Purpose

The Director of Jewish Experiences is a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, passionate and visionary professional with a proven ability to develop, implement and manage a year-round calendar of Jewish programming opportunities and experiences. These programming opportunities include a variety of activities with overt Jewish content that bring Jewish and non-Jewish participants together to explore elements of Jewish traditions and cultures such as Jewish arts, literature, learning, language, history, holiday celebrations, meditation, character development, hands-on social projects, and much more. The Director can network, fundraise and build relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders while exploring and bringing creative ideas and national models to our programming. The Director is a member of The J’s Management Team and contributes to discussions and decisions that shape the organization as a whole.

A Collaboration: The J and Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City

The Director of Jewish Experiences position is supported by a collaboration between The J and Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. Much of the programming will be done under the collaboration, although some will be specific to The J and some will be specific to Jewish Federation. The Director of Jewish Experiences is an employee of The J and reports to the Chief Operating Officer of The J and will have the opportunity to receive mentorship and guidance from the Chief Planning Officer of the Jewish Federation. Leadership staff members from both organizations will help to shape, review and evaluate the Jewish Experiences position and programming. A committee of lay leaders appointed by both The J and Jewish Federation may also provide programmatic input and guidance.

About The J

Established in 1914, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City (“The J”) is open to people of all backgrounds and faiths, making it one of the most diverse and well-respected community centers in the Midwest. The J has over 11,000 individual members and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to its cultural, fitness, education, childcare, recreation, sports, theater, camping and senior adult programs.

About Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City

Since 1933, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City’s mission has been to sustain and enhance Jewish life here at home and around the world. Through our network of partners, we help feed, clothe, comfort and inspire those in our community through the programs we support.

Essential Functions

• Create, manage and deliver a year-round calendar of Jewish educational and cultural programs
• Design and deliver experiences that engage diverse audiences in celebrating, learning about and participating in Jewish life
• Ability to partner with other Jewish agencies, synagogues with a commitment to Jewish pluralism
• Collaborate with volunteer task forces and stakeholders to explore program ideas that address community interests and needs
• Interact with all J departments to offer insight on ensuring Jewish traditions and culture are incorporated into programming
• Provide ongoing education to The J’s staff about Jewish values, history, holidays and traditions
• Collaborate with staff of The J and the Campus to create and maintain an atmosphere that welcomes all visitors; conveys Jewish values and traditions; and provides opportunities for informal conversation
• Secure funding through grants and contributions
• Supervise the Community Israel Emissary and work with him/her to create Israel-related programming.
• Interact with The J’s and Jewish Federation’s Marketing departments to ensure timely and effective marketing of programs
• Supervise the local site director for the Florence Melton Mini-School
• Supervise support staff

• B.A. required; graduate degree in Jewish Education, Judaic Studies or related field is preferred
• Deep knowledge of Jewish history, culture and traditions
• At least five years of progressive experience in social and educational programming and program administration
• Self-motivated, proactive, visionary, and creative
• Manage multiple programs/projects at one time with superior organizational skills
• Build relationships with community lay leaders; lead and facilitate quarterly volunteer committee meetings
• Ability to articulate an inspiring Jewish vision
• Able to lead change
• Able to create and manage a budget using Excel
• Experience in a fundraising or a revenue-generating position
• Passionate about growing Jewish pride and identity and strengthening the Kansas City community by engaging Jews and non-Jews
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to motivate, inspire and convene
• Able to identify, develop and maintain relationships that further collaboration
• Proven teaching and public speaking skills
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Hands-on management style (able to roll up sleeves when necessary)
• Able to work an in-office schedule that includes evenings and weekends, depending on meetings and programs

Salary and Benefits

• Salary is competitive and commensurate with education and experience
• Medical, dental, vision, life and long term disability insurance
• Retirement plan with generous employer contribution and match
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Free Family Membership
• Generous staff discounts on preschool, summer camp and other J programs

About The J

The J is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. The J is Shabbat-Observant Friendly.

The mission of The J is to build a strong, vibrant and inclusive community that enhances wellness, meaning and joy based on Jewish values, heritage and culture. The J operates on these values:

• Welcoming + Inclusive - We are welcoming, inclusive and nurturing. We invite all to join us in making connections and lifelong friendships.
• Building Community - We believe in the strength of community and we seek to cultivate a sense of belonging in all we do.
• Enriching Mind + Body + Soul - We help individuals live a physically, intellectually, and emotionally healthy lifestyle.
• Passing on Jewish Culture + History - We celebrate and pass on the values, culture, history, and traditions of the Jewish people.
• Treat Others As You Wish To Be Treated - We treat everyone with respect, dignity and loving kindness.