We are happy to list relevant employment and volunteer opportunities below as a courtesy for our students and young adults. Inclusion of a opportunity is neither a recommendation nor an endorsement of the hiring organization or position. If you have a listing you would like us to include, please include salary requirements and email it to info@metrochicagohillel.org. You may also consider reaching out to Jewish Career Network or visit our Internship/Fellowship/Service Programs page for ideas.
Job Openings & Job Search
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Hillel has launched the Jewish Career Network, powered by Hillel — and we can’t wait to have you join us. Students and grads of all ages are looking for career and mentorship opportunities, connections in their new cities and towns, and ways to level up and become their best professional selves.
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JVS Career & Employment services include career counseling, job skills training, job referrals and more. While our core values come to us from the Jewish tradition, their power is truly universal. Click here for resources.
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The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is always looking for outstanding candidates who have a strong passion to help and serve. We offer an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary. Click here for current vacancies.
IDHA also offers virtual recruitment presentations twice a month. Click here for more information and to register.
Fellowships and Internships
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Fall 2025 and Spring 2026
Each semester, interns will engage in policy advocacy efforts on behalf of JUF and our network of affiliated human, social service and educational agencies as well as the Chicago-area Jewish community. Please see the description of JUF partners and programs (link), state policy priorities (link), and local policy priorities.
Interns will have an opportunity to: 1. Conduct research and develop background briefs, factsheets, Jewish Chicago articles and social media posts on issues of relevance to JUF and our agency partners (e.g., funding of the IL Nonprofit Security Grant Program; early care and education; supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; behavioral health access; sensible gun ownership policies; refugee resettlement; public benefits). 2. Virtually attend coalition meetings and meetings with JUF agencies, state legislators and state agencies. 3. Virtually attend weekly Government Affairs team meetings, Government Affairs briefings and virtual JUF agency-wide meetings. 4. Analyze, track and draft state legislation and assist with Springfield Advocacy Missions; utilize JUF’s bill-tracking subscription service. 5. Review state agency proposed rules and draft comments for submission in coordination with agency partners. 6. Research proposed municipal legislation, draft comments and testimony, virtually attend City Council, Cook and Lake County Board meetings, and other events as necessary. 7. Plan and participate in meetings with local law enforcement related to Jewish community security initiatives and combating antisemitism. 8. Advocate on behalf of JUF network of agencies in local government bodies. 9. Design and support Jewish American Heritage Month-related government efforts
Stipend available—$1,250 each semester. Academic credit (based on University requirements) and volunteer opportunities are also available.
Internships are open to 2nd-4th year college students. 12-15 hours per week time commitment is preferred.
Internship is virtual but if intern is interested in on-site work, we can arrange.
For more information and to apply, please contact Amy Zimmerman, Associate Vice President, State Government Affairs, at amyzimmerman@juf.org or Jane Charney, Associate Vice President, Local Government Affairs, at JaneCharney@juf.org. Please put “Internship” in Subject Line.
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The Karsh Journalism Fellowship equips journalists to report with depth, rigor, and clarity on Jewish issues in the United States and around the world. Fellows participate in three intensive retreats — in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C. — engaging with leading journalists, scholars, policymakers, and innovators across the arts, media, and business.
As the world’s only journalism fellowship solely dedicated to Jewish topics, the program is resolutely nonpartisan and grounded in the principles of accuracy, independence, transparency, and accountability. Up to ten fellows are selected annually to advance public understanding through uncompromising, high-impact reporting. This is a non-partisan fellowship that is not chiefly concerned with activism. It is for early and mid-career journalists to develop an understanding of how to report in an unbiased way on Jewish issues. Applicants do not need to be Jewish.
Fellows will receive a $4,000 stipend, mentorship, and travel/expenses for the three retreats.
Click here to apply by October 15th. -
Nexus49 is an exclusive platform for senior executives dedicated to strengthening the Chicago-Canada business alliance. Through curated, high-impact events, we connect visionary C-suite leaders with strategic opportunities that foster innovation and cross-border growth.
Location:Remote (with potential for in-person events and local meetings)
Commitment:Part-time, flexible (approx.4-6h per week)
Stipend: $250/month
Email tarasilver@silverstrategy.com for more information.
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Uri L’Tzedek’s College Social Justice Fellowship is now accepting applications for Fall 2025! This virtual fellowship brings together observant Jewish college students for four Sunday sessions focused on social justice through a Jewish lens, featuring dynamic speakers, peer learning, and community building.
Session Dates: Oct 26, Nov 9, Nov 23, Dec 7 (1pm- 2:20pm EST) Modest stipend offered for full participation Open to undergrad + grad students Priority Application Deadline: Oct 5
Students can apply here: https://forms.gle/FvNQrCRYoEbUyWCV6
Travel
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Birthright Israel invites you to travel to the center of Jewish history for a once-in-a-lifetime 10-day journey. Alongside a diverse community of Jewish and Israeli peers, we’ll experience the ancient allure of Jerusalem, take in the stark beauty of the Negev Desert, and channel the innovative spirit of Tel Aviv.
There are opportunities for students, young adults, volunteers, internships and fellowships. Click here to learn more.
Summer Camp and Synagogue Staff
Volunteer Opportunities
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EZRA works to prevent homelessness, relieve hunger, reduce isolation, and ease other barriers to self-sufficiency. For opportunities to volunteer with EZRA visit https://www.juf.org/ezra/Get-Involved.aspx
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Conversations to Remember, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicated towards combating loneliness and isolation felt by senior citizens is looking for volunteers help these seniors, many of whom are suffering from dementia. Our virtual visit program matches 2-3 college students with residents of long-term care, assisted living, and memory care communities for virtual video visits. Training is provided as well as additional ongoing support. Click here for more information and to complete a volunteer interest form.