Associate, Community Relations

Jewish Community Federation; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jewish Community Federation in Cleveland seeks an Associate for Community Relations to foster engagement between Jewish and non-Jewish communities. The role requires a Bachelor's degree, strong communication skills, and a commitment to the Jewish community. Responsibilities include developing programs, planning events, and collaborating with various stakeholders to promote understanding and address current affairs. This full-time position is essential for maintaining bridges and consensus within the Cleveland community.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse viewpoints and audiences.
• Strong knowledge of Israel and the Jewish community, culture, and traditions.
• Knowledge of Cleveland community organizations is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage programs engaging Jewish and non-Jewish communities.
• Implement strategies to protect the interests of the Jewish community.
• Plan and execute community programs and events.
• Represent the Jewish community to non-Jewish constituencies.

Skills

Relationship building

Project management

Verbal communication

Written communication

Problem solving

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

About the Associate, Community Relations position:

The Associate, Community Relations partners with the Managing Director, Community Relations and External Affairs and the Community Relations Committee (CRC) of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland (JFC). In this critical area of the Federation’s work, the Associate works with the CRC to build deep collaborative relationships with individuals, groups, and organizations external to the Jewish community. The Associate is also responsible for developing events and programs with the broader Cleveland community, building consensus and bridges, combatting antisemitism, and representing the Jewish community to the broader Cleveland community.

This position is full-time and reports to the Managing Director, Community Relations and External Affairs.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop and manage programs that aim to engage both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities in northeast Ohio on a range of topics including, but not limited to, local current events, international affairs and Israel, antisemitism, civil rights, and intergroup relations.
• Implement strategies to protect and enhance the interests of the Jewish community in response to local, national, and international events.
• Work with diverse constituencies in the Jewish community to enable the CRC and its subcommittees to continue to reflect political, religious, and geographical balance.
• Plan and execute programs and events such as, but not limited to, Yom HaShoah V’Hagvurah (Holocaust Commemoration), Sustainability Tu B’Shevat, CRC Annual Meeting, the Miller-Zimon Cultural Competency Program.
• Represent the interests of the Jewish community to the non-Jewish community through coalition building and maintaining a broad network of contacts with religious, civic, and political leaders.
• Partner with the CRC, its subcommittees, volunteer leadership, and key stakeholders, as well as colleagues at JFC to advance the Federation and its community relations priorities.

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• 10% of the position is allocated to an annual Campaign assignment; this may include, but is not limited to, working with Campaign volunteers, planning and executing a specific Campaign strategy, and participating in regular Campaign meetings and events, as determined by the Campaign Director.

Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics:

• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse viewpoints and audiences within and outside of the Jewish community.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills required.
• Demonstrated skills in relationship building, multitasking, project management, and problem solving.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a team-based structure, in an individual contributor role.
• Strong knowledge, understanding, and experience with Israel and the Jewish community, culture, and traditions is required.
• Knowledge of Cleveland community organizations and non-profit, community based and faith-based organizations is helpful.
• Possess a passionate commitment to the Jewish community and understanding of relevant current affairs and public policy issues.

Education, Training and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required, master’s degree preferred.
• 2+ years of work experience in a related professional field will be accepted in lieu of a master’s degree.
• Experience with a non-profit organization, in a professional, internship, or volunteer capacity is highly desirable.
• Experience working or volunteering in policy, public affairs, external affairs, community relations, politics, political campaigns, or a related field preferred.