Reports to (title): Director, Growing Hope Project

Job Summary:

The Growing Hope Intern will work closely with the Growing Hope Project Director to engage program partners, plan, and facilitate events, and identify Growing Hope Youth Ambassadors. They will be responsible for maintaining relationships with program partners, coordinating programming, and assisting with the implementation of curriculum in summer camp programs. Additionally, they will contribute to strengthening connections with teen communities, support community engagement efforts, and maintain organizational awareness through content creation for various communication channels.

JCC Chicago works to ensure a vibrant, thriving and connected community through meaningful and impactful programs inspired by Jewish and human values. The largest Jewish community center in North America, JCC Chicago serves tens of thousands of children, teens, adults, seniors, and families through an array of award-winning, life-enriching programs, services, and experiences. JCC Chicago launched Growing Hope in 2023, a movement focused on positivity, kindness, and want for a better world. Culminating with a free concert in partnership with the Chicago Cubs, Growing Hope has evolved into a state-wide platform that encompasses educational programs, storytelling campaigns, and performances that forge community bonds, offer joy-filled experiences, and build bridges. Growing Hope is a framework for how JCC Chicago makes decisions and is a call to action for our community and beyond.

Key Essential Duties:

• Strengthen organizational and data-management skills by maintaining a comprehensive database of educational partners, including contact information, demographics, and program history.
• Expand mentorship capacity by collaborating with a fellow Growing Hope Intern to provide guidance, support, and exposure to professional practices within JCC Chicago.
• Build coordination and implementation expertise by supporting program coordination, including partner communication, scheduling, and asset delivery.
• Enhance communication and collaboration skills by representing the Growing Hope team on partner calls and supporting cross-functional teams and key stakeholders.
• Support the coordination and execution of Growing Hope programs, including Picturing Hope and Chutzpah Girls, assisting with curriculum delivery and program activities.

Marginal Duties:

• Support, when needed, the Community Engagement and Growing Hope teams by developing and implementing awareness-building campaigns.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

• Demonstrate physical stamina and agility required to be mobile for extended periods of time throughout the day.
• Stand for prolonged periods of time and be able to actively engage physically with children.
• Ability to stand, walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Repetitive movement of arms and hands to operate equipment such as phone, computer keyboard, and standard office equipment.
• Be able to lift frequently and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Vision: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Days/Hours/ Location:

• Internship duration: June 5, 2026, through August 7, 2026

• M-F, 9:00am-5:00pm, some nights + weekends as necessary; frequent local travel to various JCC locations.
• Internship is located at Bernard Weinger JCC

Direct Reports (titles and FTE%):

N/A

Indirect Reports (titles and FTE%)

N/A

Summer Stipend Amount:

$4,700

Job Category:

Seasonal Intern

Education Qualifications:

• Collegiate Degree in Progress- Meets the requirements for the internship program.

Other Requirements:

• Must have decent understanding and familiarity with Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and professionally with community partners and staff.
• Must have excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Have reliable transportation to various locations around Chicagoland area.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• A strong customer service focus to provide top support to staff.
• Must have reliable transportation, valid driver’s license for at least 24 months, proof of auto insurance (with a minimum $250,000 liability).

JCC Chicago provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state and federal law.