About the JCC:At the JCC (the J), you are part of something bigger. You matter.The JCC is an open, inclusive, and welcoming community, where belonging is everything. The JCC has become one of the largest platforms for engagement and connection to community in the Greater Toronto Area; a place where multiple generations can strengthen their body, mind, and soul. Programs include arts and culture, aquatics, recreation, education, sports, fitness, daycare, day camp, and more. For over 100 years, JCCs have been serving Jewish communities around the world. There are over 300 JCCs globally and 150 in North America. 1.5 million people enter a JCC each week in North America, this makes the JCCs the largest Jewish engagement platform on the continentAbout JCC Maccabi Games:The JCC Maccabi Games are the largest sporting event for Jewish youth in the world. The Games are hosted annually in North America and feature Olympic style sports competitions, including opening and closing ceremonies, travel, community service, social and cultural events, and opportunities to make friends and memories to last a lifetime. Around 3000 youth athletes between the ages of 13-17 participate in this event and are provided with an unparalleled experience to embrace their Jewish roots while playing sports that they love. In 2026, the JCC Maccabi Games will be coming to Toronto, and we are looking for a dynamic JCC Maccabi Games Director to lead this pivotal venture.The Role:The JCC Maccabi Games Director must be a strategic thinker and proactive leader, capable of balancing the demands of large-scale event management with a long-term vision for Jewish community growth, teen engagement, and cultural enrichment. At the same time they must be willing to roll up their sleeves and be hands on with all aspects of the day to day operations.The JCC Maccabi Games Director will be responsible for managing and supervising the overall operations of the JCC Maccabi Games in Toronto and is responsible for organizing a successful execution of the entire event. The work involves a varied range of tasks and obligations, including, but not limited to, all aspects including planning, committee development, budgeting, event coordination, community mobilization and overseeing day to day operations leading up to and during the week of the Games. In partnership with the Games Co-Chairs (lay leaders), the JCC Maccabi Games Director will lead, guide, and steward the work of the JCC Maccabi Organizing Committee and serve as an ambassador of JCC Maccabi and key leadership voice at the JCC and out in the community.The JCC Maccabi Games Director will report to the SVP of Finance and Operations and will oversee a number of direct reports, including Director of Community Engagement, Director of Operations, Project Manager, Volunteer Manager, Access Coordinator and Social Media expert and will be supported by our consultants on an as needed basis as well as a robust volunteer base.Key responsibilities include:Strategic Leadership: As the JCC Maccabi Games Director, you will be at the forefront of one of the largest and most impactful Jewish athletic and cultural events in the world. This position requires a dynamic and visionary leader who can harness the power of sport, community, and identity to elevate the JCC Maccabi Games experience for athletes, families, volunteers, and the broader community. The JCC Maccabi Games Director shall liaise with the JCC Sports Director and develop a post-Games strategy anchored in teen engagement and volunteerism.Visionary Planning: Lead the overall strategic direction for hosting the JCC Maccabi Games, aligning the event with the JCCs mission of strengthening Jewish life, identity, and community engagement. This involves designing a long-term plan that leverages the Games as a catalyst for enhancing teen engagement, volunteerism, and broader community participation.Community Engagement: Act as a community ambassador for the JCC Maccabi Games, fostering relationships with key stakeholders, including sponsors, donors, municipal and government partners, and local Jewish organizations. The Director must galvanize the local community, generating excitement and participation to ensure the events success.Volunteer and Teen Development: Oversee the Volunteer Manager and build strategic initiatives that go beyond the event itself, positioning the JCC Maccabi Games as an entry point for future teen programming, leadership development, and long-term volunteer engagement. This role involves strategically aligning the event with the JCCs broader youth and community programming to ensure lasting impact.Operational Excellence: Oversee the full lifecycle of the Games, from planning and logistics to execution and post-event debriefs. The Director must ensure that operational plans are aligned with both the Games strategic goals and the long-term vision for community impact. This includes the effective management of key staff, volunteers, and external consultants to deliver a world class experience. Operational elements include; venues, hospitality, accommodations, medical, food, transportation, security, programming and events (ie. opening and closing ceremonies).Administrative Oversight: Set up the structure for the Games office and hire the Games team. This team will oversee the committee structure and be the liaison for all visiting delegations.Amplify the Message: Hosting the JCC Maccabi Games is an opportunity to unite the community around Jewish pride. The Director will work with the JCC marketing team to build out the key campaign messages and deliver it to partners and key stakeholder to mobilize the communityPartnership Building: Cultivate and manage high-level partnerships with regional sports organizations, schools, government bodies, and Jewish community groups. These relationships are critical for ensuring resources, facilities, and goodwill to host a successful and inclusive event.Financial Management: Oversee the operating budget and provide necessary reports to committees.Are you our ideal JCC Maccabi Games Director?First and foremost, you have a passion for sports and large-scale event planning and possess a strong understanding of, and enthusiasm for, the ethos and mission of the Maccabi Experience. You also have a keen desire to help foster Jewish community building and teen engagement and know what an amazing asset hosting the Games in Toronto brings to achieving these objectives. In addition, you have demonstrated prior experience in the following:Strong leadership and a collaborative team-oriented styleStrong organizational skills and excellent project management capabilitiesFinancial and business acumen as well as logistics coordinationEvent planning on a large scaleProactive work stylePublic speaking skillsStrong communication and interpersonal skillsA customer service mindsetVolunteer management and community stakeholder engagement experienceAbility to multi-task and meet deadlinesEffective problem solving and contingency planning skills as well as emergency and crisis management experienceProficient in Word, Excel, Microsoft Office, Power Point, Database/CRM platforms, Project Management ToolsPrevious experience of Jewish Community work/involvementPrevious Maccabi experience would be beneficial but not a pre-requisiteWithin the last several months of program planning and during the Games week itself, this position will require considerable time above and beyond a normal 40-hour work week. The candidate must be able to work with a wide variety of volunteers and staff; and to remain calm while working under pressure.What you will receive from the JCC:Salary range: $95,000.00-$115,000.00. You will also experience a work culture that will continue to challenge and empower you to keep learning and growing. As well you will receive a free JCC membership, staff discounts on paid programs, medical and dental insurance through Equitable Life- the JCC pays 65% of the premium, paid time off for personal, sick days, vacation, as well as Jewish holidays. Moreover, the JCC provides a people-centered, flexible work environment that always puts your family and/or your personal life and overall well-being at the forefront.To Apply:If you have the majority of the qualifications, dont self-select out. This is a unique role in our JCC history. We welcome all applicants. Accommodation during all phases of the hiring process will be made wherever possible. Please submit your resume and cover letter to no later than July 18, 2025.We appreciate your application; however, we will only be contacting the candidates we wish to interview.
Job Title
Director