M²: The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education

Job Description – Program Operations Director

New York (hybrid) | March 2024

WHO WE ARE

M2: The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education is dedicated to promoting a proud and inspired community of Jewish educators who possess the personal and professional capacities to help learners find meaning and relevance in Jewish life. The educators and clients we serve are primarily in North America, though M2 has a growing presence in Israel and Europe. With offices in New York, Chicago and Jerusalem, we are a nimble, cutting edge and incredibly warm team guided by our organizational values: generosity, humility, rigor, innovation, and integrity.

BACKGROUND

M2 is seeking to hire a highly accomplished and seasoned Program Operations Director to manage our expanding program portfolio. 

Multi-month, immersive cohort programs are a prominent model of M² trainings. A typical M² cohort consists of offsite seminars, virtual engagements, mentorship and individualized support. Cohorts range from international fellowships like the Senior Educators Cohort to local Community Cohorts like the Cleveland Educators Cohort. In addition, M² runs virtual programs like Values in Action and Research Fellowships, and one off events for the broader field. The commonality between these high-end, curated experiences is a deep, ongoing investment in training a select group of educators, providing them with the theories, practices and skills to master the craft of experiential Jewish education, and foster a renewed sense of educational vision and purpose within an intimate professional community.

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Program Operations Director is a New York-based position, reporting to the Sr. Director of Cohort Programs. Their primary responsibilities include communicating with participants and stakeholders, and managing the operational systems and processes that bring programs to life. The ideal candidate appreciates M²’s approach towards Jewish education, which is experiential and values based, and is excited about the details entailed in creating such impactful experiences.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Systems and Communications (60%)

• Develop and maintain project management systems as they relate to programs, using relevant platforms and technologies, to ensure an efficient and optimal program planning process from start to finish

• Create and direct the systems for onboarding and ongoing communications with program participants, ensuring a welcoming, seamless and impactful experience

• Liaise with program participants, partner organizations, faculty and staff on program-related needs 

• Create and manage recruitment processes for programs by building and supporting effective registration, application, financial aid, interview and selection processes for programs

• Create and implement a process for planning and review meetings with relevant parties to coordinate and streamline efforts, ensuring a smooth process during program planning

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Salesforce-related work in North America, ensuring all program-related needs are accommodated in the CRM system

Program Staffing (30%)

• Manage internal and external teams of staff, faculty and consultants, as it pertains to developing, facilitating or supporting aspects of programs

• Ensure M² programs are staffed with the appropriate faculty and logistical support

• Serve as a key member of the Program Department by staffing a range of in-person and virtual programs. This includes traveling nationally and internationally, up to 20 days per year, to deliver excellent, warm, and high-quality experiences

General M2 Support (10%)

• Travel up to 10 days per year for staff meetings and retreats

• Provide guidance to Program Coordinator in their role 

• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as needed as part of the M2 team culture

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of five years of experience in managing organizational operations in growth oriented, mission driven organizations

• A skilled writer and great communicator with strong client-facing skills: a positive attitude, welcoming demeanor, professionalism and tact

• Masterful organizational and project management skills, with a successful track record of overseeing programmatic initiatives under pressure with accuracy, timeliness, and an ability to effectively build organization and staff capacity

• A high comfort level adapting to new technologies, with an advantage to those familiar with Salesforce and Monday.com

• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to navigate complex and changing environments

• Is excited and able to travel and be fully immersed in multi-day seminars

WHAT M² OFFERS:

• Salary range between $80,000-$90,000 USD annually commensurate with experience and qualifications

• Strong benefits package including generous paid time off policy plus Jewish and nationally observed holidays, professional development package, and additional perks

• An atmosphere that is guided by values, integrity, and passion

• A nimble, cutting edge and warm working environment

• A team of professionals seeking to learn, grow, share and effect real change

• As of January 2024, the NY office is located in Manhattan and practices a work environment in which staff can work from home on Wednesdays and Fridays

To apply, please click here to submit a cover letter, resume and salary expectation. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to high volume, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. 

M² is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation. We are committed to building a team that represents a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, experiences and skills.