Community Connections Manager - Sarasota, FL

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is seeking an outgoing Engagement Coordinator to build relationships with newcomers, volunteers, and community partners. You will lead the Shalom Ambassadors program, manage outreach, and ensure strong follow-up and participation across programs.

The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organized, and comfortable representing the Federation at community events and collaborations with synagogues and local organizations.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience in community engagement, volunteer management, or nonprofit programming preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and CRM/database systems.

Responsibilities

• Newcomer Engagement: serve as primary contact and connect newcomers with programs and resources.
• Volunteer Engagement: recruit, engage, and steward volunteers; track participation.
• Shalom Ambassadors: manage recruitment, onboarding, training, and communication.
• Community Partnerships & Programs: cultivate relationships with synagogues and organizations; track participation.
• Community Outreach: represent Federation at fairs and follow up with participants.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Relationship-building

Organizational skills

Volunteer management

Public speaking

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Database management

Job description

Reports To: Director of Engagement. Position Summary: Builds relationships that connect people to the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and the broader Jewish community. Leads newcomer and volunteer engagement, manages the Shalom Ambassadors program, cultivates community partnerships, and represents the Federation at community outreach opportunities. The ideal candidate is outgoing, highly organized, proactive, and skilled at converting new connections into ongoing engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Newcomer Engagement: Serve as primary contact for newcomers; connect newcomers with programs, events, volunteer opportunities, synagogues, and resources; maintain communication and follow-up; coordinate monthly campus tours and an annual newcomer event; maintain records and track participation.
• Volunteer Engagement: Build and grow the volunteer program through recruitment, engagement, and stewardship; match volunteers to opportunities; identify needs with staff; coordinate scheduling, orientation, training, and recognition; maintain communications and track participation/hours/retention; identify volunteers for deeper leadership.
• Shalom Ambassadors: Manage and grow the program (recruitment, onboarding, training, communication, stewardship); coordinate Ambassador participation in programs, newcomer activities, and outreach.
• Community Partnerships & Programs: Manage Just Schmoozing and Chai Life; cultivate relationships with synagogues and organizations; recruit hosts; serve as liaison coordinating dates/expectations; coordinate registration and promotion; track participation/partner involvement.
• Community Outreach: Represent Federation at fairs/expos/festivals; build relationships with prospective participants, volunteers, and partners; ensure timely follow-up.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills; warm and welcoming; highly organized with strong follow-through and ability to manage multiple priorities; proactive and self-directed; experience in community engagement, volunteer management, membership, hospitality, events, or nonprofit programming preferred; comfortable representing Federation and speaking with individuals and groups; proficiency with Microsoft Office and database/CRM systems; ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Schedule & Work Requirements

• Full-time; schedule flexibility including regular evenings and weekends to support programs, events, and outreach; schedules adjusted based on organizational needs.