Program Manager, Gottesman Center for Jewish Living & the Selma and Lawrence Ruben Center for 20s + 30s
Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan
Operations
New York, NY, USA
USD 70k-80k / year
Job Title: Program Manager, The Gottesman Center for Living and Selma and Lawrence Ruben Center for 20s and 30s
Reports to: Chief Jewish Life Officer
Position Summary
The Gottesman Center for Jewish Living within the Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center in Manhattan (the JCC) is seeking a highly organized, relationship-driven, and mission-oriented Program Manager to oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of Jewish life programming serving individuals and families across all ages and stages of life.
This role is ideal for a thoughtful, collaborative, and detail-oriented professional passionate about Jewish communal engagement and skilled at managing complex programs, logistics, partnerships, and participant experiences. As a core element of this position is managing programs and events for the Selma and Lawrence Ruben Center for 20s and 30s, this role calls for individuals who bring expertise to serving this important demographic.
The Program Manager in the JCC's Center for Jewish Life will support a diverse portfolio of initiatives, including holiday celebrations, educational offerings, cultural events, family and intergenerational programs, wellness and community-building experiences, volunteer opportunities, and Jewish learning initiatives. The position requires strong project management skills, operational excellence, collaboration across departments, and the ability to foster connection, as he or she will play a key role in a welcoming, inclusive, and meaningful Jewish experience for a broad community.
The Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center of Manhattan
Together with our community, the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan creates a welcoming and vibrant environment where individuals from all walks of life come together to connect, grow, and learn. Rooted in Jewish values, it is a cornerstone of the Upper West Side that provides something for every stage of life through a multifaceted array of offerings, spanning comprehensive children's and family programs, cutting-edge health and wellness, thought-provoking arts and culture, and vital social services. It imagines Jewish life that is inclusive and diverse, creating a supportive space for people of all backgrounds to engage, nurture their well-being, and find a deep sense of belonging.
Key Responsibilities
Jewish Program Planning & Execution
- Manage end-to-end coordination of Jewish life programs, events, and initiatives for children, teens, young adults, adults, older adults, and families (traditional or non-traditional)
- Develop detailed project timelines, production schedules, run-of-shows, staffing plans, and logistical workflows
- Coordinate calendars, space reservations, vendors, facilitators, clergy, educators, performers, and community partners
- Ensure programs are executed smoothly, professionally, and in alignment with organizational goals and Jewish values
- Collaborate with departments across the organization on programming in areas from children and family to health and wellness to arts and culture to social impact
Programming for People in their 20s and 30s
- As a central component of Jewish program work, play the lead role in independently creating, planning, and implementing a wide array of programs for the Ruben Center for 20s and 30s. Programs and events may include Shabbat dinners, holiday parties, social events, and programs to enrich Jewish identity, from text study to sports leagues.
- Manage all related budgetary and logistical components of 20's & 30's programs
- Coordinate and manage volunteers to plan and host events
Community Engagement & Membership Growth
- Leverage the JCC's membership base to deepen engagement, strengthen retention, and cultivate pathways for ongoing participation in Jewish life programming.
- Partner with membership and development teams to identify opportunities for cross-program participation, audience growth, and community-building
- Develop strategies to engage both existing members and new audiences across diverse demographics and stages of Jewish life
- Build and maintain relationships with community members, partner organizations, educators, and stakeholders
- Partner closely with Marketing and Engagement teams to support program promotion, participant engagement, and a culture of hospitality
Operations & Administration
- Oversee registration processes, participant communications, attendance tracking, and post-program evaluation in partnership with the Engagement team
- Manage program budgets, invoices, expense tracking, and vendor contracts in coordination with Finance and Operations teams
- Maintain accurate program records, databases, and reporting metrics
- Coordinate materials, supplies, catering, AV needs, and onsite event logistics
Program Evaluation & Impact Assessment
- Develop and implement tools and processes to assess program effectiveness, participant satisfaction, community impact, and alignment with organizational goals
- Analyze participation trends, engagement data, and qualitative feedback to inform program planning and continuous improvement
- Prepare reports and presentations summarizing program outcomes, attendance metrics, and impact for leadership, funders, and stakeholders
- Use data-driven insights to strengthen program reach, deepen participant engagement, and support strategic decision-making
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree completed or in progress
- 4 or more years of experience in non-profit program management or Jewish program management
- Strong organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail
- Experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Experience developing and implementing compelling events and public programs
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with diverse stakeholders
- Comfort working in a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, CRM, and registration systems, and project management tools
Preferred
- Success in audience development for public programs
- Experience with program evaluation, impact measurement, or community engagement analytics
- Experience in Jewish communal organizations, nonprofit settings, educational institutions, or cultural organizations
- Familiarity with Jewish culture, traditions, holidays, and communal life
WHAT WE OFFER
- Supportive, mission-driven work environment.
- Health Benefits such as Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance + more.
- Paid Vacation Time + a generous offering of Federal and Secular Holidays.
- 403(b) Retirement Savings Account
- Opportunities for professional development and mentorship
- Access to all the JCC's cultural, learning, arts, and film programs
- Investment in professional development and leadership skills
- Free fitness membership for the pool and health club
- Discounts on other JCC programs
Work Schedule This is a full-time position; however, a willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, is required, as many events occur during the evenings or on weekends.
Work Location This role is based in an office at our community center located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The JCC has an additional presence in Harlem.
Salary Range The position offers an annual salary of $70,000 – $80,000, commensurate with experience.
The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, marital status and civil partnership/union status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other characteristic as established and protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
To Apply Please visit mmjccm.org/careers to apply. Please submit a cover letter and resume.