Chicago Community Coordinator

Department: Community Engagement & Programming

Employment Type: Contract / Temp

Location: Chicago

Compensation: $35.00 / hour

Description

• You are committed to Jewish life, understanding that connection to Judaism can take many forms, and are excited about the impact that transformational experiences can have on one’s identity and future
• You have an understanding of and appreciation for HMI’s target audience of young couples representing diverse Jewish backgrounds and affiliations
• You have a passion for and/or background in community organizing, community building, and creating unique and meaningful experiences for diverse groups of people
• You are flexible, nimble, and adaptable as it relates to your work
• You have knowledge of Jewish culture, heritage, and practice, and are adept at including folks from all different backgrounds and life experiences
• You are energetic and social 
• You have strong communication skills - both verbally and written 
• You are a skilled project manager with attention to detail who can manage and juggle multiple projects
• You are familiar and comfortable with your local Jewish community landscape

Key Responsibilities

• Serving as the primary local contact for Honeymoon Israel in the Chicago area, leading local promotion and recruitment efforts in partnership with teams across the organization
• In partnership with Regional Director, identify local rabbis/educators who will engage and support HMI couples in various ways, including serving as trip staff
• Plan and host two pre-trip events: the Welcome Dinner and Orientation
• Attend virtual, national Honeymoon Israel trainings in preparation for the trip and complete all required training modules
• Plan and execute multiple trip preparation sessions/meetings with rabbi/educator
• Engage in pre-trip communication on Slack and WhatsApp with participants and HMI staff

• Take lead staff role on Honeymoon Israel trip in Chicago, with the goal of building relationships with couples on the ground
• Facilitate Honeymoon Israel Conversations on the trip
• Work as a team with trip rabbi/educator and tour guide to execute goals of the Honeymoon Israel trip

• Identify, build, and maintain partnerships and relationships with local community resources, institutions, and funding organizations that will provide wrap-around support and programming to HMI couples throughout their HMI experience, including in the post-trip period
• Support a designated post-trip learning series for HMI cohorts after their Israel experience
• Represent HMI at relevant conferences and/or meetings
• Provide support as needed in partnership with local fundraising efforts 
• Communicate effectively and continually with and to HMI participants, specifically as it relates to ongoing support for their Jewish and family journeys, opportunities for involvement and community building
• Where and when needed, conduct applicant interviews for immersive experiences 
• Empower and support HMI couples in building and activating their own alumni community at home by providing and connecting them to exciting leadership opportunities within and outside of the HMI experience

Skills and Experience

• 5-6 years of relevant professional experience
• Experience with community organizing, group facilitation, program planning, and leadership development
• Highly organized, detailed oriented, and efficient with time management 
• Passionate about pushing and redefining the boundaries of Jewish life
• Knowledge of Jewish ritual and culture
• Ability to and/or experience with working in a virtual, remote work environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Technologically savvy and a quick learner 
• Experience with project management including project planning, managing budgets, and vendor/contract relationships
• Ability to think creatively, innovatively, and strategically 
• Independent, self-starter
• Experience leading Israel trips/programs strongly preferred
• Experience with immersive education with Jewish education strongly preferred
• Experience working with young adults/young families strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree required

Position Details

• This position will report directly to an HMI Regional Director
• This position is 15-20 hrs per week and is a temporary 12-month position with possibility of renewal 
• Candidates must reside in the Chicago metropolitan area
• International travel to Israel required at least once per year 
• Domestic travel required approximately 10% of time
• Must be available to work some weeknight evenings and weekends