Reports to: Senior Director, Community Engagement

The City Community Engagement Manager develops and implements meaningful programs and experiences that foster connection to JCC Chicago and the broader Jewish community. Serving community members across the lifespan throughout Chicago and Evanston, this role builds relationships with individuals, families, synagogues, schools, and community organizations to identify local needs and create accessible opportunities for engagement. As the first step in a broader citywide initiative, the Manager will expand JCC Chicago’s presence beyond its physical location by bringing programs, partnerships, and community-building opportunities directly into neighborhoods.

At the Hecktman Family JCCs of 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, Hecktman Family JCCs of 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.

Key Essential Job Duties:

Programming

• Plan and implement a variety of year-round programs and engagement opportunities for adults, older adults, and young families throughout the City of Chicago.
• Develop both large community-wide programs and smaller neighborhood-based experiences that respond to participant interests and strengthen connections to JCC Chicago and the Jewish community.
• Manage programs and initiatives including, but not limited to:
  • Young family and early childhood engagement programs
  • Adult cultural, educational, social, and holiday programs
  • Older adult programs and engagement opportunities
  • Community Days
  • Holiday and Shabbat programming
  • Community events and partnership programs
  • Other initiatives as needed
• Coordinate all aspects of program implementation, including scheduling, staffing, facilitators, vendors, supplies, registration, participant communications, and on-site execution.
• Gather and evaluate participant feedback, attendance, and engagement data to inform future programming and measure success.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Creative teams to promote programs, achieve attendance goals, and expand participation and engagement.

Operations

• Manage program budgets and resources in alignment with agency guidelines.
• Establish SMART goals and metrics to support program evaluation, reporting, and future planning.
• Partner with Customer Support colleagues to ensure effective registration experience and accurate participant data collection.
• Ensure program logistics, participant communications, reporting, and follow-up activities are completed accurately and within established timelines.
• Work with the Volunteer and Operations Manager to secure supplies, equipment, food, promotional materials, and volunteer support as needed.

Partnerships and Outreach

• Build and maintain relationships with participants, community members, facilitators, synagogues, organizations, and other community partners.
• Identify, develop, and manage partnerships that expand programming and engagement opportunities.
• Partner with Apachi directors and other JCC Chicago staff to create and support community engagement initiatives aligned with agency priorities.
• Provide direct support for Community Engagement initiatives, including Community Days, the Chicago Jewish Film Festival, Growing Hope programming, and other agency-wide programs.
• Develop a strong understanding of JCC Chicago programs and services to connect participants with additional opportunities for involvement.
• Respond to participant and partner inquiries, feedback, and concerns in a timely, professional, and relationship-focused manner.

Essential Job Duties/Physical Duties:

• Demonstrate physical stamina and agility required to be mobile for long periods throughout the day.

• Ability to physically procure, lift, move and set up program supplies (minimum 20 lbs) for direct program support.
• Stand for long periods of time and be able to actively engage with adults of all ages.
• Possess strength and endurance required to set up, facilitate/host and clean up events.
• Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that adults understand.
• Ability to climb stairs, access public and private transportation. (in the case of an emergency).
• React with physical and mental alertness in emergency situations.
• Vision – must be able to distinguish between colors, shades, and brightness with ability to focus.
• Maintain a sense of calm and perspective with physical and mental alertness during stressful times.

Days/Hours/%Travel:

The position will generally operate Monday–Friday, 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate program schedules. Must be able to attend events and programs scheduled on evenings and weekends. Frequent travel across the greater Chicagoland area.

Direct Reports (titles and FTE%):

NA

Indirect Reports (titles and FTE%):

NA

Job Category:
Management

Salary Range:
$58,000 - $62,500

Education Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree Required: Non-Profit Management, or related degree preferred

Other Requirements:

• Minimum of 4 years of experience developing, implementing, and facilitating cultural, educational, experiential, and community engagement programs; experience creating and implementing Jewish programming preferred.
• Demonstrated success developing new programs, growing existing initiatives, increasing participant engagement, and achieving organizational goals.
• Experience with data management, reporting, program evaluation, budget development, and budget management.
• Ability to lead and model JCC Chicago’s Four Core Values: Self-Leadership and Accountability, Creativity and Innovation, Teamwork and Collaboration, and Customer Service, while consistently promoting a culture of caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and project management skills with excellent attention to detail, follow-through, dependability, flexibility, and adaptability.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Salesforce, or similar database systems, with the ability to learn additional technology platforms as needed.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively engage participants, volunteers, vendors, community partners, and colleagues.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and a demonstrated passion for community engagement, Jewish programming, and lifelong learning.
• Ability to foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment by exercising sound judgment and appropriately addressing behavioral concerns.
• Ability to develop and support programs that meet the diverse physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs of adults across the lifespan.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed for programs and events.
• Reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license held for at least 24 months, proof of insurance (minimum $250,000 liability coverage), and the ability to travel between JCC Chicago locations.

Employee Benefits:

The Hecktman Family JCCs of Chicago offers a suite of comprehensive benefits to full time staff including:

• Flexible Work Schedule
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Participation in a 401(K) plan with matching contributions
• Life insurance and short/long term disability coverage
• Generous paid time off, sick time, and paid observance of secular and Jewish religious holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Uniquely JCC Benefits

• Free fitness membership at JCC Chicago community centers and aquatics facilities
• Meaningful discounts on JCC Chicago programming, including day and overnight camp, Early Childhood, and event rentals
• Professional development opportunities with the JUF/Jewish Federation

The Hecktman Family JCCs of Chicago is an equal opportunity agency that offers programs for all ages and abilities. Our goal is to foster relationships, build our community, and create connections that will enable our mission to reach a larger impact. We welcome you to join us in building your career, as we build a stronger community.