Director, Strategic Engagement

Jobtailor; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

NCJW Forward is seeking a seasoned Engagement and Leadership lead to manage day-to-day programs, staff, and priorities. You will translate strategy into actionable plans, align efforts across departments, and drive cross-team coordination to expand reach and impact.

The role requires a strong track record in nonprofit leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and data-driven decision making, with a commitment to DEI and mission alignment. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in nonprofit leadership, program management, or movement-building.
• Demonstrated success scaling engagement strategies and participation.
• Proven experience managing high-performing teams and cross-functional partnerships.
• Strong project management to translate strategy into action and timelines.
• Experience using data to evaluate performance and improve engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, curious, receptive to feedback.
• Collaborative leadership with high emotional intelligence.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and NCJW’s mission.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Engagement and Leadership department’s daily operations, programs, staff, and priorities.
• Supervise staff and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Translate strategy into clear work plans, timelines, and measurable goals.
• Ensure alignment with NCJW Forward’s goals and initiatives.
• Develop systems to support efficient program implementation and cross-team coordination.
• Lead development and implementation of the national engagement ladder and participation pathways.
• Develop strategies to expand NCJW’s reach and mobilize one million changemakers.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with aligned organizations, coalitions, and community leaders.
• Collaborate with Communications to integrate engagement across digital channels.
• Embed engagement opportunities across organizational initiatives.
• Create tools and processes for recruitment, engagement, and retention of participants.
• Work with leadership to create pathways for advocates into leadership roles.
• Ensure national initiatives translate into meaningful engagement opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Nonprofit management

Community organizing

Advocacy

Volunteer engagement

Strategic planning

Data-driven decision making

Communication

Travel readiness

Diversity & inclusion

Job description

Responsibilities

• Serve as the operational lead and managing director for the Engagement and Leadership department, ensuring effective day‑to‑day management of programs, staff, and priorities.
• Supervise and support departmental staff, fostering a collaborative and high‑performing team culture.
• Translate departmental and organizational strategy into clear work plans, timelines, and measurable goals.
• Ensure alignment between departmental and intra‑departmental activities and the goals of NCJW Forward.
• Develop systems and processes that support efficient program implementation and cross‑team coordination.
• Lead the development and implementation of NCJW's national engagement ladder, creating clear pathways for sustained participation.
• Develop and execute strategies to expand NCJW's reach and mobilize one million changemakers.
• Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with mission‑aligned organizations, coalitions, and community leaders.
• Work with Communications to integrate engagement opportunities across digital platforms, social media, and other outreach channels.
• Collaborate with various teams to ensure engagement opportunities are embedded throughout organizational initiatives.
• Create systems, tools, and best practices enabling effective recruitment, engagement, and retention of participants.
• Collaborate with the Director of Leadership Development to create pathways for advocates into leadership roles.
• Ensure national initiatives translate into meaningful engagement opportunities.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in nonprofit management, community organizing, advocacy, volunteer engagement, or movement‑building.
• Demonstrated success designing and scaling engagement strategies that grow participation and deepen supporter involvement.
• Proven experience managing and developing high‑performing teams.
• Experience building cross‑functional partnerships and leading complex organizational initiatives.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to translate strategy into clear plans, systems, and measurable outcomes.
• Experience using data to evaluate performance and continuously improve engagement strategies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, and receptivity to feedback.
• Sound judgement, high emotional intelligence, and a collaborative leadership style.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and NCJW's mission.
• Ability and willingness to travel.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates extensive leadership experience in nonprofit management and community organizing, with a strong focus on developing and executing engagement strategies that mobilize participants and foster collaboration. Proven ability to manage high‑performing teams and build strategic partnerships to achieve organizational goals.