Chief Executive Officer
America-Israel Cultural Foundation - New York, NY
AICF seeks a bold, entrepreneurial Chief Executive Officer to lead its next chapter of growth, visibility, and cultural impact. As the top executive of a lean but mighty team, the CEO must be a strategic thinker capable of executing a big vision that will take AICF to the next level of success. This is a role for a proven scrappy hunter with a global mindset: a relationship builder, fundraiser, cultural connector, and nonprofit operator all in one. The CEO will lead a bi-national team, steward donor relationships, oversee programs, manage operations, and serve as AICF’s most visible ambassador. This is an ideal opportunity for a leader who thrives in resourceful, fast-paced environments and possesses an unquenchable passion for arts, culture, and Israel.
Founded in 1939 by American philanthropist Edward Norman, the America‐Israel Cultural Foundation (AICF) has built one of the most enduring cultural bridges between the United States and Israel. Over more than 85 years, AICF has supported over 18,000 Israeli artists across disciplines—music, dance, theater, visual arts, film, and design—disbursing more than $160 million in grants, scholarships, competitions, master classes, instrument loans, and international study programs. Additionally, the organization recently launched its Beyond Talent program, which supports artists with access to mentoring, industry contacts, and project financing through our network of donors. AICF is also responsible for administering the most prolific young artist competitions in Israel, including the Aviv Competition. AICF alumni – like Itzhak Perlman, Yefim Bronfman, Miriam Fried, Ohad Naharin, Michal Rovner and Avishai Cohen - are global cultural ambassadors, appearing in top-tier venues and institutions from the Israel Philharmonic and Batsheva Dance Company to Juilliard, Tel Aviv Museum of Art, and major international orchestras and festivals.
"This role is for a builder - someone inspired by possibilities and grounded in execution. You know how to cultivate major supporters and institutional partners, lead with clarity and kindness, and turn a powerful mission into tangible results. You’re comfortable on the global stage and attentive to each artist’s journey – like they’re your own children. More importantly, you recognize the transformative potential of supporting talent early, and you see how AICF’s work can help shape the global discourse on Israel through the universal language of the arts.
Looking back at my own engagement with AICF, some of my greatest joys have been meeting our artists, hearing their stories, and witnessing how funding and mentorship at the right moment can unlock potential. If you share that sense of wonder — and if you are motivated to build, to scale, and to lead a trusted institution into its next chapter — I encourage you to explore this opportunity." — Josh Tanenbaum, President, AICF Board of Directors
For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.
Founded in 1939 by American philanthropist Edward Norman, the America‐Israel Cultural Foundation (AICF) has built one of the most enduring cultural bridges between the United States and Israel. Over more than 85 years, AICF has supported over 18,000 Israeli artists across disciplines—music, dance, theater, visual arts, film, and design—disbursing more than $160 million in grants, scholarships, competitions, master classes, instrument loans, and international study programs. Additionally, the organization recently launched its Beyond Talent program, which supports artists with access to mentoring, industry contacts, and project financing through our network of donors. AICF is also responsible for administering the most prolific young artist competitions in Israel, including the Aviv Competition. AICF alumni – like Itzhak Perlman, Yefim Bronfman, Miriam Fried, Ohad Naharin, Michal Rovner and Avishai Cohen - are global cultural ambassadors, appearing in top-tier venues and institutions from the Israel Philharmonic and Batsheva Dance Company to Juilliard, Tel Aviv Museum of Art, and major international orchestras and festivals.
"This role is for a builder - someone inspired by possibilities and grounded in execution. You know how to cultivate major supporters and institutional partners, lead with clarity and kindness, and turn a powerful mission into tangible results. You’re comfortable on the global stage and attentive to each artist’s journey – like they’re your own children. More importantly, you recognize the transformative potential of supporting talent early, and you see how AICF’s work can help shape the global discourse on Israel through the universal language of the arts.
Looking back at my own engagement with AICF, some of my greatest joys have been meeting our artists, hearing their stories, and witnessing how funding and mentorship at the right moment can unlock potential. If you share that sense of wonder — and if you are motivated to build, to scale, and to lead a trusted institution into its next chapter — I encourage you to explore this opportunity." — Josh Tanenbaum, President, AICF Board of Directors
For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.