Program Director, Diller Teens

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, up to 22 days of paid time off (starting with 15), up to 11 sick days (starting with 7), and up to 21 paid holidays. The salary range for this role is $60,000-$65,000.

What you’ll be responsible for:

You will be responsible for engaging Chicago Jewish 10th and 11th Graders in an innovative, inspiring yearlong program, including recruitment; curriculum adaptation; mentoring; and leading monthly workshops, Shabbatons, and travel to Israel. The Chicago Diller Teen Fellows program is part of a global network of 32 communities, 16 in the Diaspora and 16 in Israel. The Fellowship focuses on the development of Jewish identity, leadership, and Israel-Diaspora connections, and Tikkun Olam. In addition, this position will be an integral part of the Youth Initiatives Department, supporting its efforts to engage teens in a variety of programs.

Your first few months of this role will overlap with the current person in this role who will provide training and help you transition into this position. During this time, you will provide support for the broader Youth Initiatives team with their work. This will include recruitment of teens for community and JUF teen programs and facilitating opportunities for teens to share experiences in the Jewish community. Starting in July, you will take over the position with the Diller program full time including possible travel to Israel.  

What you’ll be doing: 

• Develop and lead scheduled workshops and retreats throughout the year in accordance with the Diller mission, vision, and goals (includes but is not limited to logistics, budget management, service-learning projects, and Israel Education).
• Manage the marketing, recruitment, interviewing and selection process for 20 participants in each annual cohort.
• Plan and manage all logistics related to workshops and retreats, service-learning projects, Israel education and travel planning, including overseeing the local budget.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to the 20 program participants, two Junior Counselors and Program Intern.
• Engage parents of participating teens.
• Design, co-lead and supervise, in partnership with your Israeli counterpart, seminars in Chicago & Israel.
• Participate in ongoing curriculum development and program evaluation in coordination with Diller International staff.
• Participate in local, national, and international conference calls and professional development seminars.
• Work with the staff of the Youth Initiatives Department in other teen engagement programs.
• Support JUF Campaign and mandatory campaign-related activities on an ongoing basis.

What you need to succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, social work, Jewish studies, or related field.
• 4+ years’ professional experience, including at least 3 years’ experience and success in developing and leading experiential education programs and mentoring Jewish teens.
• Understanding of and appreciation for Israeli culture, preferably including extended time in Israel and an understanding of Israeli history, politics and geography, and a basic knowledge of Hebrew
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, and oral communication skills
• Basic administrative and management skills including budgeting and scheduling.
• Ability to collaborate in an international partnership and to work with and contribute to an international peer network of Diller Teen Fellow Coordinators.
•  Availability to work nights and weekends, including a multi-week trip with the Fellows over the summer as well as additional travel during the year to a variety of conferences and  
• Physical requirements: Ability to drive, lift approximately 40 pounds, climb stairs, and participate in hiking-style activities.

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. We have a flexible schedule with core hours and the ability to work from home / remote a few days per week (for most positions) on a hybrid basis.

Job Category: Union Eligible