Manager of Special Projects Northbrook

Manager Of Special Projects (Full-Time
- Northbrook)

Reports to:

Senior Director, Community Engagement

Job Summary:

The Manager of Special Projects is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of a diverse portfolio of programs and strategic initiatives across JCC Chicago. This position manages projects that require cross-departmental collaboration, community partnerships, detailed logistics, and the ability to move from concept through implementation.

The Manager will oversee Maccabi, one-time specialty and community-responsive programs, Lake County program expansion, after-school enrichment and school days-off programming, and interactive lobby activations. The Manager will work closely with programs, marketing, operations, facilities, registration, and development teams to ensure that each initiative is thoughtfully planned, effectively promoted, financially responsible, and successfully executed.

Key Essential

Job Duties:

Leadership and Strategy:

• Maintain and grow JCC's reputation as a community leader in providing opportunities for cultural enrichment and engagement across all demographics.
• Create and implement a forward-thinking vision and strategies to provide many points of connection to enrich and inspire Jewish identity and build community for community members of all ages.
• Work with staff to maximize reach and impact and to ensure fiscal responsibility for department budget.

JCC Maccabi:

• Coordinate JCC Chicago's participation in JCC Maccabi, including athlete recruitment, registration, family communication, coach and delegation-head coordination, travel logistics, uniforms, scheduling, and required documentation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for participating families, coaches, host communities, and national JCC Maccabi representatives.
• Ensure that all participants meet program, travel, medical, behavioral, and safety requirements.
• Develop opportunities to strengthen the local Maccabi community before and after the Games.
• Manage the Maccabi budget, registration revenue, expenses, scholarships, and vendor relationships.
• Support the development of a positive delegation culture grounded in teamwork, Jewish values, sportsmanship, and community.

Specialty and Community-Responsive Programming:

• Plan and execute one-time specialty programs, including programs developed in response to current events, community interests, Jewish communal moments, or partnership opportunities.
• Coordinate programs such as Blooms for Bibas and other initiatives that bring community members together through education, service, reflection, advocacy, or creative engagement.
• Assess proposed opportunities for mission alignment, audience interest, operational feasibility, financial impact, and community relevance.
• Work with internal and external partners to develop meaningful and timely program content.
• Ensure that sensitive or community-responsive programs are implemented thoughtfully and in coordination with organizational leadership and Marketing and Communications.

Lake County:

• Support the development and implementation of an expanded JCC Chicago presence in Lake County.
• Identify community interests, program gaps, partnership opportunities, and potential program locations.
• Build and maintain relationships with synagogues, schools, community organizations, municipalities, businesses, and other Lake County partners.
• Develop pilot programs and evaluate participation, financial performance, community response, and opportunities for continued growth.
• Coordinate program calendars to establish a consistent and recognizable JCC presence in the region.
• Gather participant feedback and engagement data to inform future investment and expansion decisions.
• Act as onsite program manager for special events and secure staffing for effective execution of all community programming.

After-School Enrichment and School Days-Off Programming:

• Develop and coordinate after-school enrichment programs and programming offered when schools are closed.
• Identify program concepts, instructors, vendors, locations, schedules, and target audiences.
• Manage vendor outreach, contracts, insurance documentation, background screening, and program requirements.
• Coordinate registration, transportation, staffing, space reservations, supplies, and participant communication.
• Monitor enrollment and financial performance and make recommendations regarding continuation, modification, or expansion.
• Build partnerships with Early Childhood programs, schools, camps, synagogues, and community organizations to expand participation.
• Ensure that programs complement existing school and partner offerings rather than unnecessarily duplicating them.

Lobby Activations:

• Develop engaging lobby activations across multiple sites that connect visitors to Jewish holidays, cultural moments, community initiatives, JCC programs, volunteer opportunities, and organizational priorities.
• Create an annual activation calendar in partnership with program departments and Marketing and Communications.
• Coordinate the design,…