Application Guide
How to Apply for Assistant Director, Budgets and Grants - JFNA
at Jewish Federations of North America
🏢 About Jewish Federations of North America
The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) is the umbrella organization for 141 Jewish Federations and dozens of network communities, collectively raising over $3 billion annually to support Jewish life and communities across North America. Working here means being part of a top-10 charity that leads the largest network of volunteer and professional leaders, with a deep commitment to social justice, community building, and global Jewish connection. The Center on Aging, Trauma, and Holocaust Survivor Care is a leading voice in the U.S. for person-centered, trauma-informed care, making JFNA a unique place where your work directly impacts vulnerable older adults nationwide.
About This Role
As Assistant Director, Budgets and Grants, you will play a pivotal role in the Center's mission by managing the financial oversight and grant-making processes that enable organizations across the country to provide critical services to Holocaust survivors and older adults. This role involves budgeting, monitoring grants, and ensuring compliance, directly supporting the Center's ability to issue programming grants and provide technical assistance. Your work will ensure that funds are allocated effectively, making a tangible difference in the lives of trauma survivors and their caregivers.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing grantee financial reports, updating spreadsheets to track budget expenditures, and preparing financial summaries for the Advisor. You might also meet virtually with subgrantees to discuss budget adjustments or conduct training on financial compliance. Throughout the day, you'll collaborate with program staff to ensure grant activities align with budgets and report on financial status to leadership.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Jewish Federations of North America Is Looking For
- Experience in non-profit financial management, particularly with government or foundation grants, and a strong grasp of budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Detail-oriented with excellent analytical skills, capable of managing multiple grant budgets simultaneously and ensuring compliance with funder requirements.
- Proficient in financial software (e.g., Excel, QuickBooks) and grant management systems, with the ability to translate complex financial data into clear reports for non-financial stakeholders.
- A collaborative team player with excellent communication skills, comfortable working remotely and interacting with diverse stakeholders including subgrantees, funders, and internal teams.
📝 Tips for Applying to Jewish Federations of North America
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experience with grant budgeting and financial oversight, especially in a non-profit or government context, and mention any familiarity with trauma-informed care or aging services.
Research JFNA's Center on Aging, Trauma, and Holocaust Survivor Care and reference specific programs or grants they have issued in your application to show genuine interest.
Quantify your achievements in previous roles, such as 'managed a portfolio of $5M in grants' or 'ensured 100% compliance with federal grant requirements' to demonstrate impact.
Since the role is remote, emphasize your ability to work independently and manage time effectively, and provide examples of successful remote collaboration.
Proofread your application materials carefully and ensure your contact information is up-to-date; also, follow any specific application instructions listed in the job posting.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express your passion for the mission of supporting Holocaust survivors and older adults, and connect your personal values to JFNA's work.", 'Highlight your experience with grant budgeting and financial oversight, providing specific examples of managing complex grants and ensuring compliance.', 'Demonstrate your understanding of the non-profit sector and the importance of person-centered, trauma-informed care in the services the Center supports.', 'Mention your ability to work effectively in a remote environment and collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore JFNA's website to understand their mission, strategic priorities, and the structure of the Center on Aging, Trauma, and Holocaust Survivor Care.
- → Look into recent initiatives or grants the Center has funded, such as programs for Holocaust survivors or trauma-informed care training, to reference in your application and interview.
- → Review JFNA's annual reports and financial statements to understand their funding sources and how they allocate resources across the system.
- → Familiarize yourself with the concept of person-centered, trauma-informed (PCTI) care, as it is central to the Center's work, and be prepared to discuss how your role supports this approach.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application that doesn't address the specific requirements of the role, such as grant budgeting and financial oversight.
- Failing to demonstrate knowledge of or interest in the organization's mission and the Center's focus on trauma-informed care.
- Overlooking the remote aspect of the job and not providing evidence of your ability to work effectively in a remote environment.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Jewish Federations of North America!