Director, Community Initiatives

Met Council is America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy. We fight poverty through comprehensive social services and by treating each client with compassion, integrity, and respect. Our programs are staffed by experts who help over 325,000 clients each year and advocate on behalf of all needy New Yorkers. Our services include 100% affordable housing at 21 locations, family violence services, Holocaust survivor assistance, geriatric social work, crisis intervention and the largest free kosher food distribution program in the world. Our network of 101 food pantries, affordable housing sites, and affiliated JCCs provide services directly in neighborhoods across New York City.

Position Summary:

The Director of Community Initiatives will lead a new vertical within the Volunteer Services department focused on planning and delivering content-rich, relationship-centered programming for emerging Jewish leaders. The role will strengthen Met Council’s visibility within the broader Jewish community and create new pathways to engage donors, volunteers, and advocates who are often marginalized by existing groups across New York City. The Director will work closely with Program Directors to maintain a strong understanding of ongoing and developing initiatives, ensuring that programming is grounded in Met Council’s frontline work and mission.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute a minimum of one in-person engagement program each month, which may include:
  • Shabbat dinners
  • Private dinners and parlor meetings
  • Happy hours and community gatherings
  • Advocacy and learning missions
  • Client-facing group volunteer activities
  • Skills-based volunteer projects
• Ensure each program follows a consistent framework promoting meaningful dialogue, relationship building, and exposure to the organization’s work.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with Program Directors across all ten departments to ensure accurate, timely, and mission-aligned program content.
• Stay informed of evolving needs, initiatives, and opportunities across departments to anticipate engagement opportunities.
• Build and strengthen relationships with Jewish communal organizations, synagogues, educational institutions, and networks to broaden visibility and reach.
• Identify and engage individuals and groups who are underrepresented or disconnected from existing communal spaces.
• Develop pathways for participants to become ongoing volunteers, advocates, and donors.
• Collaborate with leadership to support donor cultivation and stewardship strategies tied to engagement programs.
• Track and report on program outcomes, participant engagement trends, and partnership development.
• Additional responsibilities as required.

Competencies:

• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to create welcoming, inclusive, and meaningful group experiences.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to connect program design to long-term organizational goals.
• Comfortable representing the organization publicly and facilitating group discussions.
• Ability to work both collaboratively across teams and independently when needed.
• Comfort working in dynamic environments and adapting to real-time needs.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Met Council.

Skill and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Jewish communal engagement, donor stewardship, and program design.
• Strong project management and logistical planning skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience facilitating group dialogue and managing events from planning through execution.

Special Requirements:

• Regular evening and weekend work required, based on programming needs.
• Ability to travel across New York City via public transportation.

Compensation: $90,000 - $100,000 per year.

Benefits: Major medical, dental, vision and life insurance; pre-tax commuter benefits; FSA; 403(b) with employer contribution; plus generous vacation, sick leave and holidays.