POSITION TITLE: Manager, Education, & Civic Partnerships

DEPARTMENT: Impact

Reports To Director of Community Relations

Position Overview

The Manager, Education, and Civic Partnerships is a key member of the Community Relations department. This full-time role is responsible for building and strengthening long-term relationships with leaders in K–12 schools, colleges and universities, and local civic organizations focused on education, social justice, and equality. The Manager will advance JewishColumbus’ efforts to proactively combat antisemitism in educational and civic spaces while promoting understanding of Jewish identity, history, and culture. Working closely with the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), the Manager will collaborate with lay leaders and the Education and Engagement subcommittees.

Essential Functions

Education Partnerships

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to:

• Build and sustain strong relationships with educational leaders, with a primary focus on Superintendents and Administrators.

• Provide and facilitate training and guidance on Jewish identity, antisemitism, religious accommodations, and Middle East discourse.

• Position JewishColumbus as a trusted partner to K–12 schools and higher education institutions.

• Strengthen JewishColumbus’ presence and influence in state-level education discussions.

• Represent JewishColumbus at key education forums and identify strategic opportunities for influence.

• Serve as a subject matter resource on K–12 and higher education issues for JewishColumbus leadership, lay partners, and committees.

• Serve as a resource and first point of contact for families and schools seeking support on matters related to antisemitism and anti-Zionism.

• Develop, manage, and promote education programs run by JewishColumbus.

• Adapt educational materials to meet the needs of diverse audiences.

• Assess local campus climates and proactively work in partnership with Jewish campus organizations to address and prevent antisemitism.

• Develop and implement a social media strategy to help teens and college students navigate the complex issues around antisemitism and anti-Zionism.

Civic Partnerships

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to:

• Position JewishColumbus as a trusted partner to strategic civic institutions.

• Identify, build, and maintain relationships with key civic leaders

• Serve as a resource on Jewish identity, antisemitism, religious accommodations, and Middle East discourse.

• Serve as a subject matter resource on civic issues for JewishColumbus and its lay leadership.

• Represent JewishColumbus at key civic forums and identify strategic opportunities for influence.

• Develop and identify programs tailored to civil society leaders that promote awareness of Jewish identity and adapt educational materials to meet the needs of diverse audiences.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Provide staff leadership and support for the JCRC, including meeting preparation, program announcements, minutes, reports, and general correspondence.

• Help manage the Community Relations budget.

Critical Competencies + Skills

• Creative, strategic thinker with a record of executing short- and long-term initiatives with clear goals and metrics.

• Demonstrated effectiveness in engaging educators and civic leaders in thoughtful, solutions-oriented dialogue and action.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse perspectives across and beyond the Jewish community.

• Deep knowledge of Jewish identity, practices, customs, history, community infrastructure, and current issues affecting the Jewish community, including antisemitism, Israel, and today’s school and campus climate.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to present to and engage diverse audiences.

• Strong diplomatic, relationship-building, and consensus-building skills, with the ability to earn trust and cultivate collaborative partnerships. This includes building and managing relationships with senior-level community leaders, partners, and staff (e.g., superintendents, university administrators, civic leaders, elected or appointed officials).

• Proven ability to operate effectively in politically and socially sensitive environments.

• Strong organizational and project-management abilities, including managing budgets, timelines, and multiple simultaneous projects.

• Experience in developing strategy and executing complex initiatives with limited direction.

• Effective problem-solving skills and sound judgment in complex or sensitive situations.

• Personal commitment to the Jewish community and to issues impacting Jewish communities and Israel.

• Experience successfully working autonomously while aligning closely with organizational strategy and leadership priorities.

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred.

• 7+ years of progressive responsibility in education, education administration, community relations, government relations, Jewish communal work, or related fields.

• Experience in planning and executing public-facing programs and events.

• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and partner with volunteers.

Work Environment + Schedule

• Hybrid work environment, with on-site presence required Tuesday through Thursday.

• Evening and weekend availability required.

• Some travel may be necessary for meetings, special programs, and or professional development.