Director of Adult and Jewish Cultural Arts Programs

Director of Adult and Jewish Cultural Arts Programs Location Springfield, MA :

Position : Director of Adult and Jewish Cultural Arts Programs

Status : Full-time (40 hours/week), exempt position

Supervisor : Chief Operating Officer

The Springfield JCC takes the welfare and safety of staff, children and program participants very seriously. On an ongoing basis, we align our operating procedures with guidance from the CDC, our Medical Advisory Committee and the state. In response to current local public health situations, our practices have previously included, and in the future may include, ensuring proper physical distancing, sanitation, hygiene, vaccination requirements, and use of masks to promote the health of our staff and program participants.

Position Summary

This full-time position is responsible for the development and implementation of the JCC's adult programming, which includes educational classes, cultural arts experiences, and other meaningful engagement opportunities for adults in the community. The Director will work collaboratively across agency departments to design programming to meet the social, recreational, intellectual, and cultural needs of our diverse adult population. The successful candidate will have strong program management skills, community partnership expertise, creative vision, and the ability to develop new initiatives while keeping existing programs fresh.

Portfolio

• Life Lessons: Develop and implement a menu of semester-long, interest-based classes and relevant service offerings for adults of all ages
• Jewish Arts and Culture: Plan and direct our two well-known, highly-regarded Jewish cultural initiatives: Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival and Literatour Jewish Book Series
• Gallery: Curate exhibits of local and regional artists for the JCC's Adult Lounge gallery

Key Responsibilities

Program Design and Implementation

• Cultivate and enhance a portfolio of offerings that promote greater participation, socialization, learning, volunteerism, cultural experience, and Jewish engagement
• Ensure that programs run smoothly and are well attended; manage overall artistic quality, operations, and financial soundness of programs
• Provide direction to the JCC's senior programs and services (e.g., working with community partners to implement meals and/or transportation program, etc.) to meet the evolving needs in our community

Collaboration and Teamwork

• Work closely with the Marketing department to promote programs and oversee development of collateral materials, from print to web to social media
• Seek out and maintain collaborative relationships with area organizations, including educational institutions, cultural organizations, and local businesses across the Pioneer Valley

Management and Administration

• Negotiate, prepare and monitor agreements with instructors, guest speakers, film distributors, book publishers, and others involved in the delivery of adult and cultural arts activities
• Work closely with Development department to develop funding sources through grants, sponsorships, ads sales, and targeted appeals
• Refine systems for participant tracking and audience development

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree required
• 5-7 years of relevant experience in program development, adult education, and/or Jewish cultural arts

Skills, Competencies, and Attributes

• Stellar communicator; able to build community through collaborations; ability to outreach and network across diverse groups
• Outstanding customer service, problem solving, and time management skills
• Strong knowledge of Jewish culture and traditions; experience working in Jewish communal organizations a plus
• Excellent event management skills, including ability to move from concepts/initial ideas to implementation and through evaluation
• Sound organizational skills with the ability to set priorities and be detail oriented with thorough follow-through
• Entrepreneurial spirit; able to seek out new opportunities to advance programs and services
• Knowledge of adult demographics and interests, particularly for adults 50+
• Proficiency in budget management; prior experience in grant-writing and sponsorship marketing a plus

Working Conditions

• Available to work some evenings and weekends, as needed