Manager of Special Projects (Full-Time- Northbrook)

Job Description

Job Description

Reports to:  Senior Director, Community Engagement

Job Summary:  

The Manager of Special Projects is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of a diverse portfolio of programs and strategic initiatives across JCC Chicago. This position manages projects that require cross-departmental collaboration, community partnerships, detailed logistics, and the ability to move from concept through implementation.

The Manager will oversee Maccabi, one-time specialty and community-responsive programs, Lake County program expansion, after-school enrichment and school days-off programming, and interactive lobby activations. The Manager will work closely with programs, marketing, operations, facilities, registration, and development teams to ensure that each initiative is thoughtfully planned, effectively promoted, financially responsible, and successfully executed.

At the Hecktman Family JCCs of Chicago, we are focused on growing good kids, building communities, and educating ourselves on the past to make a difference for the future. The largest JCC in North America, Hecktman Family JCCs of Chicago offers a life-affirming journey that builds on the richness and power of Jewish values and continues to reimagine them for a more connected, inspired community.

Key Essential Job Duties:  

Leadership and Strategy:

• Maintain and grow JCC’s reputation as a community leader in providing opportunities for cultural enrichment and engagement across all demographics. 
• Create and implement a forward-thinking vision and strategies to provide many points of connection to enrich and inspire Jewish identity and build community for community members of all ages. 
• Work with staff to maximize reach and impact and to ensure fiscal responsibility for department budget.

JCC Maccabi

• Coordinate JCC Chicago’s participation in JCC Maccabi, including athlete recruitment, registration, family communication, coach and delegation-head coordination, travel logistics, uniforms, scheduling, and required documentation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for participating families, coaches, host communities, and national JCC Maccabi representatives.
• Ensure that all participants meet program, travel, medical, behavioral, and safety requirements.
• Develop opportunities to strengthen the local Maccabi community after and after the Games.
• Manage the Maccabi budget, registration revenue, expenses, scholarships, and vendor relationships.
• Support the development of a positive delegation culture grounded in teamwork, Jewish values, sportsmanship, and community.

Specialty and Community-Responsive Programming

• Plan and execute one-time specialty programs, including programs developed in response to current events, community interests, Jewish communal moments, or partnership opportunities.
• Coordinate programs such as Blooms for Bibas and other initiatives that bring community members together through education, service, reflection, advocacy, or creative engagement.
• Assess proposed opportunities for mission alignment, audience interest, operational feasibility, financial impact, and community relevance.
• Work with internal and external partners to develop meaningful and timely program content.
• Ensure that sensitive or community-responsive programs are implemented thoughtfully and in coordination with organizational leadership and Marketing and Communications.

Lake County

• Support the development and implementation of an expanded JCC Chicago presence in Lake County.
• Identify community interests, program gaps, partnership opportunities, and potential program locations.
• Build and maintain relationships with synagogues, schools, community organizations, municipalities, businesses, and other Lake County partners.
• Develop pilot programs and evaluate participation, financial performance, community response, and opportunities for continued growth.
• Coordinate program calendars to establish a consistent and recognizable JCC presence in the region.
• Gather participant feedback and engagement data to inform future investment and expansion decisions.
• Act as onsite program manager for special events and secure staffing for effective execution of all community programming.

After-School Enrichment and School Days-Off Programming

• Develop and coordinate after-school enrichment programs and programming offered when schools are closed.
• Identify program concepts, instructors, vendors, locations, schedules, and target audiences.
• Manage vendor outreach, contracts, insurance documentation, background screening, and program requirements.
• Coordinate registration, transportation, staffing, space reservations, supplies, and participant communication.
• Monitor enrollment and financial performance and make recommendations regarding continuation, modification, or expansion.
• Build partnerships with Early Childhood programs, schools, camps, synagogues, and community organizations to expand participation.
• Ensure that programs complement existing school and partner offerings rather than unnecessarily duplicating them.

Lobby Activations

• Develop engaging lobby activations across multiple sites that connect visitors to Jewish holidays, cultural moments, community initiatives, JCC programs, volunteer opportunities, and organizational priorities.
• Create an annual activation calendar in partnership with program departments and Marketing and Communications.
• Coordinate the design, installation, maintenance, staffing, and removal of activations.
• Develop interactive elements that encourage participation, conversation, learning, and connection.
• Evaluate engagement with lobby activations and identify opportunities to connect participants to additional JCC programs and experiences.

