Kivun, which in Hebrew means "direction," is a five-month intensive professional development program that equips a cohort of the finest young Jewish professionals in North America with the top tools for excellence and impact in the Jewish non-profit sector.

1. Upgrade your contribution to your organization through skills trainings

• Program design, fundraising, strategy and tactics, technology, marketing and outreach

2. Align your personal life with your professional life

• Work-life balance, personal financial planning

3. Integrate key Jewish lessons to improve your organizational effectiveness

• The relevance of ancient teachings to modern contexts, shaping a values-driven Jewish community

4. Clarify your professional trajectory amidst a changing economic and social landscape

• Graduate school vs. on-the-job training, corporate vs. non-profit sectors

Discover the power of cohort-based learning through peer-led trainings, case studies, experiential workshops, personal action plans, and conversations with innovators from the non-profit field. The Kivun Intensive program components include:

• Two 48-hour professional development retreats
• Six webinar and tele-learning classes

Eligibility Criteria

• Demonstrated talent, leadership skills and ambition
• Currently working full-time in an American Jewish national non-profit organization
• Committed to serving the Jewish community in a professional capacity beyond the Kivun Intensive 2009 program
• Maximum 27 years of age at the time of application
• Have not attended a prior Kivun program
• Self-identify as Jewish
• Completed a Bachelor’s degree and have a strong academic record
• Willing and able to participate fully in all components of the program
• Written confirmation that the applicant’s manager will grant him/her time to participate in the program

Applications are now closed for the Kivun Intensive 2009.

• The Center for Leadership Initiatives views The Kivun Intensive as an opportunity for organizations to invest in the professional development of their staff. A fee of $500 is required upon acceptance to the program, which will cover all costs, including travel, accommodations and materials (limited subsidies available).