Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo

Associate JCRC Director, Education & Civic Engagement

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate JCRC Director, Education & Civic Engagement is part of Frontline, a strategic initiative of Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) to strengthen and professionalize the Jewish community’s response to rising antisemitism across North America. The Associate JCRC Director is a full-time, non-exempt position with Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo (JFGT). Through Frontline, JFNA is investing in new professional capacity across the Federation system to help communities respond to antisemitism with greater coordination, expertise, and effectiveness.

Working as part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), the Associate JCRC Director will support the JCRC Director in advancing local community relations priorities, with a particular focus on K–12 antisemitism prevention and response, educational partnerships, community education, and business, civic, and community engagement.

The Associate JCRC Director will build sustained relationships with schools, educators, businesses, civic leaders, and nonprofit organizations throughout Northwest Ohio; develop educational resources and trainings; and help partners recognize, prevent, and respond to contemporary antisemitism. The position will also expand the Federation’s capacity to strengthen Jewish inclusion, foster meaningful community relationships, and respond to emerging issues affecting Jewish students and the broader Jewish community.

ABOUT THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER TOLEDO

With an annual operating budget of approximately $5 million dollars and more than 30 professional staff, JFGT serves as the central address for Jewish life, philanthropy, and community services across northwest Ohio and parts of southeast Michigan.

Key divisions and programs include:

• Toledo Jewish Community Foundation, stewarding over $60 million in assets

• Annual Campaign raising seven figures

• Jewish Senior, Family, and Social Services, providing a community food pantry, transportation services, financial/scholarship assistance

• PJ Library, and programs for young families and NextGen leaders

• Hillel programs at two state universities

• Jewish Community programming including annual Yom celebrations, Book and Film Festivals and other community events

• Toledo Jewish Community Cemetery Association operating 2 cemeteries

The JCRC has a budget of $340,000+ and serves as a vital division of JFGT.

Toledo’s Jewish community is “small but mighty,” sustaining three synagogues (Reform, Conservative, Orthodox) as well as Chabad. The city’s cost of living is among the lowest in the country. The city offers cultural richness through the Toledo Zoo, Toledo Museum of Art, and Mud Hens baseball, and is within easy reach of Ann Arbor, Detroit, Cleveland, and Chicago.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Three to five years of relevant experience preferred in education, community relations, nonprofit work, Jewish communal service, public affairs, or a related field.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with K–12 education, businesses, civic organizations, or nonprofit/community organizations preferred.
• Knowledge of contemporary antisemitism, Jewish identity, Holocaust education, or bias response preferred.
• Ability to communicate thoughtfully and effectively about sensitive and complex issues with diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple relationships and initiatives.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with the JCRC Director and Federation colleagues.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend programs and local travel.
• Residency within 20 miles of JFGT offices.

• Availability for some evening and weekend (non-Shabbat) events.

Demonstrated excellence in:

• Jewish community relations and navigating polarized political environments with nuance and tact.

• Project/program management with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Independent work with consistency and follow-through.

• Collaborative, open-minded and non-siloed leadership.

• Outstanding oral/written communication, including the ability to present complex issues regarding antisemitism and anti-Zionism to diverse audiences.

• Building coalitions and cultivating strategic partnerships.

• Advanced knowledge of antisemitism, extremist movements, and advocacy strategies to combat hate.

• Advanced knowledge of and ability to educate/advocate on Israel-related issues with nuance and sensitivity.

• Knowledge of Jewish history and commitment to Jewish values.

• Passion for Jewish advocacy.

REPORTING

Director, Jewish Community Relations Council

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

K–12 Education & Antisemitism Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with K–12 educators, administrators, superintendents, school districts, and educational organizations throughout Northwest Ohio.
• Serve as a key Federation resource for schools on contemporary antisemitism, Jewish identity and inclusion, Holocaust education, and issues affecting Jewish students.
• Develop and deliver trainings, presentations, and educational resources that help schools recognize, prevent, and respond effectively to antisemitism.
• Support school leaders in addressing antisemitic incidents, Holocaust distortion, bias, and other concerns affecting Jewish students and families.
• Support and help implement relevant JFNA initiatives and programs, including, but not limited to, Student to Student, Project Halo, and the Community Mapping Project, adapting and leveraging these resources to meet local community needs.

Antisemitism Response & Community Education

• Monitor trends and emerging concerns related to antisemitism, particularly within K–12 education and the local community.
• Support the JCRC Director in assessing and responding to antisemitic incidents and emerging community concerns.
• Provide educational presentations, briefings, and resources for the Jewish community, as well as public and private schools, businesses, civic organizations, nonprofit organizations, and other partners.
• Help strengthen the JCRC’s role as a trusted local resource on antisemitism and Jewish inclusion.

Business, Civic & Community Partnerships

• Cultivate relationships with business leaders, employers, chambers of commerce, civic organizations, nonprofits, and other community stakeholders.
• Develop opportunities for businesses and community organizations to engage in education related to antisemitism, Jewish identity, Jewish inclusion, and community relations.
• Represent the Federation and JCRC at community meetings, and events as assigned by the JCRC Director.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/REQUIREMENTS

• Standing/lifting as necessary (up to 50 pounds); ability to drive to meetings; sitting and close computer work.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate, the Associate JCRC Director, Education & Civic Engagement will have a base salary of $65,000-$75,000. In addition, JFGT offers the following additional benefits:

• Generous Paid Time Off including early close for Shabbat during Eastern standard time and Jewish holiday closures

• Extended Illness Benefits

• % contribution to single participant coverage in group health (HMO and high-deductible plans with HSA available)

• Vision, dental and other supplemental insurance available for employee purchase

• 401(k)—New employees are immediately eligible to make voluntary contributions. After one year service, JFGT contributes 7% annually of base salary (3% safe harbor with an additional 4% discretionary contribution)

• Group life insurance

• Cell phone plan reimbursement of up to $600 per year

• YMCA/JCC max membership for you and family

• Parental leave after 12 months service

• Laptop computer

• Professional development and conference expenses related to the Frontline initiative including potential travel to Israel

Interested applicants should forward cover letter, resume and references to Jodi at jodi@jewishtoledo.org

Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender identification, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.