Manager, Israel Engagement & UJA ShinShinim Program

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto; Golden Horseshoe; Hybrid; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

As a Program Manager, you will mentor young leaders from Israel, enhancing their engagement in the community and leading educational initiatives. This full-time position emphasizes collaboration, organizational skills, and a deep understanding of Jewish culture. Join UJA Federation as we foster inclusivity and support your career development.

Benefits

Flexible work schedules

Hybrid work arrangements

Qualifications

• Charismatic role model with pedagogical and psychological insight.
• High-level verbal and written English proficiency; Hebrew preferred.
• Extensive experience in experiential education and teen engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide personalized mentorship and oversee program operations.
• Recruit and train host families while managing logistics.
• Support large-scale events and create impactful educational initiatives.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Pedagogical understanding

Hebrew proficiency

Education

Undergraduate degree in experiential education or a related field

Tools

Advanced computer skills

Job description

About UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

At UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, our vision is to lead the most vibrant Jewish community in North America - a community characterized by its diversity, unity, compassion, generosity, and commitment to Jewish values. Together with our philanthropic, volunteer, and professional leadership, we’re changing lives.

As one of North America’s leading Jewish non-profits, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto works to preserve and strengthen the quality of Jewish life in Greater Toronto, Canada, Israel, and around the world. UJA advances this mission through fundraising, programs, and research focused on our strategic pillars: fighting poverty and improving well-being, growing Jewish education and identity, countering antisemitism and hate, and strengthening connections with Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

About the Opportunity

The UJA Federation of Greater Toronto ShinShinim program allows 20-24 post-high school young Israeli leaders (ShinShinim) to spend a year of volunteerism in Toronto as experiential educators in Israeli culture and Jewish Peoplehood.

Reporting to the Vice President of Israel Engagement, the program manager will act as their co-mentor and primary contact, designing their professional and personal growth plans with the UJA ShinShinim team, and optimizing their integration into and impact on the community. Additionally, the manager will oversee various processes to ensure smooth program operations, including recruiting and training host families, Stewart lay leaders, planning and running seminars, community projects, and retreats.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Recruit, motivate, develop, and retain talent to deliver impactful results, championing a flexible, agile, and inclusive work environment, prioritizing the health and well-being of the team.
• Personal Mentoring – Provide individualized mentorship to support each UJA ShinShin’s personal and professional growth throughout the year.
• Professional Mentoring – Guide and support UJA ShinShinim in developing and delivering educational initiatives on Israeli culture, society, and Jewish peoplehood at partner institutions.
• Team Collaboration – Participate in regular UJA ShinShinim team meetings to address mentoring challenges and committee dynamics.
• Internal Coordination – Oversee all UJA ShinShinim-related interactions within UJA, including CCB, Marketing, and Campaign.
• Program Oversight – Plan and manage the annual UJA ShinShinim interview and selection process.
• Summer Camp Partnerships – Maintain and strengthen relationships with summer camps involved in the UJA ShinShinim program.
• Project Management – Support UJA ShinShinim in organizing large-scale Israel engagement projects/events (e.g., Yom Hazikaron).
• Logistical Management – Manage all logistical needs of the program, including transportation, vulnerable checks, OHIP, stipends, winter clothing, etc.
• Host Family Coordination – Lead recruitment, screening, and training of host families in collaboration with the Chair of the UJA ShinShinim program, fostering ongoing relationships.
• Progress Reporting – Prepare and present periodic progress reports.

Qualifications:

• We seek an educator at heart, a charismatic role model with pedagogical and psychological understanding of education.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• High-level verbal and written English and verbal Hebrew proficiency.
• Extreme availability is highly required. The manager must be available to meet with ShinShinim at any time, including evenings and weekends, and be prepared for overnight retreats and Shabbatons.
• A driver’s license and an available car are mandatory.
• Advanced computer skills.
• Undergraduate degree in experiential education or a related field.
• Extensive experience in experiential education and teen engagement.
• Deep knowledge of Israel, Israeli society, and the Jewish community in Toronto.
• Marketing experience is an advantage.

This is a full-time, permanent position at Union Level 5. UJA supports flexible work schedules and hybrid work arrangements, emphasizing engagement and connection, work-life balance, and well-being. The offices are closed on Jewish holy days (Yom Tov) and early closures are observed for Shabbat.

We look forward to connecting with you to understand what you can bring to the UJA team and how we can support your career goals. Qualified applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume. Only those invited for an interview will be contacted.

Commitment to Inclusion and Accessibility:

UJA Federation values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible workplace. We adhere to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and will provide accommodations upon request throughout the recruitment process.