Location: Galilee Culinary Institute, Kibbutz Gonen, Israel

Position Summary

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Galilee Culinary Institute. The CEO will be responsible for all aspects of the institute's operations, including academic programs, administration, financial management, Tourism, Marketing, fundraising and external relations. The CEO will work closely with the Board of Directors, Jewish National Fund USA management and professionals, faculty, staff, government officials' students, and community partners to advance the institute's mission and achieve its strategic goals as a successful profit and loss operation.

The CEO will develop and execute a phased business plan designed to establish sustainable revenue streams across GCI’s education, tourism, catering, events, hospitality, and other commercial activities, with clear financial targets and milestones toward increasing earned income and achieving long-term financial sustainability. 

Key Responsibilities: 

 Strategic Planning & Leadership  

·            Implement a business plan to reflect the Institute’s mission and goals including all aspects of the GCI: tourism, education, catering, events, etc. 

·            Build a 12-month, 24-month, and long-term strategic roadmap for GCI. 

·            Foster a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and sustainability. 

·            Evaluate and establish partnerships in the region and all of Israel in all areas including culinary, hotels, hospitality, research, high education and more, to allow students visit, work and hold classes. 

·            Build relationships with as many Israeli culinary professionals for all GCI aspects. 

·            Management of Board and Investors (donors) 

·            Operate under Jewish national Fund USA management and operations 

 Operational & Financial Management (Together with Jewish National Fund USA financial and IT management) 

·            Work with Jewish National Fund USA teams both in the US and in Israel in effort to raise funds work with committees with donors and professionals to support various GCI aspects 

·            Handle all financial aspects including budgeting, payment oversight, systems, operations, inventory control, cost management and agreements with vendors 

·            Develop projected cash flow needs based upon budgets. 

·            Ensure all files and plans are centrally saved in Salesforce and /or any other database as decided by Jewish National Fund USA  

·            Work with appropriate staff to establish and maintain equipment maintenance systems that promote operational efficiency while ensuring business continuity and uninterrupted campus operations. 

·             Be responsible for all reports to the management and the Board of Directors (Weekly and Monthly basis). 

 Academic Excellence (Oversite of Head of School) 

·            Maintain the highest standards of academic quality. 

·            Oversee student recruitment, enrolment, and the overall student life experience, ensuring a supportive, engaging, and enriching campus environment. 

·            Support faculty development, research, and innovation in culinary arts. 

·            Enhance curriculum and program offering to meet industry needs and trends. 

·            Develop a financial assistance system. 

Team Leadership 

·            Management, Recruit, develop and retain high performing team. 

·            Work with Human Resources on creating a detailed plan for all team members and positions needed for GCI current and future including job description, compensation, training, evaluation and growth plan and the day-to-day management of the team. 

·            Define staffing needs based on the curriculum, including in-house team members and external professionals. 

·            Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive working environment. 

 Marketing (Oversite of Marketing manager in cooperation with Jewish National Fund USA) 

·            Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and sales plan. 

·            Oversee the completion and launch of the new website. 

·            Present and implement a social media plan that supports the marketing and sales strategy. 

  Qualifications: 

·            A minimum of 5 years of experience as a senior director  

·            A bachelor’s degree  

·            Proven success in strategic planning and organizational development 

·            Experience in financial management, investor / donor management, fundraising and community engagement 

·            Strong leadership and interpersonal skills 

·            Excellent communication and presentation abilities 

·            Fluent English and Hebrew 

·            Ability to build and maintain relationship with diverse stakeholders 

·            Strategic and innovative thinker  

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