POSITION SUMMARY
The David Posnack Jewish Community Center (DPJCC) is proud to launch a newly established Department of Jewish Engagement in Fall 2025. The Director of Jewish Engagement will lead and implement strategic programming designed to inspire and connect individuals of all ages to Jewish life and Israel. This leadership role will oversee three key areas:
• Maccabi Tzair youth movement
• Israeli programming
• Supervision of Israeli Shlichim (emissaries)
The Director will collaborate closely with internal departments, community partners, and national and international organizations to create meaningful Jewish experiences for the South Florida community.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversight of Maccabi Tzair Fort Lauderdale
• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Maccabi Tzair, a global Jewish youth movement fostering Jewish identity and a connection to Israel among teens.
• Ensure a consistent and supportive presence during Saturday youth programming, including morning preparation sessions with Madrichim (teen counselors) and post-program debriefs.
• Attend weekly planning meetings with the Hanaga (leadership team) and Madrichim.
• Actively participate in major Maccabi Tzair events, including leadership seminars, Shabbatons, Challah Bake, Machane (Camping Trip), MIT (Madrichim in Training) Graduation, national/international trips, and special events
• Oversight of the Maccabi Tzair Parent Committee; staff liaison will be the Maccabi Tzair Director.
• Continuously assess and elevate program quality, engagement, and impact with a focus on cultivating confident, knowledgeable Jewish teen leaders.
Leadership of Israeli Programming
• Together with the Israel Engagement Coordinator and the Community Shaliach, design, execute and lead an innovative and diverse calendar of Israeli cultural events, featuring authors, lecturers, musicians, chefs, and artists, in collaboration with the Arts, Culture & Education (ACE) department.
• Oversee planning and implementation of national commemorations and celebrations such as Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) and Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day).
Note: Yom HaShaoh, Holocaust Remembrance Day, falls under the supervision of the George Gottlieb Institute, a part of the DPJCC’s ACE department.
• Foster DPJCC and community-wide education and advocacy to deepen understanding and support for Israel.
Supervision of Israeli Shlichim
• Direct and support the DPJCC's Israeli Shlichim provided by the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI):
o RootOne Shaliach: Focused on teen engagement and increasing participation in Israeli experiences and education.
o Community Shaliach: Engaged with Maccabi Tzair, community partnerships, and Israeli cultural initiatives.
• Facilitate successful integration, professional development, and goal-setting for emissaries.
Development of the Jewish Engagement Committee (JEC)
• Recruit, develop, and lead a volunteer Jewish Engagement Committee to assist with programming vision, strategy, and implementation.
• Collaborate with committee chairs to set annual goals, coordinate quarterly or bi-monthly meetings, and maintain alignment with community needs.
Budget & Organizational Collaboration
• Develop, manage, and monitor the department’s annual budget.
• Build and nurture strategic partnerships with local and national Jewish agencies, including the Jewish Federation, synagogues, and Israel-related organizations.
• Represent the DPJCC at relevant community meetings and events.
• Support additional initiatives/special projects as directed by the Chief Program Officer.
Meetings and Cross-Department Collaboration
• Attend and contribute to:
o Bi-weekly Department Head Meetings and Program Staff Meetings
o Weekly Jewish Engagement Team Meetings
o Maccabi Tzair leadership meetings
o Jewish Engagement Committee meetings
o Additional program-specific meetings as needed
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
• Extensive knowledge of Jewish history, culture, values, and traditions, with a deep personal and/or professional connection to Israel
• Strategic thinker with the ability to innovate and implement compelling programs
• Exceptional leadership and supervisory experience, especially in youth or community engagement settings
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and team-building skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with keen attention to detail
• Ability to inspire, mentor, and work collaboratively with staff, teens, volunteers, and community partners
• Technologically proficient (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Platform, Microsoft Teams)
WORK SCHEDULE
This is a full-time, salaried (exempt) position, averaging 40+ hours per week. Availability on Saturdays is required, with approximately 26–27 Saturdays annually, in addition to occasional Friday night Shabbat events and weekend seminars. Flexibility for evening and weekend commitments is essential.