Director of Community Engagement & Volunteer Programs

Do you want to inspire hundreds of volunteers each month to feed hungry people? Are you committed to making the world a better place—one box of food at a time? Are you a dynamic leader with a proven ability to mobilize community groups, cultivate dedicated volunteers, and empower the next generation of Jewish leaders through meaningful educational experiences? Do you want to use your expertise in program management, experiential Jewish education, and community engagement to directly fuel relief efforts for thousands of families in need?

The Jewish Relief Agency (JRA) is seeking a Director of Community Engagement &  Volunteer Programs to lead, scale, and elevate our outstanding volunteer experience. For 25 years, JRA has been bringing together individuals of all means, ages, and backgrounds to address our community’s physical, social, and spiritual needs, satisfying our unique desire to do Chesed, while taking care of each other and doing good in the world. Built on the foundation of our monthly food distribution, our programs relieve the pangs of hunger, bring meaning to our recipients and volunteers, and build a caring and connected community. We are looking for an ambitious, hands-on leader who can champion our cause and ensure our dedicated network of over 10,000 volunteers continues packing and delivering food and critical supplies to 3,500 households each month throughout Greater Philadelphia.

The Director of Community Engagement & Volunteer Programs is responsible for creating and executing strategic volunteer recruitment and engagement, overseeing volunteer activities in our warehouse, cultivating deep relationships across synagogues, schools, and civic organizations, designing Jewish educational experiences that enrich the volunteer journey, and developing and overseeing all Leadership Academy programs, B'nai Mitzvah initiatives, and college-age volunteer programs.

Key Responsibilities

A. Volunteer Outreach & Warehouse Operations (Approx. 55%)

• Design, implement, and oversee high-level strategies for individual and group volunteer recruitment, retention, and outreach across the Greater Philadelphia region.
• Lead and manage large-scale volunteer mobilization for monthly Food Distributions, serving as the lead staff member on-site at JRA’s warehouse (approx. one week per month) to oversee check-in, route assignments, delivery, and safety protocols.
• Oversee the Delivery Route Owner Program, including tracking participation, reporting, and driving strategic recruitment of long-term committed volunteers.
• Manage high-volume communications, registration, confirmation, and follow-up processes with individuals and groups using Volunteer Local and distribution logistics materials.
• Direct distribution administrative tasks, route preparation, volunteer materials creation, and CRM/volunteer Local data management.
• Oversee and delegate duties to JRA professional staff, interns, and core leadership volunteers (e.g., Yellow Cappers and Route Owners) during operations and distribution days.

B. Community Engagement & Partnerships (Approx. 25%)

• Develop and facilitate engaging Jewish educational content, holiday-themed volunteer experiences, and cultural framing to deepen volunteers' connection to Jewish tradition and JRA’s mission.
• Build, nurture, and expand strategic partnerships with synagogues, day schools, early childhood centers, religious schools, corporate groups, and community organizations to attract new volunteer groups.
• Serve as JRA’s primary ambassador, delivering public presentations and workshops to diverse community partners to promote volunteer engagement and JRA’s core values.
• Co-Chair the Volunteer Engagement Committee, setting meeting agendas, scheduling, and leading monthly strategic discussions.
• Develop and maintain specialized community initiatives, including programs providing tailored volunteer opportunities for individuals living with physical and mental disabilities.
• Oversee volunteer recognition and appreciation programs, as well as community drives such as the annual School Supplies Drive, Holiday Gifts program, Birthday Cards, and Caring Cards initiatives.

C. Leadership Development & Youth Programs (Approx. 20%)

• Direct and oversee all JRA Leadership Academy programs—a 6-session, monthly interactive learning experience designed to train and empower the next generation of JRA leaders.
• Create, manage, and scale all B’nai Mitzvah and Junior Yellow Capper programs, driving recruitment and providing meaningful, tradition-rooted service projects for youth and families.
• Design, implement, and lead robust college-age volunteer programs and campus outreach initiatives to deepen engagement and Jewish identity among young adult cohorts.
• Oversee participant recruitment, curriculum enhancement, and program evaluation across all youth, student, and leadership development programs.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of demonstrated professional experience in nonprofit volunteer management, community organizing, or program leadership.
• Experience designing and delivering engaging, pluralistic Jewish educational or experiential learning programs for diverse, multi-generational audiences.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale operations or volunteer programs, with the ability to see the big picture while remaining highly detail-oriented.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution preferred.
• Deep familiarity with and strong knowledge of Jewish customs, traditions, texts, and community organizations.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and public speaking skills, with a proven ability to engage large audiences, community partners, and stakeholders across diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and experience with CRM navigation and reporting.
• Ability to stand for extensive periods of time and lift 25 pounds.
• Must have access to a reliable vehicle and a valid driver’s license.

Benefits and Salary

• Salary: $70,000 – $80,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Comprehensive benefits package, including a 403(b) retirement plan.
• Generous package for time away from work, including vacation, sick time, and Jewish and Federal holidays.
• Excellent professional development and leadership growth opportunities.

Next Steps

To apply, send your resume and a cover letter to [email protected]. In the subject line of your email, please reference the position title and your last name. (Example: Director of Community Engagement & Volunteer Programs_Rosenthal)