Director, Strategic External Engagement & Coalitions

The Jewish Federations of North America; Beachwood (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland seeks a Director, Strategic Initiatives to partner with the Managing Director of Community Relations and External Affairs and advance strategic external affairs priorities. The role emphasizes building relationships beyond the Jewish community and developing outreach strategies with corporate, civic, and government stakeholders.

The position focuses on anti- antisemitism work, community mapping, and coalition-building, with leadership to CRC subcommittees and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in community relations, public affairs, government relations, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, communications, or related field.
• Experience with stakeholder mapping, community landscape analysis, or strategic outreach planning is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with issues affecting Jewish employees, media narratives, public policy, intergroup relations, and community security is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with volunteer leadership, coalitions, or community-based organizations is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies that advance external affairs priorities, focusing on relationships and engagement within corporate environments, unions, and professional associations.
• Support efforts to build and maintain collaborative relationships with civic, business, faith, nonprofit, and government leaders beyond the Jewish community.
• Lead community mapping to identify stakeholders, influence institutions, and plan outreach across priority sectors.
• Design programs, trainings, convenings, and outreach to educate audiences about Judaism, antisemitism, Israel, and related community concerns.
• Provide leadership and subject matter expertise to the Community Relations Committee and subcommittees.
• Plan and execute programs and events in collaboration with volunteer leadership.
• Support advocacy and rapid response with background materials, talking points, correspondence, and presentations.
• Represent the Federation in meetings, public forums, coalitions, and community events, and staff committees or task forces.
• Track activity and outcomes, maintain records, and support evolving external affairs priorities.
• Allocate 10% of the role to annual Campaign work, including staff support to volunteers and campaign events.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication skills

Project management

Strategic thinking

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Israel knowledge

Public policy awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland seeks a Director, Strategic Initiatives to partner with the Managing Director of Community Relations and External Affairs and advance strategic external affairs priorities. The role emphasizes building relationships beyond the Jewish community and developing outreach strategies with corporate, civic, and government stakeholders.

The position focuses on anti- antisemitism work, community mapping, and coalition-building, with leadership to CRC subcommittees and