DIRECTOR, JCRC
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati is seeking a passionate senior leader with a commitment to Jewish community and public policy issues to lead the Jewish Community Relations Council.
Cincinnati is a global business center, home to many Fortune 500 companies with a celebrated Jewish history; it is the oldest Jewish community west of the Allegheny Mountains and the birthplace of Reform Judaism in America. The first continually operating Jewish Federation, the first Jewish hospital and the first Jewish seminary were all founded in Cincinnati. Today, the Cincinnati Jewish community, with a population of approximately 32,000, is a vibrant leader among mid-western, mid-sized Jewish communities. It is home to fourteen synagogues, ranging from Humanistic to Orthodox, some of which are nationally recognized for their programs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati mission is to develop and connect leaders, contributors, organizations, and ideas to build an inclusive Jewish community that helps people in need, supports Israel, and assures a vibrant Jewish future.
The JCRC is a unique department of the Jewish Federation with a board and bylaws. The JCRC’s role is to protect and advance the security of the Jewish community locally and in the Jewish State of Israel, with a recognition that the security of the Jewish community ultimately depends on creating a just society for all people. To accomplish its mission, the JCRC develops meaningful relationships with ethnic, religious, civic, business and academic leaders and strengthens ties with our policy makers. The JCRC collaborates on initiatives focusing on the mutual enhancement and vitality of the diverse constituencies of Cincinnati. The JCRC Director is responsible for leading the JCRC in implementing this mission and programmatic direction. The JCRC Director reports to the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and works in partnership with the JCRC leadership. The JCRC Director works to strengthen the Jewish Community and, as part of the Jewish Federation leadership team, works collaboratively with other Federation departments such as Development, Community Planning & Engagement , SAFE Cincinnati and Marketing.
Objectives:
Combat antisemitism, discrimination and hate. Promote Israel’s security by responding to efforts to delegitimize Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people. Develop and advance relationships with civic, ethnic and religious leaders and communities. Work with the JCRC lay leadership to develop and prioritize issues on which JCRC will engage. Serve as a resource for our local organization and agencies and engage and drive Jewish social impact work. Manage Federation government relations efforts. Promote the strategic interests of the community. Manage the day-to-day operations of the JCRC and supervises assistant JCRC director.
Detailed Duties:
1. Community Relations. Represent JCRC and Jewish Federation in initiating, developing and nurturing relationships with key Cincinnati community groups and influencers, including policy makers and opinion leaders. Participate in Jewish and non-Jewish organizations to cultivate, develop and maintain relationships with the Jewish community’s most important networks and contacts (e.g. elected officials, ethnic/faith community leaders, media, business leaders, etc.).
Interface with Rabbis and other Jewish professionals to update and engage them on JCRC issues. Maintain visibility as a public speaker at schools, colleges and community programs.
2. Government Relations/Advocacy.
Meet with elected officials and other policy makers to educate and advocate for Jewish communal priorities. Undertake advocacy and public policy work in partnership with state and national organizations such as the Jewish Federation of North America, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) and the Ohio Jewish Communities. Ensure an effective voice for our community within these organizations.
Monitor local, national, and international events that may impact the Jewish community and work with leadership and community members to set policy and mobilize community actions. Working in partnership with the Federation CEO and Chief Marketing & Communications officer, develop our advocacy “voice” and communicate, educate and advocate to the broader community on issues relating to Jewish communal concerns. Educational/advocacy efforts may include writing, event planning, public speaking, etc.
3. Combat Antisemitism
Monitor and respond to antisemitic incidents in the community. Develop programs and relationships to pro-actively counter growing antisemitism across the political spectrum. Work with other organizations within the Jewish community to educate the broader community on the dangers of antisemitism and lead the Jewish community response to this concern.
4. Israel Education & Advocacy
Partner with other local pro-Israel organizations to grow support for Israel within the broader community and respond to efforts to delegitimize Israel. Support the work of local Hillels in countering the movement to delegitimize Israel on college campuses. Monitor and when necessary, respond to local anti-Israel initiatives throughout the community and on local campuses.
5. Lead the Jewish Community Response on Broader Social Issues
Work with the JFC CEO and JCRC lay leadership to develop and prioritize issues on which the JCRC will engage that will enhance community relations efforts and will further the Jewish community’s efforts to create a just society for all people.
6. Crisis Management
Participate in crisis management team and help respond to crises in the community, including from antisemitic incidents. Collaborate with SAFE Cincinnati to ensure the safety and security of the community.
7. Communications
Collaborate with CEO and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer on communication. Help JFC build and maintain strong brand for the Jewish community.
8. Actively participate in the JFC management team.
Give input into the donor relations portfolios and assist where relevant in fundraising initiatives for the Federation. Collaborate and coordinate projects and initiatives that advance the goals of JCRC with the JFC Israel Department, Community Building Department and SAFE Cincinnati.
9. Day to Day Management
Mentor and supervise Assistant Director. Develop, track and maintain JCRC budget. Provide staff leadership to the JCRC board, working with the Chair and Executive Committee to set priorities. Update and engage board members in the work of JCRC.
10. Plan, execute and manage Leaders in Light program. Leaders in Light is a program that builds alliances with civic, ethnic and religious leaders to combat extremism and strengthen inclusive democracy. Provide high level stewardship for Leaders in Light program.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
- 5-10 years of relevant experience
- Developing relationships within the Jewish community and in the broader community
- Developing and implementing strategic objectives
- Advocating on issues and causes impacting the Jewish community
- Government affairs efforts on behalf of the Jewish community
- Written and verbal communication.
- Recruiting, training and engaging volunteers.
- Executive management and supervision.
- Skills/Attributes
- Strategic thinking – the ability to develop long-term goals for the JCRC.
- Strong communication skills, particularly in public speaking.
- Passion for public policy, Jewish community, and Israel issues.
- Knowledge of the political process on national, state and local levels.
- Ability to react quickly to ever-changing situations and to reprioritize accordingly.
- Ability to embrace a broad range of viewpoints and to represent the JCRC’s consensus positions.
- Ability to speak with and relate to diverse audiences. The JCRC is bypartisian and serves as a voice for all audiences.
- Ability to think on your feet, political savvy and diplomacy.
- Education: Bachelors degree required; Graduate degree a plus
- This is a public facing position. Must have maturity and understanding in how to navigate nuance between professional and personal persona.