Executive Director
Jewish Neighborhood Development Council of Chicago (JNDC)
Reports to: Board President / Board of Directors
Position Type: Part-Time (approximately 20 hours per week)
Location: Remote
About JNDC
Jewish Neighborhood Development Council of Chicago (JNDC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the vibrancy and desirability of West Rogers Park and surrounding areas. Through advocacy and public engagement, JNDC develops programs to enhance the neighborhood, enrich community life, promote economic vitality, improve community safety, and reinforce community pride.
Unique among Jewish organizations, JNDC’s mission empowers us to pivot to embrace emerging opportunities. From finding government funds to help shopkeepers beautify their storefronts, to leading advocacy efforts for new parks and libraries, to collaborating with the Chicago Bird Alliance on free guided nature walks, to organizing coalitions to improve neighborhood safety, JNDC works to sustain and enhance the value of living in Chicago’s flagship Jewish neighborhood and the Jewish community’s only major foothold in the City of Chicago.
Position Overview
JNDC seeks a part-time Executive Director to work collaboratively with the President and Board of Directors to follow through on established goals and to develop new initiatives. The ED will manage projects, day-to-day organizational operations and organizational administration.
The ED meets regularly with and reports directly to the President, communicates with board members regarding meetings, fundraising, and other matters as they arise, and reports to the Board at quarterly meetings.
The ideal candidate values Jewish community, cooperative enterprise, and the opportunity to make a visible impact.
Key Job Requirements and Responsibilities
Provide professional leadership of all JNDC projects, administration, and communications.
Serve as JNDC’s representative and liaison to elected officials, shopkeepers, Jewish agencies, community leaders, and other nonprofit organizations.
Work constructively with individuals of diverse backgrounds to build coalitions and advance common goals.
Collaborate effectively with JNDC leadership and respond constructively to feedback.
Advocate for programs and policies that enhance neighborhood safety, business vitality, and other community interests.
Administration and Operations
Manage budgeting, bill payment, banking, reporting, and compliance in cooperation with the bookkeeper, treasurer, and CPA.
Supervise part-time staff, contractors, and volunteers.
Coordinate with JNDC’s Program and Outreach Coordinator, who develops and manages programming at Park 538 (Touhy and Kedzie).
Marketing and Communications
Produce communications highlighting programs, advocacy, and community achievements.
Oversee digital presence, social media, and Mailchimp communications for updates and fundraising appeals.
Manage board communications in advance of meetings.
Fundraising and Development
Facilitate donor stewardship and board giving efforts.
Prepare grant proposals and follow-up reports (including JUF).
Identify new funding opportunities to support JNDC’s growth.
Qualifications
Experience in nonprofit management, community development, or related fields.
Strong communication and project-management skills.
Experience in fundraising, CRM systems, and financial management.
Connection to the community with an understanding of its character and pride in its history.
Ability to develop trusted relationships that foster collaboration and shared purpose.
Ability to work independently in a flexible, part-time environment.
Social media and traditional media experience.
Computer literate, with proficiency in spreadsheets, Word, and Google Workspace tools.
Compensation
Commensurate with experience and scope of responsibilities (approximately 20 hours per week).
The Executive Director provides both visionary and hands-on leadership to advance JNDC’s mission. This role oversees all aspects of operations, including advocacy, community partnerships, programs, administration, marketing, and fundraising. Reporting directly to the President and Board of Directors, the Executive Director manages day-to-day activities, cultivates essential relationships, and leads advocacy efforts for initiatives that strengthen and benefit the community.