Position Title: Research Manager

Department: Impact and Growth

Location: Preferably based in NY or DC; Remote candidates considered

The Jewish Federations of North America (“JFNA”) consist of 141 Jewish Federations and dozens of Network communities which collectively raise and distribute more than $3 billion annually to support flourishing Jewish life and the needs of the Jewish people in their home communities and around the world. The Jewish Federation system, among the top 10 charities on the continent, leads the largest network of volunteer and professional leaders who build and sustain Jewish communities that are healthy, safe, caring, welcoming and inclusive, educated and engaged, involved in the broader community, and deeply connected to Israel and the global Jewish people.

Position Summary:

The Research Manager plays a key role in the Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA) Impact and Growth Department, which leverages data and research to support the success and strategic growth of Jewish Federations. This position is responsible for managing the Berman Jewish DataBank, a leading archive of research on contemporary Jewish life. Responsibilities include curating and updating content, coordinating web enhancements, including the integration of AI tools, and ensuring the platform remains a valuable resource for the Jewish community.

In addition to archive management, the Research Manager collaborates with internal departments, local Federations, and external partners to produce research summaries and literature reviews that make complex findings accessible to non-research audiences. The role also supports data collection efforts, including survey development, program evaluations, and feedback analysis, helping departments use data to inform decisions and improve outcomes.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of tools and insights that drive Federation excellence and flourishing Jewish communities flourishing. The Research Manager will be an important participant in shaping how JFNA uses research to support the broader Jewish ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Content & Archive Management: Oversee the ongoing development of the Berman Jewish DataBank, including uploading new research, maintaining existing data, and coordinating with external web developers to enhance user experience.
• Research Synthesis: Read and analyze academic and applied research; produce clear, accessible summaries and literature reviews to support Federation professionals and stakeholders.
• Reporting & Communication: Draft annual updates and impact reports for partners, highlighting key activities and accomplishments of the DataBank.
• Project Coordination: Support multiple research and data collection projects from start to finish, including gathering requirements, developing surveys, assisting with data analysis, and preparing final presentations.

The successful candidate will be:

• Curious and Mission-Driven: Eager to learn and committed to strengthening the Jewish community through data and research.
• Research-Savvy: Skilled in conducting literature reviews, mining data, and navigating online archives and databases.
• Digitally Fluent: Comfortable working with web-based platforms and content management systems (CMS); able to collaborate with tech vendors.
• Analytically Sharp: Able to extract key insights from both quantitative and qualitative research and translate findings into compelling narratives.
• Organized and Proactive: A strong project manager who can juggle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and keep stakeholders informed.
• Communicative: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for different audiences.
• Collaborative: Works well across teams and with external partners, bringing a solutions-oriented mindset to challenges.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Two years’ work experience in a field that requires data analysis and strong attention to detail preferred
• Connection to and interest in advancing Jewish communal life
• Analytical skills in collecting, organizing, analyzing, and disseminating information with accuracy
• Exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills including the ability to present findings in a polished way

Research has shown "all too often, people don’t apply for a new position simply because they don’t hit every single criteria included in the job description." If you think you will be great in this role and it excites you, apply and allow for that discussion.

As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, JFNA celebrates and welcomes people of all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: JFNA offers a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, FSA), including a defined contribution plan, generous vacation policy, paid legal and Jewish holidays, life insurance, generous parental leave policies and flexible remote work practices. Our compensation philosophy strives to be externally competitive and internally fair. Additionally, we offer voluntary learning programs throughout the year in subjects of interest to our staff.

Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000

To Apply: Please email your resume and cover letter to Research@JewishFederations.org.

FEDERATION APPLICANTS: JFNA is committed to supporting local Jewish Federations and to identifying the best talent for the system. If a current Federation employee is hired for this role, we will work with the local Federation to ensure an appropriate timeline and communications strategy. We welcome initial confidential inquiries to learn more about the role; however, current Federation employees who move to a finalist round of interviews will be asked to communicate with the Federation about their candidacy.