Onboarding Intensive

Jumpstart your career in the Jewish nonprofit sector with the skills, guidance, and network you need to thrive.

Starting out in this sector can feel like stepping into a secret club: it feels like everyone knows the acronyms, the history, obscure Jewish holidays and organizations, and all the unspoken rules — while you’re left figuring out how to find your footing. Being new in your role can feel intimidating no matter your background. You’re learning your colleagues’ communication styles, figuring out your strengths and growth areas, and sometimes feeling isolated as the newer person on the team.

Onboarding Intensive gives you the guidance, skills, and connections to thrive in your role, including opportunities to:

Build skills that actually stick: tools and practices you can use right away.
Discover your leadership style: understand your strengths and how to leverage them for success.
Connect with peers who get it: a network of colleagues who’ll support you long after the program ends.
Make sense of the sector: you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the Jewish nonprofit landscape, how you fit into it, and how your contributions can drive meaningful change.

By the end, you’ll step into your role with the confidence, clarity, and connections to make a real difference.

This program is made possible with the generous support of Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies and the Jim Joseph Foundation.

Apply Now
Cohort spots are limited; application does not guarantee ability to participate. Applicants will be notified about acceptance decisions by December 2, 2025.
Apply by November 7, 2025
Sign up for future cohort information
Stay in-the-know about future cohorts.
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Who Should Participate?

Onboarding Intensive is designed for you if you are:

New to the Jewish nonprofit sector, in the first eighteen months of your role.
A young professional employed full-time within the first three years of joining the work force.
Excited to build a diverse network of peers, develop core skills for your career, and make an impact at your organizations.
From any background — whether you're Jewish or not, you'll find accessible, engaging content that's valuable and relevant to your work.

Application Details

Cost: $500 with travel subsidies available
Requirements: Supervisor approval required, no CEO approval needed

Program Dates for Cohort 1

Interest Form Deadline: November 7, 2025 (Eligible participants will be notified by Dec 2, 2025)
January 13: Kickoff Call from 1:00-2:30 pm ET
February 3-5: Retreat at Pearlstone Retreat Center
February 24: Virtual Call 1 from 1:00-2:30 pm ET
March 10: Virtual Call 2 from 1:00-2:30 pm ET
March 24: Virtual Call 3 from 1:00-2:30 pm ET
April 21: Virtual Call 4 from 1:00-2:30 pm ET
May 5: Virtual Call 5 from 1:00-2:30 pm ET

Can't make these dates? There will be other cohorts offered throughout 2026. Sign up here to stay in-the-know about future cohorts.

Your Questions Answered

Do I need to wait to apply if I just started a new role?

You do not need to wait to apply for Onboarding Intensive if you have just started a new role. Eligible participants should be in the workforce for no more than 3 years and should be in their current role no more than 18 months at the time the cohort begins in January 2026.

What does the program include?

Virtual Kickoff: Participants will be introduced to the program content, expectations, and community guidelines.
Three-Day Retreat: The in-person experience will offer skill-building sessions, networking opportunities, and self-reflection to prepare participants for their roles.
Ongoing Support: After the retreat, participants will attend 4-6 virtual monthly sessions with additional networking and learning opportunities.
Skill Development and Networking: The program will integrate skill-building and networking throughout, making the most of every interaction and ensuring a dynamic learning environment.
Differentiated Learning: The learning modules will use different styles and approaches. Onboarding Intensive will help participants think about how what they’re learning connects to their own career goals.

Is travel and lodging included in the program fee?

The $500 program fee includes lodging at the in-person retreat, but does not include travel to the retreat site. Travel subsidies are available to help offset those costs. Specific details will be provided upon acceptance.

Do I need supervisor approval to apply?

Yes, we will ask for your supervisor’s information on the intake form and they will receive a separate communication to confirm your participation.

There are lots of programs for early-career Jewish nonprofit professionals. What makes Onboarding Intensive different from the rest?

Onboarding Intensive uniquely combines sector-specific Jewish learning, personal leadership development, and community building tailored to early-career professionals in the Jewish nonprofit world. Participants will have the opportunity to connect and learn with folks in a similar career stage from a wide variety of organizations across the sector. This program offers a three-day immersive experience, combined with virtual learning opportunities, all of which will help participants to bring examples from their own work and professional journeys into their learning.

What topics are covered during Onboarding Intensive?

The program will help participants build skills necessary for success in the Jewish nonprofit sector. Participants will engage with content around personal accountability, managing up, giving and receiving feedback, Jewish nonprofit 101, Israel education, and more.

How does Onboarding Intensive approach inclusion and belonging?

At Leading Edge, we prioritize inclusion and a deep sense of belonging across all the varied identities and viewpoints that comprise our workforce and communities. Our gathering norms guide us in creating a safe, brave, and respectful environment. All participants will be asked to abide by our Community Agreement.

Can other colleagues join me?

We would love to have you learn alongside other colleagues who have also recently started in the sector and meet our program criteria. We welcome multiple participants from one organization, or come on your own!

I still have questions. Who can I talk to about the Onboarding Intensive?

Please reach out to our team at melissa@leadingedge.org.

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