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Executive MAJPS

Executive MAJPS

Ariella Saperstein, Program Officer, Maimonides Fund, EMAJPS 2017. Photo by Joe Craig.

The Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies is a unique year-long program for Jewish communal executives with 12+ years professional experience. Participants from across North America learn to leverage opportunity, inspire excellence in staff and trustees, and lead through times of change.

The program is offered in a small-group cohort providing participants a network of fellow executives from across North America. It is taught by some of the most effective and creative faculty working today in the Jewish community and beyond.

Designed for busy professionals, the program combines seminars and online courses with executive coaching and a capstone project relating to each participant's own organization or agency. It can be completed in just 12 months, because experience counts for the equivalent of one year of graduate credit.

Next cohort begins June 2, 2019. 

Apply Now

For a limited time, tuition is only $7,500, because generous fellowships cover approximately 60% of the total cost for professionals working full-time in the Jewish community. To be eligible, completed applications must be received by March 21, 2019.

Separate scholarship funds are available for executives looking to transition to Jewish communal work. 

Why This Program

  • Arms Jewish professionals with executive knowledge and skills, expanding career opportunities
  • Fosters a culture of executive development essential for successful, vibrant, and growing Jewish communities
  • Focuses on leadership evaluation and development in key areas that are vital for successful Jewish leadership in the 21st century
  • Provides a community of practice through a cohort of senior-level professionals
  • Produces experienced Jewish leaders ready to conquer today's challenges

Program Components | Current Cohort Schedule

Leadership Skills Assessment
Core Curriculum Taught in Six Modules by Leading Faculty
Current Cohort Schedule

The Role of Israel in Jewish Life
Seminar June 3-5, 2018
Taught by Dr. Rachel Fish
Associate Director, Schusterman Center for Israel Studies, Brandeis University

This American Jewish Life
Seminar August 5-7, 2018
Taught by Dr. Riv-Ellen Prell
Professor of American Studies and Director of the Center for Jewish Studies, University of Minnesota

Jewish Studies for Jewish Executives
Synchronous Online Course October 10, 24, November 7, 28, and December 12, 2018
Taught by Dr. Dean P. Bell
Spertus Institute President, CEO, and Professor of Jewish History

Leading People Through Change
Seminar January 13-15, 2019
Taught by Dr. Russ Rogers
Professor and Director of Graduate Programs, School for New Learning, DePaul University

Working with Constituents
Seminar March 3-5, 2019
Taught by Dr. Barry Chazan
Founding Director of Spertus Institute MAJPS Program and Professor of Jewish Education

Becoming an Effective Jewish Leader
Seminar Course June 2-4, 2019
Taught by Dr. Hal M. Lewis
Spertus Institute Chancellor and Professor of Jewish Leadership

Executive Coaching 

Coaches include:

      • Laura Kaufman, CEO, Partners in Effective Philanthropy 
      • Russ Rogers, Professor and Director of Graduate Programs, New School for Learning DePaul University 
      • Gary Rosenblatt, Editor and Publisher, Jewish Week
      • Jeffrey Solomon, President, Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies 
      • Stefan Teodosic, Executive Director, Beber Camp, Perlman Camp and Perlman Retreat Center 
      • Gary Weinstein, CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas (Retired) 
      • Amy Wishnick, Principle, Wishnick and Associates 
      • Caren Yanis, Consultant and Past President, Crown Family Philanthropies, Former Executive Director, Oprah Winfrey Foundations

Capstone Project

Focused on the integration of theoretical constructs and frameworks from the course work with practical implementation in the student’s institution or community.

To find out more, contact:

Tal Rosen
Director of the Center for Jewish Leadership
trosen@spertus.edu
312.322.1711

Executive Excellence

Pictured at right is Ariella Saperstein, EMAJPS 2017. Following her completion of the Spertus program, she accepted a new position as Program Officer at the Maimonides Fund. An article based on her capstone project—about the need for fearless transparency from foundations and funders—was published January 28, 2018 in eJewishPhilanthropy.com, the online resource of the professional Jewish community. READ > 

Participants in the inaugural cohort of the Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies represent organizations in Chicago, Cleveland, New Jersey, New York, Ontario, and Washington, DC. READ MORE >

Only at Spertus

Guided by Jewish wisdom and history, the Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies builds on Spertus Institute's highly regarded Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies, but its content and design is specifically for those leading Jewish organizations to successfully serve, enrich, and perpetuate the Jewish community.

This experience cannot be duplicated by business school programs. Spertus Institute's targeted training gives participants the precise proficiencies required to maximize their organizations’ performance, stay ahead of best practices, and avoid expensive outside consultants.

Accreditation

Spertus Institute is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604.

Midcareer Fellowships


Fellowships Available 
See if you qualify>

Do you work at least 15 hours per week serving the Jewish community? If so, you may be eligible for a substantial scholarship — called a Midcareer Fellowship — made possible with the support of a generous outside donor.

Through a combination of fellowship and scholarship funds, Chicago and Milwaukee applicants are eligible for a tuition reduction of approximately 65%.

Through a combination of scholarships funds in partnership with JFC-UIA, Canadian applicants receive a tuition reduction of approximately 45%. 

What Participants Say 
About the Program

I gained access to leading faculty from around the country, while also having the opportunity to learn from accomplished peers.
— Ariella Saperstein 
Program Officer
Maimonides Fund

Spertus Institute’s executive program
has strengthened my knowledge of Jewish history, culture, and peoplehood in ways that are incredibly relevant to the real-time challenges of Jewish communal work.
— Gilon Rubanenko
Vice President of Operations
Mandel Jewish Community Center
Cleveland, Ohio

Downloadable Info Sheets

EMAJPS Fact Sheet
What is Jewish Leadership?
Center for Jewish Leadership