Director of Better Together and Special Programs

Position Summary

The Jewish Community Relations Bureau | AJC (JCRB|AJC) seeks a dynamic, strategic, and collaborative professional to serve as Director of Better Together and Special Programs. This leadership position is responsible for advancing key organizational initiatives that strengthen community engagement, build meaningful partnerships, and further JCRB|AJC’s mission of advocacy, education, and relationship-building.

About Better Together

Better Together is a community-building initiative that strengthens the skills and relationships needed to navigate differences with curiosity, compassion, and respect. Rooted in the Jewish community and designed for broader community impact, the program trains facilitators, convenes structured dialogue experiences, and builds sustainable capacity for deep listening, meaningful conversation, and connection across diverse perspectives. Through partnerships with congregations, agencies, schools, and community organizations, Better Together deepens relationships across differences, strengthens Jewish communal and broader community engagement, and cultivates long-term leadership pathways.

The Director of Better Together and Special Programs will lead the continued growth and implementation of this signature program as it moves from a successful pilot phase into long-term operation and expansion.

The Director will devote 80% of their time to the implementation, management, and growth of the Better Together Program, overseeing all aspects of the program, including strategic planning, partnership development, phased implementation, participant engagement, evaluation, growth, and long-term sustainability.

The remaining 20% of the position will focus on supporting organizational program development priorities as determined in collaboration with agency leadership. The Director will work closely with the leadership team to identify opportunities for new programming, strengthen existing initiatives, cultivate strategic partnerships, and ensure programs align with organizational goals and community needs.

The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial and mission-driven leader who combines strong project management and relationship-building skills with the ability to develop innovative, high-impact programs.

Key Responsibilities

Better Together Program (80%)

• Lead the successful implementation and expansion of the Better Together Program.

• Develop and execute comprehensive program plans, timelines, benchmarks, and evaluation metrics.

• Recruit, cultivate, and manage prospective cohort participants and partnerships. Direct and work with support staff to coordinate program logistics, scheduling, training, participant engagement, communications, and reporting.

• Facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to ensure meaningful and impactful experiences.

• Monitor program outcomes and collect data to evaluate effectiveness and measure impact.

• Prepare grant reports, program updates, and other required documentation for funders and organizational leadership.

• Lead strategy to strengthen, expand, and sustain the program beyond the grant period.

• Serve as the primary organizational representative for the Better Together initiative within the community and broader network of participating organizations.

Program Development and Strategic Initiatives (20%)

• Collaborate with agency leadership to identify, develop, and implement programs and initiatives aligned with organizational priorities.

• Research emerging community needs, best practices, and funding opportunities to support program growth.

• Support grant-funded projects through planning, implementation, reporting, and relationship management.

• Develop partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, faith communities, and civic leaders to advance programmatic goals.

Budget and Resource Management

• Develop and manage program budgets in partnership with agency leadership.

• Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of grant and organizational resources.

• Assist in identifying and securing resources necessary for program success and sustainability.

Organizational Leadership

• Participate in agency planning, staff meetings, and cross-functional initiatives.

• Contribute to organizational goals, strategic planning efforts, and community engagement activities.

• Represent JCRB|AJC professionally at meetings, events, and community gatherings.

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the organization's mission and strategic objectives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program development, project management, education, nonprofit leadership, community engagement, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Proven ability to build and maintain productive relationships with community partners, volunteers, and participants.

• Experience developing and managing budgets and tracking program outcomes.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.

• Proficiency with common project management and data tracking tools.

• Ability to work some evenings or weekends as needed.

Preferred

• Experience working in the nonprofit, government, educational, or civic engagement sectors.

• Familiarity with grant-funded programs and reporting requirements.

• Experience facilitating partnerships among schools, community organizations, and faith-based institutions.

• Knowledge of the Kansas City Jewish community and its institutions.

Compensation and Benefits

This salary range is between $75,000-$85,000 commensurate with experience. JCRB|AJC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health benefits, generous paid time off, two all-staff wellness weeks per year, time off for major Federal and Jewish holidays, retirement plans, professional development opportunities, and participation in a collaborative and mission-driven workplace. JCRB|AJC offers a hybrid work environment. This is a grant-funded position, funded in partnership with Menorah Heritage Foundation.