Civic Engagement Manager

What you’ll be responsible for:

For more than 120 years, the Jewish community in Chicagoland has been engaged with the broader community and our civic institutions. We are connected to and invested in the success of the broader communities that we call home and are looking for someone who can help educate, elevate, and activate our Jewish community to understand and engage with the civic institutions that shape our lives. We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Civic Engagement Manager to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for educating and empowering individuals to become active participants in their communities. You will lead workshops, create educational materials, and provide personalized coaching to help others understand local government processes, organize community events, and advocate for important issues both inside and outside of the Jewish community in Chicagoland.

If you are enthusiastic about helping the Jewish community, helping others make a difference, and have the skills and experience to inspire civic participation, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join our team and help build stronger, more engaged communities!

What you’ll be doing:

• Develop and deliver engaging workshops and training sessions on civic engagement topics including network and asset mapping, community organizing, advocacy, relationship building, and more.
• Create easy-to-follow guides, lesson plans, and educational materials.
• Provide one-on-one coaching and support to individuals seeking to get involved in their communities.
• Organize and facilitate community events and activities to promote civic participation.
• Collaborate with local organizations, schools, and community groups to expand outreach efforts.
• Stay up-to-date on local government policies, community issues, and best practices in civic engagement.
• Track and report on program outcomes and participant progress.

What you need to succeed:

• TRAINING SKILLS:
  • Experience in grassroots organizing, training, or facilitation preferred.
  • Ability to create clear and concise educational materials.
  • Strong communication, organization, project management, and presentation skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, leadership experience, and a commitment to fostering inclusive environments.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• CIVIC ENGAGEMENT SKILLS:
  • Passion for civic engagement and community involvement.
  • Familiarity with local government processes and community organizing.
  • Understanding of Chicago’s Jewish community required.
  • Knowledge of Chicago community dynamics, organizations, and trends preferred.
  • Prior experience in informal education, civic engagement, community organizing, or a related field is a plus.

What you’ll love about us:

At JUF, you can be part of one of the largest non-profit social welfare institutions in Illinois. We provide food, refuge, healthcare, education, emergency assistance, and essential services to 500,000 Chicagoans of all faiths and millions of Jews around the world. We take pride in our mission and in having a work culture that fosters a sense of belonging and feels rewarding, supportive, and inclusive. We offer generous benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) match, professional training, tuition reimbursement, paid family leave, up to 22 days of paid time off (starting with 15), up to 11 sick days (starting with 7), and up to 21 paid holidays. We have a flexible schedule with core hours and the ability to work from home / remote a few days per week (for most positions) on a hybrid basis. The salary range for this role is $55,000-$65,000.