NEW YORK (Press Release) – The Birthright Israel Foundation (BRIF), the organization that provides and builds the base of financial support for Taglit-Birthright Israel in North America, has tapped 14-year non-profit executive, Sarah Raful Whinston, as its first director of talent development.
In her new role, Whinston will focus on recruitment and career development for the organization, whose staff has grown to nearly 50.
Whinston’s appointment comes as the Foundation looks to attract not only the best and brightest stars in the Jewish world, but to also retain them and give them the tools to thrive. Creating this new director of talent development position enables the organization to dedicate the time and attention to each employee’s role within the organization, subsequently improving work and allowing opportunity for growth for the individual and the Foundation as a whole.
Whinston’s appointment is part of Birthright Israel Foundation President David Fisher’s objective of finding the best talent to serve the organization, and then investing in training and career development to nurture employees.
“When I became president I made it very clear that one of my goals for the organization was for us to become the best place to work within the non-profit sector – not just the Jewish non-profit sector. The core driver to success is having the right people in the right jobs, fueling their passions, giving them the room and resources to do their job,” said Fisher. “Sarah has a strong track record of staff development in the non-profit space and we are excited to welcome her to our team. She has created programs over her career that yielded tremendous results for the organizations she has worked with.”
Whinston joins BRIF from Camp Poyntelle Lewis Village (CPLV), where she worked as the executive director, supervising operations and programs for two camps and establishing the inaugural CPLV Camp Committee. In addition, she created CPLV’s first ever core values and subsequently directed an innovative recruitment strategy that resulted in seven new committees.
“I am thrilled to be joining an organization that is so dedicated to their mission and their staff,” said Whinston. “The Foundation raises the critical funds for a program that resonate with all Jewish people and not just elite donors. I look forward to using my skill set in helping develop a culture and environment that will bring success to our staff and our fundraising goals.”
Whinston received her bachelor’s degree in sociology and Jewish studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She earned two master’s degrees in Jewish communal service and public administration.
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Preceding provided by the Birthright Israel Foundation