Summary

The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor is seeking a creative, dynamic collaborator to join its energetic team as Community Relations Director. This is a full-time position.

This position plays an integral role in the advancement of the Federation’s mission with a focus on building collaborative relationships within the Jewish community, with other faith, ethnic, and cultural communities, and with civic leaders in the greater Ann Arbor area.

This position requires passion for our mission, enthusiasm, understanding of government affairs and current issues in the Jewish community, excellent organizational abilities, sensitivity, good humor, and a goal-focused outlook. We seek a team member with exceptional interpersonal communication abilities and the ability to successfully nurture mutually beneficial relationships.

The Jewish Federation is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Executive Director and working in close partnership with volunteer leadership, the Community Relations Director is responsible for building strong inter-group relationships, expanding government and media relations, fostering collaborative and supportive interactions with local Jewish organizations, and overseeing community planning and allocations.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

In partnership with the Executive Director, Federation team, and committee chairs, Community Relations Manager will direct community relations and planning & allocations activities. This person will:

Public and Community Relations in Both the Jewish & General Communities

• Develop and implement goals, priorities and processes for the Jewish Community Relations Committee (JCRC) and related committees
• Recruit, train, support, motivate and coordinate activities of JCRC members
• Serve as a resource and liaison between the Jewish and general communities in Washtenaw County through coalition building and cooperative efforts with faith, cultural civic, academic groups in Washtenaw County
• Develop, strengthen, and maintain relationships with elected officials at all levels of government
• Monitor local, national, and international events, and work with JCRC & Federation leadership to set policies, communicate, advocate, and mobilize the community for action as needed
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with the media, government officials, schools and national organizations
• Direct community-wide convening around issues including addressing antisemitism, community planning, Jewish equity, diversity and inclusion, climate action, etc.
• Develop relevant event programming and written content to connect the Jewish community with issues and causes relevant to the broader community and to increase the visibility of the JCRC
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and other key leadership staff and lay leaders to identify opportunities to strengthen the partner organizations serving the Jewish community in Greater Ann Arbor.

Addressing Antisemitism

• Develop and implement programming to educate both the Jewish community and the broader community to proactively confront and combat antisemitism
• Lead community antisemitism crisis management and prevention efforts
• Serve as a resource to, and initial line of defense for, families, schools and other organizations following incidents of antisemitism
• In partnership with the Israel Programs Manager, develop and implement strategies to confront local manifestations of delegitimization of Israel

Allocations

• In partnership with Israel Programs Manager and Administrative Manager, administer the Allocations process.
• Direct the Community Engagement Grant program including promotion, overseeing allocations and publicity
• In partnership with Executive Director, Communications Manager, and Community Study Committee leadership, oversee a community planning process

Administration

• Promote the mission of the JCRC and Federation through superior customer service and efficient use of and care for all resources
• Participate in Annual Community Campaign including participating in donor conversations to raise funds on behalf of the community
• Assist other staff in with other Federation events and programs as needed
• Develop and maintain budgets for all programs for which responsible
• Set goals/metrics for success
• Serve as an ambassador of the Federation and foster positive professional relationships within the Federation, agency colleagues, and other external stakeholders
• Attend weekly staff meetings and community events as needed and participate in professional development seminars and conferences as needed; some meetings and programs take place on evenings and weekends
• Serve as Engagement Team lead
• Other duties as discussed with and determined by the Executive Director

Competencies and Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree required; master's degree in social work, public policy, Jewish studies or related field preferred
• Minimum three to five years of relevant experience with community outreach, public policy, government affairs, or Israel advocacy required
• Significant knowledge of the Jewish community; passion for and broad understanding of Jewish- and Israel-related issues
• Familiarity with Washtenaw County's non-profit, political, faith and civic landscape a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonalskills
• Entrepreneurial self-starter, creative thinker and team player with excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, the ability to handle multiple tasks, and meticulous attention to detail and follow-up
• Computer/IT proficiency: Microsoft Office; savvy user of social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn); ability to work with graphics, Adobe, Canva, HTML a plus.
• Availability to participate in meetings and programs on evenings and Sundays
• Must have access to reliable transportation

Work Environment

• The values of the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor are Tzedakah (justice), Community, Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), Sustainability, Responsibility for one another, Chesed (compassion), and Collaboration. The Federation professional team and leadership utilizes these values in communication and action.
• Federation employees work in person at the Federation office based at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. Remote work is an option on Mondays & Fridays.
• Employees must be vaccinated against Covid-19 with consideration given for medical and religious accommodations. Employees must comply with all JCC Covid policies.