Director of Jewish Engagement

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for deepening the JCC’s identity as a vibrant, innovative and inclusive Jewish space – one that celebrates diversity, fosters connection, and inspires belonging. Working across various JCC departments, including, but not limited to early childhood, children, youth and families, The Second Floor, AgeWell, and day and overnight camp, the Director will drive the integration of Jewish content and values into programs and experiences for all ages and stages of life. This role will be an active participant in the work of the Center for Loving Kindness (CFLK), bridging the JCC to diverse faith traditions and other like-minded nonprofits and community members.

The Director will work collaboratively with JCC staff and core partners to create accessible and relevant Jewish programming, support the community in celebrating holidays, and provide pastoral care and guidance. Whether facilitating Jewish learning, leading thought-provoking discussions, or representing the Jewish community in diverse circles, the Director will play a vital role in shaping a welcoming and pluralistic Jewish environment at the JCC. This position is part of an organization that serves the multi-faceted needs of both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Development & Implementation:

Implements a vision for Jewish engagement that is accessible, inclusive, and inspiring to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Supports the ongoing work of the Center for Loving Kindness, offering programs and partnerships to further broad reaching civic engagement.
Designs and implements meaningful and creative Jewish learning and cultural programs for children, teens, adults, and families, aligned with the JCC’s mission and values serving the members.
Provides leadership and content support for Jewish and Israeli cultural celebrations, holidays, and commemorations at the JCC and across the community.
Serves as a thought and program partner for JCC staff to ensure that Jewish learning, tradition, and values are reflected in programming, communications, and community partnerships.
Relationship Building & Community Partnerships:

Strengthens relationships between the JCC and local synagogues, schools, and Jewish agencies to promote shared learning and collaboration.
Develops and strengthens partnerships with new and existing organizations (local, Israeli, and global) with a focus on the Jewish ecosystem in greater Pittsburgh. Represents the organization in community and national Jewish networks as needed.
Develops and strengthens partnerships with other faith groups, building on the collaborations from the CFLK and developing new relationships.
Helps to support strong connections with Israel, including program partnerships, educational exchanges, and Israel engagement opportunities.
Develops meaningful relationships with members, families, and staff that build trust and foster a sense of belonging.
Represents the JCC in community-wide Jewish engagement initiatives and coalitions.
Staff & Organizational Development:

Provides professional development and learning opportunities for staff to increase comfort, confidence, and fluency in Jewish values and practices.
Counsels and supports the infusion of Jewish content and peoplehood into operational plans and programs, serving as a consultant and coach to staff on weaving Jewish content naturally into their work.
Models inclusive, pluralistic Jewish leadership that honors diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and expressions of Jewish identity.
Administrative & Operational Responsibilities:

Assists in acquiring financial resources for Jewish engagement initiatives and the development of program and financial reports to donors and grantmaking organizations.
Evaluates the effectiveness of programs and partnerships, identifying areas for growth and innovation.
Participates in board meetings and select committees, providing information, reports, and recommendations relevant to the JCC’s role in Jewish engagement, as needed.
General Responsibilities:

Possesses deep knowledge of Jewish culture, values, rituals, and contemporary issues, with an appreciation for pluralism and diversity in meeting individual and community needs; Jewish community, Jewish peoplehood, Jewish customs and celebrations and commitment to Israel’s right to exist as an independent Jewish state.
Pursues opportunities for professional growth while maintaining high standards for clear, concise, and timely communication.
Possesses a collaborative spirit and a team-player mentality, paired with the ability to work independently when needed.
Ability to relate to multiple constituencies including the CEO, Board of Directors, staff, members, organizational partners, community leaders and volunteers.
Works effectively with other key JCC departments to provide effective and efficient service
Ability to define problems, develop solutions, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid
Ability to manage and balance a variety of responsibilities in a fast-paced environment under tight time constraints.
Ensures adherence to and integration of the agency core values (shared lenses) Masa (reflection, return & renewal), B’Tzelem Elohim (dignity and potential), B’rit (belonging & commitment), Hit’orerut (amazement & gratitude), D’rash (inquiry, dialogue & transmission), K’dushah (intentionality & presence) and Tikkun Olam (responsibility).
Recognizes that the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh gathers individuals representing diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and practices.
Creates a warm and welcoming
Maintains a high degree of organization and attention to
Adheres to Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh policies and
Actively participates in the agency’s intra-departmental continuous quality improvement “Everyone, Every Day, Closer to Better.”
Actively promotes and maintains agency customer service
Ensures compliance with all state, federal and local regulating
Generates necessary reports and documentation as needed and/or
Ability to communicate verbally and in
Ability to operate personal computers (hardware and software).
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, as
Ability to travel, as
Ability to perform other related duties, as needed and/or

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree is required and an advanced degree in Jewish Education, Jewish Communal Service, or ordination as clergy is preferred with at least 3-5 years of professional experience in Jewish education, engagement, or community programming. Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders such as staff, synagogues, and national networks; familiarity with JCC’s is a plus.

CERTIFICATIONS:
PA Criminal History Clearance

PA Child Abuse Clearance

FBI Clearance

PA Mandated Reporter

Training First Aid/CPR Certification