Director of Civic Partnerships & Public Affairs

The Jewish Federation; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jewish Federation of St. Louis seeks a strategic, relationship-driven Director of Civic Engagement to expand civic relationships, address antisemitism, advance public affairs priorities, and build partnerships throughout the St. Louis region.

The role collaborates with Jewish agencies and across government, education, business, law enforcement, interfaith, nonprofit, and civic sectors. This position blends relationship management, community engagement, public affairs, program development,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Ten or more years of experience in community relations, public affairs, government relations, nonprofit leadership, civic engagement, external affairs, coalition building, advocacy, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain relationships with leaders from varied professional, political, religious, cultural, and community backgrounds.
• Strong project and program management skills, including the ability to move from strategy to implementation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to research complex issues and translate information into concise, useful materials for leaders and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage numerous relationships and priorities simultaneously.
• Experience using databases, CRM systems, project-management platforms, or other tools to track relationships, activities, and outcomes.
• Sound judgment, discretion, professionalism, and comfort working on complex or sensitive community issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with professional colleagues, volunteer leaders, community partners, and senior organizational leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop tailored relationship and engagement strategies for priority stakeholder groups; officials, educators, business and civic leaders, law enforcement, interfaith leaders, nonprofits, and media.
• Coordinate regular engagement touchpoints between Federation leaders and priority stakeholders.
• Proactively identify opportunities to deepen relationships, partnerships, and the Federation’s network.
• Support implementation of priorities established by Federation leadership and its Public Affairs Committee.
• Monitor antisemitism, civic engagement, public sentiment, policy, education, and community relations developments.
• Translate issues and trends into actionable engagement strategies.
• Support government relations and advocacy at local, state, and federal levels.
• Strengthen Federation’s relationships with elected officials, public agencies, educational institutions, and partners.
• Help Federation respond strategically when antisemitism or related issues arise.
• Identify and facilitate partnerships, joint initiatives, and co-sponsored events with stakeholders.
• Develop and manage programs to strengthen understanding and collaboration with the broader community.
• Coordinate Federation participation in Jewish Federations of North America initiatives.
• Collaborate with Jewish organizations and partners aligned with public affairs priorities.
• Develop stakeholder profiles, briefs, talking points, and meeting materials.
• Conduct research to understand key organizations, leaders, issues, and community dynamics.
• Work with communications to support public affairs messaging.
• Prepare leaders to engage thoughtfully with diverse audiences.
• Recruit, train, and support lay leaders as ambassadors and relationship stewards.
• Provide resources and staff support to lay leaders.
• Develop systems for accountability and continuity in key relationships.
• Promote a culture of shared responsibility for community relationship-building.

Skills

Relationship development

Public affairs

Project management

Written communication

Verbal communication

Research skills

CRM usage

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience

Tools

CRM systems

Project management tools

Databases

Job description

The Jewish Federation of St. Louis seeks a strategic, relationship-driven Director of Civic Engagement to expand civic relationships, address antisemitism, advance public affairs priorities, and build partnerships throughout the St. Louis region.

The role collaborates with Jewish agencies and across government, education, business, law enforcement, interfaith, nonprofit, and civic sectors. This position blends relationship management, community engagement, public affairs, program development,