Assistant Director, Arts and Ideas

Under the direction of the Director of Arts & Ideas, the Assistant Director of Arts & Ideas will play a vital role in supporting JCC Greater Boston’s mission by developing and implementing engaging, enriching, innovative programs that foster curiosity, connection, and lifelong learning among adults with a special emphasis on ages 60+ in our community.  There are 3 core areas of responsibility: 

• Maintain and grow our robust and successful adult class offerings  

• Design and implement a variety of culturally infused special events  

• Design and implement our donor-funded Hot Buttons, Cool Conversations Series  

This position will also help support Boston Jewish Film (BJF) leading up to and during festival times.  

JCC Greater Boston is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston’s core values - Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation - which resonate with many who do not identify as Jewish.

Primary responsibilities include, and are not limited to:

Class Design, Coordination and Implementation 

• Design, plan, and implement a robust portfolio of Arts & Ideas classes, including identifying and recruiting qualified instructors, setting program fees, and crafting compelling course descriptions within budget parameters 

• Serve as the primary liaison for instructors and participants, ensuring timely communication, smooth program delivery, and excellent customer service. 

• Coordinate space usage by assessing room suitability, managing scheduling logistics, and ensuring alignment with building hours and operational needs. 

• Develop class schedules that maximize participation and minimize internal competition across offerings. 

• Collaborate closely with the Marketing team to promote programs through targeted outreach, email campaigns, and other strategic communication efforts to drive enrollment. 

• Evaluate classes to assess viability of classes and budget goals 

Cultural Arts Program Development and Implementation, including Hot Buttons Series 

• Work closely with Dir. Of Arts & Ideas to develop and implement a year‑round schedule of engaging Arts & Ideas programs for adult audiences. 

• Identify, recruit, and collaborate with speakers, authors, artists, and thought leaders both locally and nationally who align with program goals and audience interests. 

• Manage program logistics, including scheduling, contracts, staffing, and coordination with marketing, facilities, and other internal teams. 

• Build and maintain relationships with community partners to support audience development and strengthen external collaborations. 

• Partner with the marketing team to promote programs through print, digital, and community‑based outreach. 

• Work collaboratively with departments such as facilities, membership, and development to ensure smooth program operations and alignment with organizational priorities. 

• Support BJF in planning and executing film festival programming as needed. 

• Advance the JCC’s mission by offering programs that reflect Jewish values and culture in an inclusive and accessible manner. 

• Evaluate program performance, track participation, and use data and feedback to inform future planning. 

Boston Jewish Film Festival Support 

• Assist the Director of Arts and Ideas as needed to ensure smooth operations, and effective support of the Boston Jewish Film Festival events including with all planning, coordinating and executing of related tasks. 

Standard Staff Expectations: 

• Actively create a welcoming dynamic where each individual feels seen and welcomed. 

• Actively participate as an essential member of the Adult Arts & Ideas/FEJL  team.  

• Support JCC Greater Boston’s mission, vision, and values of belonging, joyfulness, collaboration and transformation, including through personal role modeling.  

• Participate in all staff meetings and trainings as assigned and contribute to overall organizational success. 

• Attend JCCGB All Staff meetings. 

• Other duties as assigned.   

Supervisory Responsibilities: None 

This is a great chance to join JCC Greater Boston's respected and valued, people-orientated workplace of diverse community services providers, which is rapidly growing! 

This full-time, salaried position offers a comprehensive benefits package, a supportive, primarily in-person work environment with an occasional hybrid work option for some limited administrative duties, and a competitive starting salary range of $60,000 - 68,000 K annually.

The salary offered will ultimately be determined by relevant qualifications, experience, and JCC's internal equity.

About JCC Greater Boston

Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to its mission of creating a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse community by nurturing meaningful and lasting relationships. Through our network of early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes, JCC Greater Boston provides highly valued connections, learning, and experiences for the Jewish community and friends.

JCC Greater Boston staff enjoy working in an innovative, friendly, and welcoming environment where their talents and contributions are appreciated. In our recent employee survey, staff rated their direct management and organizational alignment experiences close to 90% positive. If you want to upgrade your working experience and have a better work-life balance, we encourage you to explore becoming part of the JCC team!

