Cultural Programs Associate

Schnitzer Family Campus - Mittleman Jewish Community Center & Portland Jewish Academy; Portland (ME); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free membership

Program discounts

Job summary

The Mittleman Jewish Community Center (MJCC) in Portland, ME seeks a Cultural Programs Associate to curate and deliver vibrant cultural programming, bridging internal teams, community committees, and external partners. You will lead engaging events that celebrate Jewish heritage and strengthen community connections.

Reporting to the Development Events + Community Programs Manager, you will bring diverse cultural offerings to life, collaborating with staff and volunteers while ensuring strong

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in event planning, program coordination, or community arts management.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a track record of effective group facilitation and collaboration.
• Tech-savvy with experience navigating CRM or database systems; ability to manage digital registration platforms. Ability to use AV systems and equipment.
• Self-directed with excellent time management skills, capable of balancing multiple event timelines within 15-20 weekly hours.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evening and weekend shifts as required by event schedules.

Responsibilities

• Curate Cultural Content: Conceptualize, plan, and deliver a diverse annual calendar of arts and culture events grounded in Jewish tradition, heritage, and contemporary culture.
• Youth + Family Collaboration: Collaboratively design and run engaging Jewish holiday celebrations and cultural events in partnership with the Youth Programs Manager.
• Program Administration + Support: Provide logistical and administrative support for the JCC Maccabi games, an Olympic-style summer sporting event and youth program for Jewish teens.
• On-Site Event Hosting: Serve as the welcoming host, facilitator, and point of contact during live events, performances, and committee gatherings.
• Committee + Coalition Building: Recruit, convene, and guide volunteer committees to ensure diverse community representation in program design.
• Partnership Development: Establish and maintain relationships with local artists, presenters, cultural organizations, and community partners.
• System Operations + Ticketing: Create event entries, manage ticketing systems, and track registration using Daxko.
• Data + Reporting: Work alongside other departments to maintain accurate participant records, capture attendance data, and analyze metrics to measure program success.
• Marketing Collaboration: Collaborate with the Marketing team to craft compelling event descriptions, promotional timelines, and outreach campaigns that drive attendance.
• Grant + Funding Support: Partner with the Development Assistant and Grants Officer to identify funding opportunities, gather program data, and assist in drafting grant proposals.

Skills

Event planning

Communication

Project management

Time management

Flexibility

Tech-savvy

Tools

Daxko

CRM

AV systems

Job description

SCHEDULE: 15-20 hours/week. Mix of Weekends, Afternoons, and Evenings- flexibility is key! At least 2 days/week will be on site at the MJCC.

PAY RATE: $22-25/hr

The MJCC is open to everyone of all backgrounds!

We provide a fun, teamwork environment and the chance to get to know and assist a diverse range of staff and members. Free membership and program discounts are included for every employee, and we encourage all our staff to enjoy our comprehensive facilities and programming. Our facilities include a full-size gymnasium with basketball courts, two swimming pools, a fully-equipped fitness center, racquetball courts, and an indoor sportsplex that boasts a soccer field and robust soccer leagues, an indoor playground, and a gymnastics area.

JOB SUMMARY: Reporting to the Development Events + Community Programs Manager, the Cultural Programs Associate helps curate, design, and execute vibrant cultural programming. In this role, you will serve as a bridge between internal teams, community committee members, and external partners. You will lead the effort to bring engaging events to life—celebrating Jewish heritage, fostering intergenerational connection, and enriching the broader community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Curate Cultural Content: Conceptualize, plan, and deliver a diverse annual calendar of arts and culture events grounded in Jewish tradition, heritage, and contemporary culture.
• Youth + Family Collaboration: Collaboratively design and run engaging Jewish holiday celebrations and cultural events in partnership with the Youth Programs Manager.
• Program Administration + Support: Provide logistical and administrative support for the JCC Maccabi games, an Olympic-style summer sporting event and youth program for Jewish teens.
• On-Site Event Hosting: Serve as the welcoming host, facilitator, and point of contact during live events, performances, and committee gatherings.
• Committee + Coalition Building: Recruit, convene, and guide volunteer committees to ensure diverse community representation in program design.
• Partnership Development: Establish and maintain relationships with local artists, presenters, cultural organizations, and community partners.
• System Operations + Ticketing: Create event entries, manage ticketing systems, and track registration using Daxko.
• Data + Reporting: Work alongside other departments to maintain accurate participant records, capture attendance data, and analyze metrics to measure program success.
• Marketing Collaboration: Collaborate with the Marketing team to craft compelling event descriptions, promotional timelines, and outreach campaigns that drive attendance.
• Grant + Funding Support: Partner with the Development Assistant and Grants Officer to identify funding opportunities, gather program data, and assist in drafting grant proposals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience: 2+ years of experience in event planning, program coordination, or community arts management.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a track record of effective group facilitation and collaboration.
• Technical Skills: Tech-savvy with experience navigating CRM or database systems; ability to manage digital registration platforms. Ability to use AV systems and equipment.
• Project Management: Self-directed with excellent time management skills, capable of balancing multiple event timelines within 15-20 weekly hours.
• Schedule Flexibility: Willingness to work flexible hours, including evening and weekend shifts as required by event schedules.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Direct experience using Daxko or similar facility/event management software.
• Familiarity with Jewish cultural traditions, calendar cycles, and holiday programming.
• Prior experience writing or supporting grant applications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Mobility + Setup: Ability to navigate the campus and remain on your feet (standing or walking) for 4-6 hours during event days.
• Lifting + Transport: Ability to occasionally lift, push, pull, or carry event equipment, boxes, display materials, and signage weighing up to 30 lbs.
• Desk + Computer Work: Ability to spend extended periods seated or standing at a computer desk entering data, writing copy, and handling administrative tasks.
• Sensory Demands: Must possess the visual and auditory acuity required to monitor crowd safety, host live presentations, and interact with guests in moderately noisy environments.

ABOUT US: The Mittleman Jewish Community Center is a vital institution for Jewish culture and identification, proud to offer its programs and services to everyone. For more than 100 years, the MJCC has offered educational, social, cultural and recreational programs.

The MJCC and all its affiliated programs welcome all children, families and staff regardless of their religious affiliation. The MJCC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity.