About the PJCC:
First formed in the 19th Century to enable new immigrants to learn English, find housing, and promote community building, Jewish Community Centers soon became a hub of activity for people of all ages. Small classes for toddlers became early childhood departments; pools and steam rooms grew into full-fledged health, wellness, and recreation departments; and, as the population aged, information and services for seniors grew. Currently, there are over 250 JCCs (Jewish Community Centers) in North America, including 17 in California alone. Although each center is unique, they share the goal of providing programs and services that reinforce the life-affirming values and proud traditions we embrace.
Founded by a group of enthusiastic Jewish community members, the PJCC was brought to life in a rented home in Burlingame in 1948. A place of compassion and a symbol of unity to all, the PJCC quickly became popular among many San Mateo County residents. With demand for the Center growing by leaps and bounds, the tiny house was soon too small to support the needs of its membership, so the Center was moved to a storefront in San Carlos. By 1960, due to the Peninsula’s increasing population, the Board of Directors eagerly set out to find a new home yet again. In 1963, the PJCC purchased and opened a much larger facility on a 4+ acre site in the Belmont hills where it remained for the next 40 years.
The PJCC proudly opened its new 12-acre home in Foster City in May 2004. This momentous occasion came as the result of years of hard work, contributions and the dedication of hundreds of individuals banding together. For over 75 years, the PJCC has worked to inspire a sense of community in San Mateo County.
The PJCC’s Mission is that: We positively impact people’s lives, fostering belonging and meaningful connections with a diverse community, grounded in Jewish values and traditions.
Overview of the Role:
The North Peninsula is home to a growing Israeli population, including young families seeking connection to other Israeli families and to the larger Jewish community. The Israeli Community Engagement Manager will help position PJCC as a gathering place for Israeli community, where resources and support are available, and where Israelis can reaffirm their identity and ties to Israel. The Israeli Community Engagement Manager will provide and curate relevant programming and outreach services by partnering with community members to identify their own interests and needs, engage with each other, maintain their Israeli identity, and connect with the local Jewish eco-system.
This is a 12 hour/week role with hours that should respond to the needs of the community being served. Often, nights and weekends are the timeframe that will appeal for programs. This position reports to the Chief Jewish Experience Officer.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Lead the design, promotion and implementation of onsite and offsite activities for the Israeli community.
- Serve as the primary PJCC representative during events and facilitate relationship building among participants
- Serve as point of contact for Israeli community partners for programming collaboration
- Serve as part of PJCC's Jewish education team and program contributor for holiday events
- Partner with the PJCC program directors (preschool, after-school, Beged Kefet Hebrew classes, camps, adult programs, etc.) to enhance and increase opportunities for Israeli community to feel comfortable and excited to participate in these programs
- Partner with marketing department to create a “Israeli voice” and use social media to expand our reach to Hebrew speakers in North Peninsula
- Create an advisory group of community members to ensure this work is carried out in alignment with needs of the community
- Bring education and spirit of Israel to the general PJCC atmosphere
- Handle additional responsibilities as determined by CJEO
Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related field; 2 year minimum experience with Jewish Community Work, preferred
- Enthusiastic and friendly
- Organizational skills, ability to follow-through and meet deadlines; a reliable colleague
- Ability to communicate information clearly (written and oral) in Hebrew and English
- Have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Israeli culture
- Deep understanding of Jewish calendar year and themes, with a creative approach to integrating Jewish content into community-building activities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to create content
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word and PowerPoint
- Proven ability to work collaboratively and maintain long-term relationships within the local community and volunteers
- Willingness to work some night and weekend hours
- Represent the PJCC in a professional manner and provide excellent customer service.