Are you looking for a mission-driven non-profit where your skills can help people in need around the world? At the Jewish United Fund (JUF), we take pride in our mission and in having a work culture that fosters a sense of belonging and feels rewarding, supportive, and inclusive. We have a hybrid schedule and offer generous benefits including a 401(k) match, 22 days of paid time off, 11 sick days, and up to 21 paid holidays. The salary range for this role is $70,000-$80,000.

What you’ll be responsible for:

You will manage and support all aspects of Chicago’s Shinshinim Program. Shinshinim are Israeli high school graduates serving Jewish communities around the world prior to their mandatory Israeli army service. In this role, you will serve as a mentor and advisor to the Shinshinim and will play a lead role in overseeing their training, work placement, program development, host family relationships, and cultural integration. Key responsibilities include coordinating activities of Shinshinim across multiple greater Chicago venues to help them get to know the Chicagoland community and meet their goals to enhance Israel education and cultural engagement. You will serve as the primary liaison between Shinshinim and host organizations, ensuring smooth operations and effective communication. You will also play a key role in supporting visiting student delegations from the partnership region.

This position operates as part of the JUF Teens Department of JUF’s Community, Outreach and Engagement division, supporting its efforts to engage teens in a variety of programs.

What you’ll be doing:

• Plan and manage all logistics related to Shinshinim training and work placement before their arrival and during their year in Chicago.
• Support Shinshinim in creating and implementing educational programs about Israel for various community organizations and schools.
• Provide pastoral care and guidance to Shinshinim, helping them adjust to local culture and manage their schedules.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to Shinshinim.
• Manage expectations and the ongoing relationship with local organizations, conduct site visits and regular check ins.
• Conduct regular check-ins with Shinshinim, and with host families and families in Israel as needed.
• Coordinate logistics for host family placements, transportation, work schedule and educational activities.
• Participate in conference calls and professional development seminars with JAFI and other Shinshinim supervisors.
• Support JUF programming involving visiting delegations of Israeli students and meet-ups with partnership region in coordination with Partnership staff in the Planning and Allocations Department.
• Participate in weekly JUF Teens meetings and support relevant engagement activities.

What you need to succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, social work, Jewish studies, or related field.
• 4+ years’ professional experience, including developing and leading experiential education programs and mentoring Jewish teens.
• Fluency in English and Hebrew
• Understanding of and appreciation for Israeli culture, preferably including extended time in Israel, an understanding of Israeli history, politics and geography, and proficiency in the Hebrew language.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Basic administrative and management skills, including budgeting and scheduling.
• Comfort working a flexible schedule and availability to work nights and weekends, including travel during the year to a variety of conferences and trainings.

Our Schedule:

We have a hybrid work policy to allow staff the flexibility to work from home / remotely on Mondays and Fridays. Tuesdays-Thursdays, the standard work location is 30 South Wells Street in Chicago, and staff are expected to work in person. We have a 36.5 hour work week, not a 40 hour work week. Our work hours are 8:30am-5pm Monday-Thursday and 8:30am-4pm Friday with a daily 1 hour lunch break. This role also involves working some nights and weekends.

What you’ll love about us:

At JUF, you can be part of one of the largest non-profit social welfare institutions in Illinois. We provide food, refuge, healthcare, education, emergency assistance, and essential services to 500,000 Chicagoans of all faiths and millions of Jews around the world. We offer medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with base contribution and match, additional health and wellness benefits, financial benefits, professional training, tuition reimbursement, paid family leave, and much more.