Program manager

POSITION TITLE: Program Manager: Sholom Justice

REPORTS TO: Associate Rabbi 

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Program Manager for Social Justice and Community Programs works in partnership with lay leaders, professional staff and clergy to manage the Temple’s innovative Sholom Justice Program and designated community program(s) to improve member experience and engagement with the goal to grow and strengthen Temple Sholom commitment to justice in Chicago and Illinois. The Program Manager leads and program development/evaluation that reflect TSOC’s values and mission. The Program Manager grounds their work in Jewish values such as tzedek (justice), chesed (kindness), and tikkun olam (repairing the world), helping Temple Sholom translate these ideals into meaningful action and partnership throughout Chicago.

Support implementation of the Temple’s mission and strategic plan through enhancing quality of the membership experience and programs, increasing member involvement/satisfaction. Success entails working closely and developing relationships with professional staff, community members, lay leaders and Clergy. Contribute significantly to Temple Sholom of Chicago’s strategic goals and mission through positive leadership.

About Temple Sholom

For over 150 years, Temple Sholom has lived its mission to embrace, inspire, and matter . As a leading Reform congregation, we offer uplifting worship, transformative learning, and meaningful cultural experiences that strengthen Jewish life. We are also a leading center for Social Justice in Chicago, advocating for the most vulnerable in our midst and hosting a weekly hot meal program for the neediest members of our community.

Our Community

Temple Sholom is a vibrant, inclusive community that welcomes people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Rooted in Torah and Jewish values, we foster meaningful connections, spiritual growth, and a commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world). As a hub for Jewish learning and action, we bring together thought leaders, scholars, and those dedicated to making a difference.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational leadership 

· Have a growth mindset - see the big picture, take initiative, seek creative and innovative ways to improve and develop your work, and take ownership of your work and role. See that your work contributes to TSOC’s mission to embrace, inspire, matter.

· Work across TSOC departments to ensure staff understand and adhere to Program policies and procedures, and to align social justice work planned across TSOC departments.

· Provide good counsel, encouragement, guidance and feedback to peers in a manner that promotes collaboration, advancement, organizational health and employee growth.

· Build and maintain working relationships with staff, lay leaders and stakeholders in order to build trust and partnership across the organization.

Program Management: Sholom Justice

· Lead and coordinate weekly and seasonal Sholom Justice programs—such as Monday Meal Mitzvah, Feed the Hungry, and other direct-service and advocacy initiatives—to strengthen participation and deepen volunteer impact.

· Develop initiatives, events, and programs to further incorporate key components of Sholom Justice: advocacy, education, community engagement and activity, and direct service.

· Partner with lay leadership and Clergy to develop effective initiatives to further grow and strengthen Sholom Justice.

· Maintain effective working relationships with the various employees, Lay Leaders, volunteers, Clergy, and partner organizations to design and run events and initiatives.

· Design and facilitate experiences that connect congregants with one another and with the broader Chicago community through learning, advocacy, and direct service.

· Create and curate the weekly Sholom Justice eblast in partnership with lay leaders.

· Ability to be onsite to provide in-person support for Monday Meal Mitzvah program from 3:30-6:30pm each week on Mondays

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

· High school diploma or equivalent

· Customer service experience or work with clients, donors, volunteers a plus

· Experience using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software a plus

· Demonstrated project management, organizational, and analytical skills and attention to detail

· Familiarity with Reform Judaism, Jewish education, and Jewish communal life in Chicago a plus

· Must enjoy working within a small, mission-driven environment, results-driven and community oriented organization.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills

· Experience and comfort working with diverse teams and groups

· Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff, board members, lay leaders, congregants, external partners and donors.

· Think creatively to produce new possibilities in all areas of operations.

· Self-starter with strong administrative and organizational skills, a high level of attention to detail and effective time & resource management.

· Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently

· Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of customer/client service and response

· Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

· Positive attitude, willingness to learn new things, and the flexibility to perform various duties.

· Readiness to work outside fixed business hours if necessary (e.g. mornings, evenings, and weekends

Skills

· Experience and skill with current and emerging social media and outreach platforms, such as Constant Contact, Instagram, Facebook, etc

· Proficient in MS Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook

· Proficient in Customer Relationship Management software

· Willingness to learn new systems and software as necessary

Weekly time requirements ideally include an online meeting on Monday morning (1 hr), being on-site Monday afternoons (3 hrs), present once-a-month for an all staff meeting on Tuesday mornings (1hr).

Compensation : $22 per hour at an average of 10 hours per week (hours may fluctuate with seasonal programming (holidays, service projects, etc.)

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your interest in the role and relevant experience, and three references (one professional, one personal, and one of your choice) to [email protected]. Applications will be collected until November 10th at which point the synagogue will commence interviews. Applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 5 – 10 per week

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60657