The JCC is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston's core values: Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation, which we hope resonate with all.

To learn more about what makes JCC Greater Boston a wonderful place to work, please visit our careers page at https://www.bostonjcc.org/careers/

JCC Greater Boston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich a diverse environment, we actively encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented group.

Requirements

Education and Experience: Required a Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Film, Education, Jewish Studies, or a related field preferred with 5+ years event experience, preferably in an arts-related field, with at least 2 year experience managing people or a program.  

• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able drive a motor vehicle and to pass a MRV review 

Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC’s discretion to meet minimum criteria. 

Skills and Abilities 

• Strong understanding of the interests and needs of adults with a special emphasis on those 60+, with the ability to translate ideas, feedback, and data into meaningful and innovative program experiences. 

• Exceptional organizational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. 

• Proven project‑management abilities, guiding programs from concept through implementation while maintaining high standards and attention to detail. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable engaging with presenters, participants, instructors, partners, and colleagues. 

• Knowledgeable and curious about current events and cultural trends. 

• Comfortable presenting Jewish culture and traditions in a pluralistic, welcoming, and inclusive manner. 

• Effective, proactive problem solver who adapts well to evolving needs and circumstances. 

• Proficient with digital tools, including Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, and social media platforms; quick to learn new project‑management systems and technologies. 

• Self-starter with initiative, resourcefulness, creativity, and an enthusiastic, collaborative spirit. 

• Able to work both independently and as part of a team, building strong, productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. 

• Able to work evening and weekend programs based on program schedule. 

Physical Requirements: This position primarily involves standard deskwork; work is performed in an office environment with no extreme conditions. Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods. Able to work well in a busy, dynamic, and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities. Able to lift, carry and transport event supplies and food up to 30 pounds when needed. This position is primarily in-person in order to monitor classes and programs for quality control. This role may offer an occasional opportunity to work remotely for certain administrative and operations duties. 

ADA Statement: Individuals must possess these criteria for knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation and using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Benefits

In addition to a rewarding career within our mission-driven, values-driven, and family-centric environment,JCC Greater Boston proudly offers full-time employees a comprehensive and competitive benefits packagethat includes:

• Competitive cost-sharing Health and Dental Insurance
• JCC Sponsored/Paid Health Reimbursement Account
• JCC Sponsored/Paid Group Life Insurance/LTD Coverage
• Generous paid time off supporting a quality work-life balance
• Tax-deferred 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Voluntary Supplemental Vision Insurance
• Additional Voluntary Supplemental Life/ADD coverage for you and your family
• AbilityAssist Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Norton Cyber Security Program
• LegalEase Insurance program

JCCGB Perks! This position is eligible for a free individual membership to JCC Greater Boston's top class fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Newton – offering virtual and in-person programs including indoor swimming, many fitness classes, and workout facilities, as well as discounts to many JCCGB events, classes, outdoor pool, and more! Complimentary individual membership includes: 

• Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal-Sidman
• Access to group fit classes, Arts & Culture adult programming at member rates
• Discounts on a variety JCCGB's fitness/wellness programs and services
• Free wellness events!
• Discounted child care at JCCGB Early Learning Centers and after-school program
• Discounted JCCGB camp tuition

Benefits are subject to review and change by the Organization, and plan documents are the primary determinant.

A Great Place to Work! JCC Greater Boston is consciously evolving as a great place to work! In our recent 2023 employee engagement survey, at least 88% of our staff gave us top ratings on:

• Supportive colleagues
• Team camaraderie
• How their managers treat them
• Individual autonomy
• Knowing what their work contributes to and how it impacts others
• Pride in working for the JCC
• Program and service quality
• Holding ourselves accountable    

Our staff and leadership bring experience, excellence, and commitment to everything we offer and we are dedicated to a culture where all our employees may thrive. Our culture is built on our values, driven by our mission, and nurtured through the expert contributions of our professionals.