Board Relations & Governance Executive Fellow
Description
Who We Are:
The Orthodox Union (OU) is one of the largest Orthodox Jewish organizations in the United States. Founded in 1898, the OU supports a network of synagogues, youth programs, Jewish and Religious Zionist advocacy programs, programs for the disabled, localized religious study programs, and international units. The OU maintains a kosher certification service, whose circled U symbol, Ⓤ, is found on the labels of many kosher commercial and consumer food products.
About the OU Executive Fellowship
The OU Executive Fellowship is a 10-month professional development program for a selective cohort of post-college Jewish adults eager to explore and invest in initiatives that service the Jewish community – locally and globally. The Fellowship experience is full-time, paid, and blends OU department-specific work with cohort-based, hands-on learning opportunities beyond the walls of Headquarters. The Fellowship runs from September 1, 2026 – June 24, 2027.
Position Summary:
The Board Relations & Governance Fellow will support the work of the OU’s Board of Directors and lay leadership at a pivotal moment, including preparation for the OU Convention in February 2027, when the next Board of Directors will be nominated and confirmed.
Responsibilities:
- Actively support meetings of the OU Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and select committees
- Assist with preparation of board materials, agendas, briefing documents, and meeting logistics
- Draft internal summaries, background memos, and leadership materials for senior staff and lay leaders
- Track board actions, resolutions, attendance, and follow-up items
- Support governance processes related to the Board Leadership Accelerator, including:
- Governance policy review
- Maintaining accurate records of board membership & committee participation
- Assist with planning and coordination related to the OU Convention and board transition process, including:
- Board member nomination and vetting
- Leadership onboarding materials
- Delegate confirmation & participation
- Board records for the new term
- Conduct research and special projects in support of governance and leadership initiatives
Qualifications :
- Bachelor’s degree
- Strong writing, organizational, and analytical skills
- High level of discretion, professionalism, and attention to detail
- Interest in nonprofit governance, leadership development, or Jewish communal service
- Familiarity with the Orthodox Jewish community is strongly preferred
Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $43,000.
Health, Dental & Vision Insurance:
The OU offers health insurance through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA). Instead of a single group plan, employees have the freedom to choose their own health insurance plan that fits their personal and family needs. The OU contributes a generous monthly amount directly toward your premium, making coverage more flexible, affordable, and tailored to you.
The OU offers health insurance through an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA). Instead of a single group plan, employees have the freedom to choose their own health insurance plan that fits their personal and family needs. The OU contributes a generous monthly amount directly toward your premium, making coverage more flexible, affordable, and tailored to you.
Employees enrolled in our health plan also receive an annual BeniComp stipend, a supplemental benefit that reimburses eligible medical, pharmaceutical, dental, and vision expenses.
In addition, the OU offers employees group dental and vision insurance through MetLife.
Additional Benefits and Perks:
- 10 Paid sick days
- 10 Paid vacation days
- Paid Jewish and Federal holidays
- Short Fridays to accommodate for Sabbath observance
- Free life and disability insurance
- Discounted continuing education opportunities
- 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after 3 years (requires a minimum 2% employee contribution)