Community Engagement Manager

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.

Key Essential

Job Duties:

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 Apache 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 procure, lift, move and set up program supplies (minimum 20 lbs) for direct program support.
• Stand for long periods and engage with adults of all ages.
• Possess strength and endurance to set up, facilitate/host and clean up events.
• Clear and effective communication with adult audience.
• Ability to climb stairs, access public and private transportation in emergencies.
• React with physical and mental alertness in emergency situations.
• Vision: distinguish colors, shades, brightness; focus ability.
• Maintain calm and perspective 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…