Travel Program Manager

Overview

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County (“Federation”) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming, inspiring, and saving lives in the Palm Beaches and 70 countries around the world. Our mission is to strengthen Jewish identity, energize the relationship with Israel, and meet human needs that are uniquely the obligation of the Jewish community.

Position Summary

The Program Manager, Special Initiatives plays a dynamic role within the Executive Department, balancing operational program management with strategic organizational initiatives. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, this role is responsible for designing and managing Federation travel and engagement programs while also supporting cross-department initiatives that advance organizational priorities and strategic goals.

Approximately 70% of this role focuses on the development and execution of educational and cultural travel experiences to Israel and destinations worldwide. The remaining 30% supports strategic initiatives led by the Chief of Staff in collaboration with executive leadership and managers across departments.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage 4–6 annual customized travel experiences for diverse groups including donors of all giving levels, educators, community allies, and young professionals.
• Lead relationships with tour operators, destination partners, and vendors to execute all program logistics including itineraries, accommodations, transportation, and participant materials.
• Serve as the primary liaison between participants, Federation staff, and travel partners, ensuring clear communication and a seamless program experience throughout the planning and execution process.
• Develop, manage, and monitor program budgets, ensuring financial accuracy, cost effectiveness, and compliance with internal requirements.
• Accompany select travel programs to provide on-site program management and strengthen partner relationships, typically not exceeding once per year and based on organizational priorities.
• Gather cross-departmental input to develop a cohesive annual portfolio of travel and engagement experiences that deepen participants’ connection to Federation’s mission and community impact.
• Lead the planning and execution of 2–3 annual donor engagement tours (“Take Action Tours”) to Federation’s local partner organizations, highlighting the organization’s impact in the community.
• Evaluate program outcomes and participant feedback to continuously improve travel and engagement experiences.
• Manage cross-functional projects on behalf of the Chief of Staff, working with senior leadership and department heads to drive initiatives from planning through implementation and evaluation.
• Support additional Chief of Staff initiatives including strategic plan implementation tracking, board governance projects, and organizational policy development.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and operational efficiency and support implementation of improvements in collaboration with executive leadership.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• The qualifications listed below are a guide, not a checklist. If you’re excited about this work and bring most of what we’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail with proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills—both written and verbal.
• Ability to build trusted relationships and work effectively, respectfully, and collaboratively with lay leaders and with colleagues across departments and at all levels of the organization.
• High level of confidentiality, discretion, and professional integrity.
• Self-starter who takes initiative.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and Zoom.
• Ability to occasionally work flexible hours, especially in consideration of time differences for communication with partners overseas.
• Availability to work a minimum of 3 local Federation events annually.
• Must pass Level 1 background check.

Work Environment and Benefits

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County is committed to creating a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and connected to our mission. Our offices are located in a beautiful facility in West Palm Beach, providing a professional and welcoming environment for both staff and visitors. The building is secured during business hours with dedicated safety personnel to help ensure a safe and supportive workplace.

Federation prioritizes employee well-being and professional growth through a collaborative culture and a dedicated employee wellness program that promotes physical, mental, and emotional health. Employees also benefit from a wide range of professional development opportunities, including in-house courses through Federation University, cross-departmental trainings, conference participation, professional certifications, and involvement in fellowships and leadership cohorts.

This position is eligible to work from home occasionally in accordance with Federation policies and supervisor approval. When working remotely, the employee must:

• Follow all Federation policies and procedures.
• Be available and responsive to colleagues during Federation’s normal business hours.
• Not work from public locations (e.g., coffee shops, libraries, etc.) or connect to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks when handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Maintain appropriate computer equipment, a secure internet connection, and a work environment that supports productivity and confidentiality.

Employees of the Federation also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health, financial security, and work-life balance, including:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, and vision plans
• Disability and life insurance coverage
• A dedicated employee wellness program focused on overall well-being

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off
• Paid Jewish and U.S. holidays
• Early office closings on Fridays in observance of Shabbat
• Early closings on many holiday eves

Financial Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Pre-tax benefits including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Pay Rate

In addition to the benefits outlined above, the annual salary for this role begins at $70,000.

Federation benchmarks compensation for new hires based on the role, level, and geographic location. Final compensation is determined by a variety of factors, including relevant experience, skills, and education or training.

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time at Federation’s discretion. Employment is at-will, and this job description is not an employment contract. Nothing herein shall be deemed to create in any way whatsoever an employment contract.