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.

The Hecktman Family JCCs of Chicago—the largest Jewish community center in North America—serves tens of thousands of children, teens, adults, seniors, and families through award-winning, life-enriching programs rooted in Jewish and human values. Launching Growing Hope in 2023, this 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 the Hecktman Family JCCs of 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.
• Collaborate with a Lead Growing Hope Intern and the Growing Hope Project Director on summer projects in the office and at camp.
• 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: July, 2026, through August 14, 2026
• M-F, 9:00am-4:30pm, some nights + weekends as necessary
• Internship is located at Bernard Weinger JCC with frequent local travel to various JCC locations throughout Chicagoland.

Direct Reports (titles and FTE%):

N/A

Indirect Reports (titles and FTE%)

N/A

Summer Stipend Amount:

$3,024

Job Category:

Seasonal Intern

Education Qualifications:

• Currently in High School (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.
• Written and verbal communication skills required.
• A strong customer service focus to provide top support to staff.

The Hecktman Family JCCs of 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.