interested board members. The session will be recorded for later on-demand watching for those who miss the training session. 

Participating organizations are encouraged to provide ongoing coaching and mentorship for new board members on an ongoing basis, as needed.