Director of Jewish Life & Community Engagement

Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

JCC Harlem is seeking a Director of Jewish Life & Community Engagement to design and steward vibrant, relationship-centered programming that builds belonging and participation across its community. JCC Harlem is an initiative of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, in collaboration with UJA-Federation of NY, operating from a community center on West 118th Street. The organization is intentionally Jewish while creating opportunities for people with diverse identities and backgrounds to connect, grow, and learn. The position divides its time equally between leading the Jewish Life program area and co-leading Civic Life and Community Engagement with the Director of Administration and Community Building. The Director plans Jewish celebrations and learning experiences, builds relationships and partnerships, cultivates participant leadership, and oversees program operations, staffing, budgets, and participation goals. In the civic and community engagement area, the Director collaborates on neighborhood partnerships, service and volunteer opportunities, community-wide events, and intergroup dialogue. The role also contributes to cross-departmental programs, organizational planning, fundraising, evaluation, and special projects.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
At least 5 years of experience in community programming, Jewish communal work, Jewish children's enrichment, or related fields.
Demonstrated experience designing, producing, and leading participatory programs.
Strong community-building orientation and relational leadership style.
Knowledge of Jewish traditions, culture, and communal life.
Experience engaging diverse, multiracial, and interfaith communities.
Excellent organizational and project management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, independently and as part of a team.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as program needs require.

Nice To Haves

Jewish summer camp and/or experiential children's Jewish learning background.
Experience with Daxko, Salesforce, or other CRM systems.
Familiarity with metrics, evaluation, and community impact measurement.

Responsibilities

Plan and execute Jewish Life programming, including Shabbat gatherings, holiday festivals, neighborhood celebrations, participatory arts and ritual experiences, and experiential Jewish learning for children and families.
Design welcoming, accessible programs that center joy, belonging, and authentic community voice, reflecting Harlem's racial, cultural, and spiritual diversity.
Build relationships with community members and support their pathways into Jewish life, learning, and deeper engagement.
Develop and steward partnerships that strengthen the Jewish Life program area.
Partner with the Children's Enrichment team to align Jewish Life programming with the institution-wide children's enrichment philosophy and integrate Jewish content into children's and family offerings.
Cultivate participant leadership so community members can serve as creators, hosts, educators, and leaders.
Create Jewish learning and engagement curricula and program frameworks, and teach select experiential Jewish children's education offerings.
Plan and manage large-scale High Holidays programs and prayer services.
Oversee Jewish Life program operations, including logistics, run-of-show planning, vendor coordination, staffing, and budget management.
Develop recruitment strategies and meet participation and growth goals; set annual and seasonal calendars, participation targets, and registration benchmarks.
Manage program-area budgets and track expenses and income against benchmarks.
Supervise Jewish Life staff.
In partnership with the Director of Administration and Community-Building, build and deepen relationships with Harlem religious institutions and leaders, community-based organizations, businesses, civic leaders, and other neighborhood partners.
Lead community service and volunteer engagement with community-based organizations and Repair the World, including the MLK Community-Wide Weekend of Service and ongoing volunteer opportunities.
Develop and produce neighborhood-wide events and pop-ups that promote joyful participation, cross-cultural exchange, and relationship-building.
Develop and lead intergroup relationship-building and dialogue efforts across lines of difference.
Oversee Civic Life and Community Engagement program implementation and operations, including logistics, run-of-show planning, vendor coordination, staffing, and budget management.
Develop community engagement and recruitment strategies; set and manage annual and seasonal calendars, participation goals, and registration benchmarks.
Manage the Civic Life and Community Engagement budget in alignment with strategic priorities and program goals.
Lead selected cross-departmental arts, culture, family, and community programs, such as pop-up events and seasonal festivals.
Staff JCC Harlem Advisory Council Working Groups as relevant to program responsibilities.
Contribute to organization-wide program planning, innovation, fundraising, and strategic growth.
Assist with grant reporting, program evaluation, and impact documentation.
Support the Executive Director on special projects, initiatives, and community engagement priorities.