Cultural Programs Associate

portlandjewishacademy; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free membership

Program discounts

Facilities access for employees

Job summary

The Mittleman Jewish Community Center is seeking a Cultural Programs Associate to curate, design, and execute vibrant cultural programming. You will bridge internal teams, community committee members, and external partners to bring engaging events to life—celebrating Jewish heritage and strengthening intergenerational connections.

This role requires 2+ years in event planning or community arts management, strong communication, and experience with CRM or database systems and AV equipment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in event planning, program coordination, or community arts management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a track record of effective group facilitation.
• Experience navigating CRM or database systems; ability to manage digital registration platforms.
• Ability to use AV systems and equipment.
• Project management: self-directed with strong time management; balance multiple event timelines 15-20 weekly hours.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Curate and deliver a diverse annual calendar of arts and culture events grounded in Jewish tradition.
• Collaborate with Youth Programs Manager to design and run Jewish holiday celebrations.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for the JCC Maccabi games.
• Host live events on-site and coordinate with committees.
• Recruit and guide volunteer committees to ensure diverse representation.
• Develop partnerships with local artists and cultural organizations.
• Manage event entries, ticketing, and registrations in Daxko.
• Track attendance data and report metrics to measure program success.
• Collaborate with Marketing to craft event descriptions and timelines.
• Support grant proposals by gathering program data.

Skills

Event planning

Program coordination

Community arts management

Verbal & written communication

Tools

Daxko

CRM systems

AV equipment

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.