Director of Arts and Ideas

Under the direction of the AVP of Family Engagement & Jewish Life, the Director of Arts & Ideas will oversee the vision and operational development of JCCGB’s diverse and growing arts and culture initiatives, ensuring they align with the mission and goals of the JCC in bringing joy, learning and connection to our community. This is a new position with the opportunity to grow current offerings and build new opportunities through strong internal collaborations and strategic partnerships.  This role is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of Jewish and secular cultural arts programs including classes, programs and events, with a large emphasis on the newly acquired Boston Jewish Film (BJF).  The Director will supervise the Program Manager of BJF, the Manager of Adult Classes, and the Manager of Adult Programming and will work closely with development to ensure sustainability and growth.

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:

Strategic Leadership and Oversight of Arts & Ideas (A&I) Programming

Continue to evolve the strategy, drive implementation, and oversee all aspects of the year-round Arts & Ideas programming and initiatives.  

• Ensure compelling and strategically aligned program design and fiscal sustainability
• Lead all program(s) implementation and responsible for all aspects of program(s) operations
• Program management responsibility for all programs
• Work closely with development on grant or donor-funded initiatives
• Work closely with Marketing to drive and promote programs and initiatives; develop an Adult A&I marketing strategy and plan
• Identify and cultivate strategic partners
• Develop and implement tools to evaluate program impact
• Establish and track key data for strategic decision making

Oversee all aspects of BJF

Embrace overall responsibility for all aspects of BJF including, but not limited to development, vision, film curation, production quality, staffing, audience development, customer and community relations.

• Develop and implement the vision and direction of the festival
• Define role delineation between this position and  the BJF Program Manager including, but not limited to, film curation, securing venues, technical production, ticketing system, wrap around programming, recruiting and hiring festival staff and volunteers
• Ensuring alignment with JCC strategic objectives, cultural trends and community interests. 
• Ensure that festival films reflect audience trends, industry film sources, Jewish film festival sources, task force input and community interests
• Work closely with Marketing to develop a communications strategy that will expand promotional reach and impact through a variety of print, on-line and social outlets 
• Create festival staffing schedule to ensure a smooth on-site experience for participants, venue partners and festival staff
• Cultivate relationships and partnerships within Boston’s Jewish and artistic communities and venues to elevate BJF’s visibility and impact.
• Act as the staff liaison to the BJF advisory group, with support from development
• Work closely with Development as needed to grow funding support
• Ensuring operational readiness and consistent festival standards

Budget Oversight

• Align Adult Arts & Ideas programming with budget goals in collaboration with Finance and Development.
• Monitor expenses, revenue, and financial targets; provide.
• Provide annual and quarterly budget forecasts aligned with JCC practice and in partnership with finance department.  

 Standard Staff Expectations

Standard staff expectations include and are not limited to: 

• Actively create a welcoming dynamic that contributes to an environment where each individual is valued, seen, and respected 
• Support JCC Greater Boston’s mission, vision, and values including through personal role modeling 
• Attend JCCGB meetings and trainings as assigned, participate in volunteer and staff training, and actively participate in and support the goals and initiatives of JCCGB and the department  
• Other activities as required

 Supervisory Responsibilities: Oversee arts & ideas staff, BFJ program manager, all program and event staff, as assigned.

Supervisory responsibilities include, and are not limited to:

• Recruit, supervise and oversee program and operation teams for all Adult Arts & Ideas programs.
• Set individual goals for direct reports aligned with JCC’s performance management program.
• Conduct regular supervisory meetings to provide on-going guidance, direction, and performance reviews as needed.
• Foster professional growth and maintain a positive working environment.
• Ensure alignment with organizational policies and strategic objectives.
• Observe staff performance to ensure high standards of quality, instruction, and safety; oversee overall performance and progress of goals and conduct performance reviews in accordance with JCC standards and the Performance Management Program
• Maintain accurate time and attendance records to ensure correct payroll processing in accordance with established procedures and deadlines.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and/or HR regarding departmental or personnel issues.
• Foster a positive, collaborative work culture that promotes teamwork, accountability, and service excellence.

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 work environment with a hybrid work option for some administrative duties, and a competitive starting salary range of $75-85K 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.

Education and Experience: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Film Studies, Arts Administration or a related field, and 5+ years of management and event experience, preferably in an arts-related field.

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 this minimum hiring criteria.

Skills and Abilities:  

• Outstanding project management skills from design to implementation, managing deadlines with great attention to detail and maintaining high quality standards.
• Highly organized and ability to multi-task and manage situations effectively; ability to adapt to evolving needs and circumstances.
• Strong knowledge of Jewish culture and traditions
• Must be a self-starter who takes initiative
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated experience managing staff and budgets
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Proficiency in digital tools: Microsoft Office Suite, social media platforms.  Experience with film-related software a plus
• Must be available for evening and weekend events and meetings throughout the year.

Physical Requirements:  Able to work well in a busy, dynamic and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities. This position requires in-person and on-site work. Some administrative tasks may be performed remotely with a hybrid arrange during non-festival times. Able to carry and transport event supplies as needed.

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.

Education and Experience: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Film Studies, Arts Administration or a related field, and 5+ years of management and event experience, preferably in an arts-related field.

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 this minimum hiring criteria.

Skills and Abilities:  

• Outstanding project management skills from design to implementation, managing deadlines with great attention to detail and maintaining high quality standards.
• Highly organized and ability to multi-task and manage situations effectively; ability to adapt to evolving needs and circumstances.
• Strong knowledge of Jewish culture and traditions
• Must be a self-starter who takes initiative
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated experience managing staff and budgets
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Proficiency in digital tools: Microsoft Office Suite, social media platforms.  Experience with film-related software a plus
• Must be available for evening and weekend events and meetings throughout the year.

Physical Requirements:  Able to work well in a busy, dynamic and sometimes noisy environment involving multiple tasks and priorities. This position requires in-person and on-site work. Some administrative tasks may be performed remotely with a hybrid arrange during non-festival times. Able to carry and transport event supplies as needed.

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.