The past 5 months of evaluation and organizational assessment have proved fruitful in a number of areas. Read on for information about the process and the new hire!

We identified some major gaps in the ways in which staff time was invested, as it aligned (or didn’t) with our mandate and mission. Primarily, those areas are suburban outreach (base-building) and leadership development. From the evaluation data, Rabbi Alana and the Strategic Restructuring Team created a job description which grew from Eleanor’s job, and shifted to respond to the gaps identified.  On a smaller-scale, Valeriya and Rabbi Alana’s job responsibilities were also re-visioned and re-assessed. We had many strong candidates submit applications to posting. With Allie Zeff’s application to the position, it became clear that another iteration of DJJ’s staff structure was possible.

A strengths-based framework

DJJ staff strives to help leaders grow and share from their passions and skills, to channel them into the work of the organization - enabling staff to do the same was a major goal of this restructuring.  Allie brings experience and skill in leading cultural programs with DJJ, as an arts leader generally and as the co-chair of Hanukkah 2017. Additionally, Valeriya has a background in organizing in the environmental justice movement that DJJ has yet to fully utilize. For this reason, the hiring committee decided to pivot from the exact job description we posted, and bring Allie on as an Organizer and thought partner in the evolving layout of the organization.

A time of transition

It is wise to step back and strategize. We began that work by looking backwards through the evaluation process. The staff team of Rabbi Alana, Valeriya and Allie will plan for the future and clarify their roles in the coming weeks.  Allie and Valeriya will both hold the titles of Organizer, with Allie taking on education and leadership development, and Valeriya tackling major campaigns and continuing v's leadership in organizational operations. There will be much overlap and intersection in their work, but we commit to filling the gaps identified by the evaluation, and to clear communication of responsibilities with our community of leaders.

Mostly, we are excited for the next chapter of DJJ, and thrilled that Allie will enter into this new role.  Allie has been an incredible asset to DJJ since its inception as a leader, and is positioned to move the organization forward significantly as a member of the staff.  Yay Allie!