Diller Teen Fellows Program Coordinator (San Francisco)

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW 

The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund (the Federation) of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties is a philanthropic catalyst, connecting Bay Area Jews – of all ages, backgrounds, and perspectives – to the power we have as a community to improve the world. We partner with donors, organizations, and foundations to address the pressing issues facing our community and develop innovative strategies that result in a deep and lasting impact.

Our vision is a vibrant, connected, and enduring Jewish community that is a force for good locally, in Israel, and around the world. Our work is guided by the timeless Jewish values of kehilla (community), tzedakah (giving with just intention), and tikkun olam (repairing the world).

The Federation seeks highly motivated individuals with a variety of skill sets to build the next generation of Federation engagement. We are especially interested in forward-thinking, collaborative, and open-minded candidates who are willing to take risks, possess a high level of integrity, and model a positive attitude that inspires confidence.

DILLER ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

The Diller Teen Fellows is an immersive experiential education program for 11th graders designed to inspire and promote Jewish engagement and leadership among Jewish youth. This international program began in San Francisco 20 years ago and has since expanded to include 32 communities across North and South America, South Africa, Australia, Europe, and Israel. The program is sponsored by the Helen Diller Family Foundation and the Federation. 

DILLER PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Over the course of the 12-month program, Diller Teen Fellows focus on:

• Jewish identity development
• Leadership skills development
• Israel exploration and connection
• Community service and tikkun olam

Each year, 20 Bay Area teens are selected to participate in the program in parallel with 20 Diller Teen Fellows in the Upper Galilee. The two groups participate in a curriculum which includes:

• 13 Sunday workshops
• 3-weekend retreats/Shabbatonim
• A ten-day Bay Area visit by 20 Israeli teens from the Upper Galilee to learn about the local Jewish community
• A 3-week Israel Summer Seminar bringing North American and Israeli teens together for an intensive immersive experience

POSITION SUMMARY

The Diller Coordinator serves as the primary facilitator, educator, mentor, and guide to the 20 teens in each Diller cohort as they participate in a year of Jewish and general identity exploration, reflection on their leadership gifts and growth areas, their relationship to Jewish community and Israel, and their feelings for and engagement in tikkun olam. The Coordinator interacts with participating teens through full-group workshops and Shabbatonim, as well as in small groups and 1:1 meetings with each teen. All this work is focused on relationship development and mentoring. The Coordinator’s primary role is to help each teen explore the relationship to Jewish life and community, as well as deepening their relationship to and facility serving in leader and follower roles. Coordinators also focus significant energy and time helping teens recognize and make the most of their inherent gifts, embrace their areas for growth. Coordinators also guide teens towards gaining new insight and skills. 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, elements of this position (travel and in-person meetings) may be subject to change and/or will follow the health and safety guidelines established by state and local public health departments. There will be a high need for flexibility and consideration to innovative approaches in engaging teens and families.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

• Guide, educate, coach, and mentor 20 program participants and 2 Junior Counselors to make the most of their experience as individuals, as a cohort, as partners with 20 Upper Galilee teens, and as members of the larger Diller Teen Fellows community 
• Develop and lead scheduled workshops and retreats throughout the year, based on Diller provided content, adapted to meet the unique needs of the local program participants 
• Facilitate already existing, and develop new experiential learning content to help teens explore and expand their Jewish identity and engagement, leadership consciousness and capacity, understanding of and relationship to Israel, and tikkun olam/community service 
• Plan and manage all logistics related to workshops, retreats, travel planning, etc. 
• Responsible for the health and safety of teen participants and staff during workshops, weekend retreats, and the Israel trip in conjunction with Diller and Federation Leadership 
• Maximize program reach, collaboration, and impact with the local Jewish community and teen organizations 
• Manage the marketing, recruitment, interviewing, and selection of 20 participants each year 
• Collaborate with the Upper Galilee Coordinator to ensure both groups are working in parallel and partnership 
• Participate in ongoing in-person and virtual professional development programming 
• Work with parents to help them understand and contribute to their teens’ experience 
• Manage program budget
• Leadership and development of experiential education or programming for teens, in areas including of Jewish identity, youth leadership, community service, and Israel education 
• Track record of success in direct engagement and mentoring of teens 
• Availability for domestic and international travel, including to Israel 

EDUCATION OR TRAINING EQUIVALENT

• BA required, preferred in Education, Psychology, Social Work, Jewish Studies, or related field; MA in a related field a definite plus 

QUALIFICATIONS (SKILLS, ABILITIES, LICENSES)

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills 
• Sophisticated knowledge of Jewish issues and educational skills, and ability to utilize for successful engagement of teens, parents/adults, and partner agency professionals 
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality 
• Team player with the capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and across departments 
• Flexibility and interest in working cross-culturally 
• Working knowledge of Jewish community and tradition, and Bay Area/North American Jewish life 
• Understanding of and appreciation for Israeli culture, and basic Hebrew knowledge 
• Administrative and logistics planning and execution skills 
• Strong Microsoft Office and Google Drive knowledge and skills 

TO APPLY

Please send a copy of your resume with a cover letter to hr@sfjcf.org. All applications and inquiries will receive a response and will be kept strictly confidential.

Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits — medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick pay, holidays (including Jewish), and retirement plan.