Associate Director of Program Operations, Jewish Life Department

The Associate Director of Program Operations ensures the smooth planning and execution of all programs, events, and lifecycle processes connected to Jewish Life at JCP.

This role reports to the Executive Director, with close collaboration and content guidance from the Head Rabbi (Director of Jewish Life).

You’ll partner with the Rabbis, Executive Director, Community Events Manager, and lay leaders to bring JCP’s Jewish Life vision to life, ensuring programs are beautifully executed, logistics are seamless, and our Rabbis are empowered to focus on spiritual and community leadership.

The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic self-starter with strong project management skills, excellent communication, and a warm, polished presence.

Key Responsibilities:

Jewish Life Department Operations

• Plan and maintain the annual Jewish Life calendar, ensuring accuracy and coordination across ECC, HSP, and Development teams.
• Develop and manage the Jewish Life department budget in collaboration with the Executive Director and Finance Director, incorporating input from the Rabbis on program priorities.
• Prepare departmental reports and updates for Board and Committee meetings.
• Supervise and support the Community Events Manager in delivering high-quality Jewish Life and lifecycle events (with performance management led by the Executive Director).
• Maintain CRM accuracy, ensuring all relevant member data and lifecycle details are recorded following interactions with clergy or lay leaders.

Jewish Life Programming & Events

• Partner with the Rabbis to plan and execute educational programs, holiday observances, speaker series, and special events.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Kindness Committee and Israel Committee, facilitating communication, tracking progress, and aligning efforts with JCP’s broader strategy.
• Coordinate logistics for High Holy Day services, including venues, materials, staffing, and youth programming (in partnership with the HSP Director).
• Plan and execute JCP’s annual community trip to Israel, managing logistics and partner relationships.

Lifecycle Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact for lifecycle inquiries, providing clear information about membership, policies, and requirements.
• Coordinate logistics and communications for lifecycle events and B’nai Mitzvah ceremonies (approximately 25 annually), including scheduling, staffing, and liaising with tutors and families.
• Maintain the lifecycle calendar, routing clergy assignments and approvals through the Head Rabbi.
• Ensure all relevant information and dates are tracked in the CRM for visibility across departments.

Stewardship & Community Engagement

• Support the Rabbis and Executive Director in their roles as community stewards by helping identify and track engagement opportunities with members and donors.
• Collaborate with staff and lay leadership to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and enhance the member experience.

Success in this Role Looks Like:

• Programs and lifecycle events run smoothly, on budget, and with strong attendance.
• The Rabbis can focus on pastoral, spiritual, and community leadership rather than logistics.
• Systems and calendars are accurate, integrated, and easily understood across departments.
• Families feel well-supported and informed throughout lifecycle milestones.
• Feedback from community members and staff reflects exceptional organization and responsiveness.

Requirements:

• 3–5 years of professional experience, preferably in a non-profit or Jewish communal setting.
• At least 1 year of supervisory experience (formal or project-based).
• Strong project management, organization, and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and interpersonal).
• Warm, professional demeanor and ability to build trust with staff, families, and volunteers.
• Comfort working collaboratively across multiple stakeholders and priorities.
• Familiarity with Jewish customs, lifecycle traditions, and holidays; deep knowledge not required but interest in learning is essential.
• Proficiency in HubSpot CRM (or similar), Monday.com, and Google Workspace.