Civic Engagement & Regional Partnerships Director

Jewish Federation of the Desert; Rancho Mirage (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Jewish Federation of the Desert seeks a strategic, relationship-driven professional to lead its civic engagement, public affairs, and community relations in the Coachella Valley. This is a new, full-time role reporting to the CEO and based in Rancho Mirage, with travel throughout the valley and occasional overnight trips.

The Director will connect with local government, security partners, interfaith groups, and national Jewish organizations, coordinating messaging with the marketing team and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in community relations, public affairs, government relations, advocacy, coalition-building, education, communications, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication and comfort representing an organization publicly.
• Knowledge of antisemitism, Israel-related issues, and Jewish communal life.
• Self-starter able to work independently in a small team; proficient in Microsoft 365.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends and to travel, including to national convenings.

Responsibilities

• Lead government relations with elected officials, municipal staff, and public agencies across nine cities and at state/federal levels.
• Coordinate antisemitism response, threat assessments, trainings, and incident-response planning.
• Represent Federation at city councils, civic forums, and public events; draft talking points with the communications team.
• Develop a standing coalition with interfaith, civil-rights, cultural partners for rapid mobilization.
• Educate and outreach on antisemitism; partner with schools, colleges, Hillel, and Federation programs.
• Connect with regional and national Jewish organizations; bring JFNA programs to the valley and report on activities.
• Collaborate with lay leadership; support donor communications and events; align internal/external outreach.

Skills

Relationship building

Public affairs

Government relations

Communications

Coalition-building

Policy advocacy

Microsoft 365

Travel readiness

Education

Degree related to civic engagement or policy

Tools

Microsoft 365 Suite

SharePoint

Outlook

Excel

Job description

Jewish Federation of the Desert seeks a strategic, relationship-driven professional to lead its civic engagement, public affairs, and community relations in the Coachella Valley. This is a new, full-time role reporting to the CEO and based in Rancho Mirage, with travel throughout the valley and occasional overnight trips.

The Director will connect with local government, security partners, interfaith groups, and national Jewish organizations, coordinating messaging with the marketing team and