Director of Better Together and Special Programs

Position Overview

The Jewish Community Relations Bureau | AJC (JCRB|AJC) is seeking an energetic and strategic leader to serve as the Director of Better Together and Special Programs. This role focuses on leading initiatives that foster community engagement, build partnerships, and support advocacy, education, and relationship-building aligned with the organization's mission.

About the Better Together Initiative

Better Together is a community-focused program designed to enhance skills and relationships that help participants engage differences with curiosity, empathy, and respect. Originating within the Jewish community, it extends its impact broadly by training facilitators, organizing structured dialogues, and developing ongoing capacity for attentive listening and meaningful conversations across diverse viewpoints. Partnerships with congregations, agencies, schools, and community groups underpin the program’s efforts to deepen intercommunity relationships, enrich engagement, and nurture leadership pathways over the long term.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and growth of the Better Together program, including strategic planning, participant recruitment, and partnership development.
• Manage program logistics, scheduling, training, communications, and data collection to evaluate success and report outcomes.
• Serve as the primary representative of the Better Together initiative within the community and among partner organizations.
• Support the agency’s broader program development goals by identifying opportunities for new initiatives and strengthening current efforts.
• Collaborate with leadership to secure and manage budgets and resources for current and future program sustainability.
• Participate actively in agency meetings, strategic planning, and community engagement activities.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or comparable professional experience.
• At least five years’ experience in program development, project management, nonprofit leadership, or community engagement.
• Proven skills in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and priorities.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication capabilities.
• Experience building and sustaining relationships with diverse partners and volunteers.
• Familiarity with budget development, resource management, and outcome tracking.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Proficiency with project management and data tracking software.
• Availability for some evening or weekend commitments.

Preferred Experience

• Background in nonprofit, educational, government, or civic sectors.
• Experience with grant-funded programs and their reporting demands.
• Skill in facilitating partnerships between schools, community entities, and faith-based organizations.
• Knowledge of the Kansas City Jewish community and its institutions is advantageous.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary ranges from $75,000 to $85,000 depending on experience. The position includes comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, generous paid time off, wellness weeks, paid major Federal and Jewish holidays, retirement plans, professional development support, and a collaborative work environment. The role offers a hybrid work setting and is funded through a grant in partnership with the Menorah Heritage Foundation.

Additional Information

This is a grant-funded role emphasizing long-term sustainable growth of impactful community programs. Candidates must be prepared to contribute to the organization’s mission through leadership, relationship-building, and strategic program development.