Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Rachael Speck

Pittsburgh,PA

Summary

Experienced community leader dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and driving positive change. Proven track record in building and nurturing partnerships, mobilizing resources and implementing impactful initiatives that address community needs. Skilled in strategic planning and program development to promote inclusivity, equity and empowerment. Seeking a Chief Experience Officer role to leverage a passion for community building and collaborative approach to drive engagement, strengthen relationships and make a lasting impact.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Director, Children, Teens, Family and Day Camping

Jewish Community Center
08.2019 - Current
  • Led operational management and program development including organizational vision, personnel management (recruiting, hiring, training), fundraising, inclusion, policy/procedures, marketing and branding. Served over 1,400 children, teens and their families annually, managed 150+ personnel and $3 million budget.
  • Conducted outreach and cultivated over 12 community partnerships to deliver programs and services to children, teens and their families in the Pittsburgh community.
  • Raised over $500,000 through major gifts and grants in past 2 years to support for capital improvements and staff development initiatives.
  • Spearheaded efforts to secure $2 million RACP (PA Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program) grant for Family Park site to become regional leader in inclusion services for families.
  • Collaborated with parents, caregivers, school faculty and behavioral health staff to address individual child needs and concerns, promoting supportive and inclusive program environment.
  • Championed JCC's inclusion initiative, promoting culture of respect and belonging within the team and creating environment and programs that cater to serving more neurodiverse individuals.
  • Managed JCC's youth and camp committee by directing efforts of committee to serve as advisory board and acting as liaison between program stakeholders, communicating effectively to convey program goals, updates, successes and challenges.
  • Maintained relationships with key government entities at local and state levels such as mayor's office, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, PA Department of Human Services, and PA Department of Health, to access resources and ensure compliance with industry regulations, standards and policies.
  • Developed and monitored key performance indicators to track operational performance and identify areas for improvement. Created and implemented action items based upon data analytics.

Associate Director

Emma Kaufmann Camp, Jewish Community Center
11.2018 - 08.2019
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired over 100 seasonal employees annually, implemented strategies to promote positive feedback and engagement.
  • Developed and implemented 3 camper care initiatives to better ensure social, emotional and mental wellbeing of campers and meet needs of neurodiverse children.
  • Created and implemented 3-year strategic plan that focused on camper recruitment, staff development, parent communication, programming, fundraising and marketing/public relations.
  • Initiated and implemented successful 10-day crowdfunding campaign for new amphitheater benches and raised over $45,000 engaging 375 donors through innovative, engaging grassroots digital marketing strategy.
  • Trained and mentored new camp counselors in operations practices and camper-focused activities.
  • Identified and made recommendations for capital improvements across campsite, 3 of which were completed during tenure.

Campaign Director, Young Adult Division

Jewish Federation Of Greater Pittsburgh
05.2012 - 01.2015
  • Managed operations and administration of $500,000 young adult campaign which included face to face, phone, and email solicitations of over 400 donors annually.
  • Founded Steel Tree Fund, in collaboration with campaign chair, which included recruiting donors, education, establishing grant making process, creating management system and grant-making committee.
  • Oversaw for all fundraising efforts, cultivation, and selection of National Young Leadership Cabinet ($5000 minimum giving level) and Ben Gurion Society ($1000 giving level) members.
  • Implemented fundraising awareness programs for young Jewish adults ages 22-45.

Community Outreach and Engagement Associate

Jewish Federation Of Greater Pittsburgh
08.2011 - 05.2012
  • Organized and led over 40 community programs that engaged over 1,000 annually for young adults in Jewish community.
  • Oversaw program logistics, including scheduling, budget management, and supply procurement, optimizing efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Cultivated and educated young adult leaders to become actively involved in fundraising, community organizing and advocacy efforts.
  • Established and/or strengthened partnerships with 9 Jewish organizations to provide resources and access to services in Jewish community for newcomers or individuals who were unengaged.

Program Coordinator, Children and Family Services

Jewish Community Center
12.2010 - 08.2011
  • Coordinated out-of-school time childcare and family enrichment programs for over 500 families annually.
  • Managed team of 10 part-time employees, providing guidance and support to ensure successful execution of activities and events.
  • Developed and maintained partnerships with local schools, youth serving organizations to expand program reach and resources.
  • Organized special events and themed activities to engage children and families, promoting creativity, socialization and healthy lifestyles.

Pre-K Assistant Teacher

Jewish Community Center
12.2009 - 12.2010
  • Fostered early childhood development and gross motor skill development for 20 children ages 3-4.
  • Implemented research-based teaching methods that catered to various learning styles, increasing overall understanding of material presented.
  • Fostered strong parent-teacher relationships through regular communication, resulting in increased parental involvement in students education.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Journalism, Sociology

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Skills

  • Community Relations and Engagement
  • Management and Operations
  • Budget Management and Planning
  • Fundraising and Development
  • Strategic Planning and Execution
  • Leadership Development
  • Program Development
  • Government Relations
  • Results Driven

Accomplishments

Ira and Nanette Gordon Professional Achievement Award recipient (2023)

Yitro Leadership Program graduate, Foundation for Jewish Camp (2017)

Timeline

Director, Children, Teens, Family and Day Camping

Jewish Community Center
08.2019 - Current

Associate Director

Emma Kaufmann Camp, Jewish Community Center
11.2018 - 08.2019

Campaign Director, Young Adult Division

Jewish Federation Of Greater Pittsburgh
05.2012 - 01.2015

Community Outreach and Engagement Associate

Jewish Federation Of Greater Pittsburgh
08.2011 - 05.2012

Program Coordinator, Children and Family Services

Jewish Community Center
12.2010 - 08.2011

Pre-K Assistant Teacher

Jewish Community Center
12.2009 - 12.2010

Bachelor of Arts - Journalism, Sociology

Indiana University Bloomington

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Rachael Speck