USY enables Jewish teens to create meaningful Jewish experiences. For 73 years, USY has equipped young Jews with the skills, values and confidence essential to become strong leaders in their religious and secular communities.
USY offers Jewish experiences that support and connect youth as they navigate the joys and challenges of growing up. Through Jewish education and shared experiences, youth discover their passions, realize their potential and find their place in a lifelong supportive community.
USY ensures safe spaces for teen participants to broaden their horizons by exploring, sharing, listening, challenging, empathizing, supporting and thriving in order to pave the way for the next generation of Jewish youth.
USY empowers teens to build relationships that elevate, leadership skills that make an impact and a sense of belonging to the Jewish People and Israel, along with a commitment to inspired Jewish living through meaningful and fun experiences rooted in Conservative Judaism’s approach to experiential learning, spiritual expression and social responsibility.
Through year-round programming, immersive experiences, domestic and international opportunities and connections, USY inspires teens to share a deep sense of pride and love for their Jewish identity.
Our Team’s Core Values
At USY, our team seeks to live our core values every single day: Collaboration, Dedication to the Mission, Generosity of Spirit, Innovation and Adaptability, Integrity, Solution Orientation and Striving for Excellence are guiding principles that shape our culture and drive our success.
To learn more about us, visit www.usy.org.
Position Summary:
The Department of USY oversees all USY programming, communications, and strategy. The department manages all aspects of the planning and preparation of USY events that occur throughout the year, across North America. Members of the department are responsible for facilitating engagement with Jewish youth at regional, national, and virtual levels.
The Community Director plays a vital role in fostering vibrant and welcoming communities for Jewish teens and youth. Utilizing a community-based approach, the Director works daily to maximize touchpoints for Jewish middle and high school youth. In collaboration with congregations and other community organizations, the Director creates compelling, innovative programs and events that engage youth both within and outside of the synagogue walls.
The Director supervises the CHUSY Israel Engagement Specialist (Part-Time), as well as the Community Engagement Intern.
Key Responsibilities:
- Programming and Collaboration
- Oversee the overall operations of designated USY community/communities, ensuring a positive and inclusive experience for teens.
- Facilitate connection, communication and collaboration among teens in the community to foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
- Develop and implement engaging programs and events that align with USY’s mission and address the interests of teens in the community.
- Build strong relationships with USY teens and youth as well as community advisors, synagogue leaders and parents.
- Collaborate with other Jewish organizations in the area to maximize engagement opportunities.
- Collaborate with USY International staff and partners to implement international initiatives on a local level that connect teens to international opportunities.
- Evaluate the impact of programs and initiatives and adjust to increase effectiveness.
- Recruit, train, empower and mentor teen leaders to take active roles within the USY community.
- Support teen leaders in implementing community-wide programs and initiatives to increase participation.
- Stay current on issues and emerging trends impacting Jewish teens and integrate these into leadership development opportunities.
- Frame a positive and supportive work environment with USCJ’s shared staff values of: collaboration, dedication to the mission, generosity of spirit, innovation and adaptability, integrity, solution orientation and striving for excellence; be accountable for “living the values” in daily work relationships and work product/outcomes.
*This list is not exhausting; may take on additional responsibilities as needed and/or assigned by Manager.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Jewish Education, Jewish Studies or similar field preferred
- 2 to 5 years or more relevant work experience
- Passion for USY’s mission and commitment to empowering Jewish teens
- Significant knowledge of youth development, teen issues and emerging trends, teen engagement and experiential Jewish education
- Experience in immersive Jewish education
- Strong understanding of Jewish youth culture and experience
- Familiarity with the religious practices of Conservative Judaism
- Experience leading teams and projects
- Excellent communication (verbal, written and interpersonal) and organizational skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and multitask
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work in person in a designated community
- Knowledge of how to successfully engage teens on social media platforms preferred
- Proficient in Google Workspace; knowledge of CRMs and other customer platforms preferred; ability to learn online systems and programs quickly; and proficient with video conferencing technologies
Location:
The majority of the Community Director’s responsibilities can be carried out remotely, with an in-person workspace available at the USY office in Northfield, IL
The role also requires regular in-person synagogue and school visits, and attendance at community and local programs as needed, within the Greater Chicago area
Schedule:
Monday through Friday; requires attendance at evening meetings and weekend programs and conventions
Travel:
Requires travel for site visits, programs and conventions
Salary Range:
$65,000 – $70,000
USY/USCJ is an Equal Opportunity Employer.