Director, Community Relations

Organization Summary:

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming, inspiring and saving lives in the Palm Beaches and 70 countries around the world. Each year, Jewish Federation inspires thousands of community members to contribute, volunteer and participate in programs that generate more than $30 million to leading a powerful impact in the community.

The Palm Beach Center to Combat Antisemitism & Hatred was created to impact and influence both the Jewish and general Palm Beach communities by taking a proactive stance against antisemitism. The Center focuses in two strategic priorities: strengthening safety and security (Office of Community Security) and building relationships beyond the Jewish community (Community Relations).

The Office of Community Relations exists to protect and defend the Jewish community through relationship building, coalition work, government affairs, public affairs, educational programs and advocacy.

Position Summary:

Under the leadership of the Executive Director, Palm Beach Center and Community Affairs, the Director, Community Relations will create and implement a comprehensive plan to expand Jewish community and government relations, community outreach and engagement efforts. The Director is responsible for leading the implementation of programmatic priorities focusing on issues related to antisemitism, Government Affairs, domestic policy issues, social and economic justice, interfaith/intergroup relations, and Israel advocacy and education. The Director works closely with the Executive Director, volunteer Board Chair and volunteer leaders to set priorities, build consensus, and represent the community in a variety of settings. The Director serves as a resource to media, elected officials, and leaders throughout the community and the state of Florida.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Legislative Affairs

• Develop relationships with elected officials at the local, state, and federal level.
• Work with elected officials and other government officials on legislative issues to protect and secure the Jewish community.
• Collaborate with faith and ethnic communities on legislative issues

Public Affairs

• Speak on behalf of the Jewish community in public spheres related to antisemitism, Israel, and other areas of Jewish community concern.
• In close collaboration with Federation’s External Affairs team communicate with the media and the community-at-large on issues of Jewish communal concern
• Corresponds with elected officials, staff and other key leaders on a range of domestic and international issues, with an emphasis on Israel.

Community Relations

Collaborates with the Associate Director, Community Relations in the development, planning and management of various programs to build relationships within and beyond the Jewish community.

Takes the lead in response to antisemitic incidents by developing and implementing a crisis response and intervention plan

Volunteer Leadership

• Manages and engages volunteer leaders on the various committees, including the Community Relations Board and the Community Council.
• Collaborates with Associate Director on correspondence with membership, agenda planning, material preparation and execution.
• Nurtures current volunteer leadership skills and cultivates a strong pipeline of future volunteers with representation of varying viewpoints and community demographic groups
• Assists in managing the Board, including preparing materials for board meetings, coordinating committee strategy and advancement, and working to engage board members in the work of the department.

Mission Execution

• Working with ED identifies themes and prepares strategy for two missions per year
• Collaborates with the Development team and external Travel agent in the development, planning and execution of various missions.
• Assist in coordination and staffing of Federation Missions to Israel

Educational Programming & Communications

• Guides Associate Director in building educational programs to ensure the community is educated on priority issues through Federation events, communication vehicles, social media, local news, and other marketing opportunities.

Administrative and Other Duties

• Collaborates with other Federation departments and staff members on related projects.
• When requested, assists the Federation’s development efforts
• Prepare and oversee annual department budget and adherence
• Manage and supervise Associate Director, Community Relations
• Serve as an advisor to senior leadership team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Success Factors:

• Master’s Degree with coursework in civic and community engagement, public affairs or related field required;
• Knowledge of current events and passion for Judaism, Jewish community and related issues Knowledge of current events and passion for Judaism, Jewish community and related issues
• Commitment to representing the needs of a broad, diverse Jewish community
• Ability to navigate complicated or stressful situations with diplomacy, tact, and equanimity
• Ability to thrive in an environment with tight deadlines, changing priorities, high-pressure, and irregular hours
• Exceptional skills in public relations, public affairs and communication
• Commitment to Israel and ability to communicate with sophistication and nuance on related issues
• Knowledge and understanding of government affairs, legislative processes and advocacy
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to advocate for the Center within the organization, in the Jewish community, and the community-at-large Required Experience
• Senior leadership experience in community relations/public affairs
• In-depth knowledge of Jewish values, history, heritage, culture and ideals
• Experience working with volunteer leaders and diverse constituencies to develop consensus
• Management and supervisory experience
• Skilled in program development, management and evaluation.
• Ability to think strategically and to help develop long-term goals for the Center
• Must be able to pass Level 1 background check.
• Must be able to work off-shift hours including nights and weekends, as needed.

Work Environment:

Position is eligible to work from home occasionally in accordance with Federation policies. When working from home, employee must:

• Follow all Federation policies and procedures,
• Be available to other employees during Federation’s normal business hours,
• Not work from a public place (e.g. coffee shop, library, etc.) and/or join a public, unsecure wi-fi network when working with sensitive or confidential information,
• Coordinate with IT department to maintain appropriate computer equipment and connectivity.

The Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time at the Federation’s discretion. Employment is at-will, and this job description is not an employment contract and nothing herein shall be deemed to create in any way whatsoever an employment contract