The Mini Session Coordinator plays a vital role in organizing and overseeing all aspects of the mini sessions and Try Chi events. Through thoughtful planning and execution, the coordinator helps create a welcoming and enriching environment that supports learning, exploration, and community connection.

At JCC Chicago, we are focused on growing good kids, building communities, and educating ourselves on the past to make a difference for the future. The largest JCC in North America, JCC Chicago offers a life-affirming journey that builds on the richness and power of Jewish values and continues to reimagine them for a more connected, inspired community. JCC Chicago is an equal opportunity agency that offers career opportunities, internships, and volunteer roles for all.

Key Essential Job Duties:

Summer Months in addition to off season duties (June - August)

• Provide direct supervision and mentorship to Mini Session and Try Chi Village Leaders.
• Oversee all aspects of Mini Sessions during both the first and second sessions.
• Design, implement, and facilitate comprehensive training programs for Mini Session staff.
• Lead the creation and execution of Mini Staff Training initiatives to ensure preparedness and alignment with program goals.
• Coordinate daily schedules, transportation, and logistics for Mini Sessions.
• Oversee the planning and execution of Try Chi programming, ensuring alignment with organizational values and goals.
• Foster a supportive and inclusive environment for staff, promoting well-being and professional growth.
• Plan and facilitate staff recreation activities to build morale, encourage team bonding, and support work-life balance.
• Actively solicit and analyze feedback from participants and staff.
• Develop strategies to incorporate feedback into ongoing program improvements.
• Stay informed of emerging trends and evolving participant needs, making timely and appropriate program adaptations.

Off-Season Months (September - May)

• Lead outreach efforts to recruit campers for Mini Sessions and Try Chi programs.
• Contact family's post-registration to provide support, answer questions, and build relationships.
• Communicate clearly and positively with parents regarding registration, program details, and general inquiries about summer camp and events.
• Collaborate on the planning and execution of Try Chi programming, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Review and manage Mini Session registration forms and related documentation.
• Assist with coordination and support for young camper programs.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships within the greater Jewish community to foster collaborative programming opportunities.
• Represent the organization at community events and actively participate in agency-sponsored activities when possible.

Marginal Duties:

• Other duties as assigned to support the success of camp.

Physical Requirements:

• Be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Demonstrate physical stamina and agility required to be mobile for long periods throughout the day.
• Repetitive movement of arms and hands to operate computer, keyboard and mouse.
• Ability to operate equipment such as phone, computer keyboard, calculator and standard office equipment.
• Vision: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• React with physical and mental alertness in emergency situations and assist in evacuation of buildings.
• Must be able to rotate head side to side to scan the environment.
• Ability to demonstrate, motivate and communicate with children and adults.
• Ability to speak clearly and articulately with a loud tone of voice.
• Mental alertness; sustain concentration for long periods of time.

Days/Hours/Location:

September through May: Work from home, 4 hours a week (flexible based on availability and need). May be asked to occasionally work weekends or at Bernard Weinger JCC.

May through August: Full time at Camp Chi (Lake Delton, WI)

Job Category:

Non-BU Prof/Management

Compensation:

$22,000 annually total (combination of $22/hr hourly rate in the off season for 4 hours per week, and remaining balance as a stipend during the summer)

Education Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Recreation, Education or related field preferred

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in Resident Camp or related field.

• Experience with communication with parents.
• Previous experience working as a member of a management team.

Other Requirements:

• Experience utilizing social media on behalf of an organization.
• Ability to demonstrate and lead with JCC Chicago’s Four Core Values: Self-Leadership and Accountability, Creativity and Innovation, Teamwork and Collaboration, and Customer Service.
• Strong written and oral communication skills required; must have highly developed public speaking/presentation skills.
• Knowledge of Judaica with a familiarity and comfort level in working with a diverse Jewish community.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook required with the ability to learn other software packages as needed; experience with CampMinder helpful.
• Must be highly organized and detail oriented.
• Must be able to solve problems quickly and effectively.
• Ability to work independently yet have the ability and enthusiasm for fostering a strong team environment.
• Must have reliable transportation, valid driver’s license for at least 24 months, proof of auto insurance (with a minimum $250,000 liability).

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