Following five years of supporting UJS Presidents and their teams to take UJS from strength to strength, current CEO, David Davidi-Brown, has announced his intention to move on from the role in 2019.
Together with the UJS trustees, a plan for succession has been developed offering the opportunity for a passionate and talented successor to join UJS as we celebrate 100 years of leading, defending and enriching Jewish life on campus and being an engine of leadership for our community and our country. Our succession planning will also ensure a dedicated and dynamic successor receives a comprehensive induction from David.
Maurice Helfgott, Chair of UJS Trustee Board said: “David has been instrumental in UJS’ real progress and many successes in the last five years. These have included expanding our Israel engagement activities to reach over 2,000 students every year, securing hundreds of thousands of pounds for UK government supported programmes in Israel and Poland, and diversifying our Interfaith, Holocaust Commemoration and intelligent and informed education on Israel to reach more than 50,000 students from many faiths and cultures during this time. David has overseen an increase in annual income from under £400k towards £1m pa.
Through the respect he has garnered across the Jewish Community and the University sector, David has enhanced UJS reputation as the Voice of Jewish students. We will miss his principled Jewish leadership, and considerable intellect, but a five-year term was envisaged from the outset. Just as David came in with fresh ideas and energy then, this role is well suited to someone who can combine supporting our annually changing elected student leaders with cultivating continuity and delivering long-lasting impact.”
David Davidi-Brown said: “True to its 99 years of enabling and empowering younger leaders, UJS gave me a fantastic opportunity to play a leading role in this vital and vibrant organisation when I was appointed as the then youngest CEO in our community. I have had the privilege to work with and support six UJS Presidents, 36 sabbatical workers, and over 1000 J-Soc committee leaders and student activists. At times some challenges have grabbed the headlines, yet throughout my time at UJS, Jewish students have inspired me with their determination to tackle hostilities when they arise, whilst ensuring many positive parts of being Jewish students define Jewish campus life. Next year we’ll celebrate 100 years since what is now UJS was founded. It is fitting that I have decided to move at an exciting time for the next person to take on this remarkable role and be part of shaping the first period of the next 100 years for one of the most diverse and dynamic charities in our community.”
UJS Trustee Hannah Brown will lead a small Nomination Committee, and formal recruitment for the new CEO will begin in late September. Please visit the UJS website for more information later this month when further details will be released. You may also wish to email [email protected] to register your interest in this role and we will pass your details on to Hannah Brown.