Administrative and Operational Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor project and program budgets.
• Process invoices, contracts, purchase requests, and program expenses in accordance with organizational procedures.
• Work with Marketing and Communications to develop promotional timelines, program descriptions, registration materials, and participant communications.
• Coordinate with facilities, security, technology, transportation, and operations teams regarding program requirements.
• Track enrollment, attendance, participant demographics, revenue, expenses, partnerships, and engagement outcomes.
• Follow up with all special events leads at Lake County.
• Act as point of contact and lead Garoon Gateway to Science Field Trips.
• Prepare weekly schedule of events for onsite staff and facilities; attend building meetings to ensure that all program and events setups are accurate and visitors logged.
• Prepare program reports and recommendations for organizational leadership.
• Ensure compliance with JCC Chicago policies, safety procedures, accessibility expectations, and applicable screening requirements.
• Provide onsite program leadership, including occasional evening and weekend responsibilities.

Essential Job Duties/Physical Duties:  

• Demonstrate physical stamina and agility required to be mobile for long periods throughout the day.
• Ability to physically procure, lift, move and set up program supplies (minimum 20 lbs) for direct program support.

• Stand for long periods of time and be able to actively engage with adults of all ages.
• Possess strength and endurance required to set up, facilitate/host and clean up events.
• Clearly and effectively communicate in a manner that adults understand.
• Ability to climb stairs, access public and private transportation. (in the case of an emergency).
• React with physical and mental alertness in emergency situations.
• Vision – must be able to distinguish between colors, shades, and brightness with ability to focus. 
• Maintain a sense of calm and perspective with physical and mental alertness during stressful times.

Days/Hours/%Travel:  

The position will generally operate Monday–Friday, 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate program schedules. Must be able to attend events and programs scheduled on evenings and weekends. Frequent travel across the greater Chicagoland area. 

Direct Reports (titles and FTE%):  

NA

Indirect Reports (titles and FTE%):  

NA

Job Category:  
Management 

Salary Range:  
$58,000 - $62,500 

Education Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s Degree Required: Non-Profit Management, or related degree preferred 

Other Requirements:  

• Minimum of 4 years of demonstrated success developing, facilitating, and growing cultural and experiential learning programs; experience creating and implementing Jewish programming preferred.
• Ability to demonstrate and lead with JCC Chicago’s Four Core Values: Self-Leadership and Accountability, Creativity and Innovation, Teamwork and Collaboration, and Customer Service.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and communication skills with the ability to effectively engage program participants, vendors, colleagues, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated dependability, timeliness, flexibility, adaptability, accountability, and follow-through.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Salesforce, or similar databases, with the ability to learn new systems as needed.
• Passion for working collaboratively as part of a team dedicated to Jewish adult education, engagement, and outreach.
• Ability to recognize, prevent, and appropriately address behavioral concerns while consistently modeling and reinforcing the values of caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility.
• Experience developing and implementing programs that meet the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs of adults ages 22–102.
• Demonstrated success building new programs and enhancing existing offerings to increase participant engagement and achieve business goals.
• Experience with data management, reporting, and budget development and oversight.
• Proven ability to work effectively as a member of a collaborative team.
• Must be able to work some evening and weekend events.
• Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license for at least 24 months, proof of insurance (minimum $250,000 liability coverage), and the ability to travel between JCC Chicago sites.

Employee Benefits:

The Hecktman Family JCCs of Chicago offers a suite of comprehensive benefits to full time staff including:

• Flexible Work Schedule
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Participation in a 401(K) plan with matching contributions
• Life insurance and short/long term disability coverage
• Generous paid time off, sick time, and paid observance of secular and Jewish religious holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Uniquely JCC Benefits

• Free fitness membership at JCC Chicago community centers and aquatics facilities
• Meaningful discounts on JCC Chicago programming, including day and overnight camp, Early Childhood, and event rentals
• Professional development opportunities with the JUF/Jewish Federation

The Hecktman Family JCCs of Chicago is an equal opportunity agency that offers programs for all ages and abilities. Our goal is to foster relationships, build our community, and create connections that will enable our mission to reach a larger impact. We welcome you to join us in building your career, as we build a stronger community.