The Ralph I. Goldman Fellowship
WHAT IS THE RALPH I. GOLDMAN FELLOWSHIP?
The Ralph I. Goldman Fellowship in Global Jewish Leadership (RIG) is JDC’s premier leadership opportunity, awarded to one person annually, for rising professionals or lay leaders in the Jewish community, young thinkers and doers from all fields — policy makers, writers, business innovators, artists, and community builders.
The Fellowship enriches a rising leader through direct exposure to local communities around the world and key challenges confronting the Jewish people. Fellows plan their year alongside senior JDC staff, identifying and designing 2-3 unique overseas placements shaped by their skills, interests and the critical needs of communities abroad.
This is a paid, professional opportunity for an exceptional young leader who is committed to impacting the global Jewish world. RIG Fellows receive a generous stipend and benefits package, including health insurance.
who was ralph i. goldman?
Ralph I. Goldman (1914-2014) was JDC’s beloved Honorary Executive-Vice President, a builder of the State of Israel, and a global Jewish leader whose historic investments in Jewish life worldwide have ensured a strong, vibrant Jewish future for generations to come.
There is a single Jewish world: intertwined, interconnected
JDC HONORARY EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
– RALPH I. GOLDMAN
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We seek passionate and rising young leaders, who have experience as professionals or lay leaders in the Jewish community, and who care deeply about the global Jewish world and are committed to making it a better place.
WHERE DO RIG FELLOWS SERVE?
The 2025 RIG Fellowship begins in January 2025 with an orientation and 2-3 placements with JDC Departments and short-term travel opportunities or conferences. International placements will be contingent on JDC approval based on entry requirements. The Fellowship will conclude in December 2025.
JDC works in over 70 countries around the world. RIG placements are based on an individual fellow’s strengths, background and preferences. Previously, RIG Fellows have served in locations including Georgia, Ethiopia, India, Israel, Hungary, Nepal and Ukraine. Typically, RIG Fellows will serve in two or three different country assignments during the fellowship year.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Professional achievement in the candidate’s chosen career.
- Rising leader in the Jewish community, either as a professional or lay leader.
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership and communication skills.
- Strong interest in international Jewish affairs and public service.
- Knowledge of foreign language(s) is a plus but not a requirement.
- Formal and/or informal Jewish education is a plus but not a requirement.
- Bachelor’s degree and proven academic excellence. Master’s degree a plus but not a requirement.
- Ability to travel full time and often with minimal notice.
IMPORTANT DATES
- July 7 – Application Closes
- July 22 – Notification of Application Status
- July 29 to August 2 – Virtual Interviews
- August 7 – Notification of Application Status
- September 9 to 12– Semi-Finalist & Finalist Interviews held virtually