Government & Media Relations, Senior Associate

The Jewish Federation Of Metropolitan Detroit (jfmd); Michigan; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jewish Federation of Detroit is seeking a Senior Associate for Government & Media Relations to advance advocacy, media outreach, and community engagement. You will build relationships with local, state, and federal officials, draft press materials, and support Federation events across Detroit and beyond.

You will coordinate messages, monitor media coverage, and prepare briefing materials for leadership, ensuring effective communication of Federation priorities to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in community outreach, media or communications, government relations, or public affairs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including drafting press materials.

Responsibilities

• Draft and distribute internal and external communications, including backgrounders, press releases, media advisories, op-eds, and letters to the editor as needed.
• Steward relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials and their staff, serving as a point of contact for government relations activities.
• Assist in representing the Federation at local events.
• Serve as a liaison to community organizations and leaders.
• Track advocacy priorities and prepare issue briefings and policy updates for internal stakeholders.
• Schedule and prepare materials for meetings with elected officials and other civic leaders.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with local and regional media contacts, including reporters, editors, and producers.
• Increase visibility of Federation programs, initiatives, and priorities
• Monitor media coverage and social media engagement relevant to Federation's mission; compile and distribute regular monitoring reports.
• Coordinate and prepare organizational spokespeople for media interviews, press conferences, and speaking engagements.
• Plan and coordinate Community Relations events, programs and initiatives.

Skills

Community outreach

Media relations

Public affairs

Government relations

Communications

Job description

About the Jewish Federation of Detroit:

As the primary instrument of Jewish philanthropy and engagement in the Detroit area, we are a community-driven organization committed to taking care of the needs of the Jewish people and building a vibrant Jewish future, in Detroit, in Israel and around the world.

About the Community Relations Team:

The Community Relations team within the Jewish Federation of Detroit focuses on interfaith bridge building, advocating for the interests of the Jewish community in media and with elected officials, and combatting antisemitism.

The Government & Media Relations, Senior Associate will report to the Director, Community Relations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Draft and distribute internal and external communications, including backgrounders, press releases, media advisories, op-eds, and letters to the editor as needed
• Steward relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials and their staff, serving as a point of contact for government relations activities.
• Assist in representing the Federation at local events.
• Serve as a liaison to community organizations and leaders.
• Track advocacy priorities and prepare issue briefings and policy updates for internal stakeholders.
• Schedule and prepare materials for meetings with elected officials and other civic leaders.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with local and regional media contacts, including reporters, editors, and producers.
• Increase visibility of Federation programs, initiatives, and priorities
• Monitor media coverage and social media engagement relevant to Federation's mission; compile and distribute regular monitoring reports.
• Coordinate and prepare organizational spokespeople for media interviews, press conferences, and speaking engagements.
• Plan and coordinate Community Relations events, programs and initiatives.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in community outreach, media or communications, government relations, public affairs, or a similar role.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting press materials and correspondence.
• Comfort with and ability to interact effectively with diverse and interfaith audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple tasks simultaneously under deadline pressure.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to independently manage program planning, logistics and facilitation.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• A passion for building relationships and making a positive impact.
• Familiarity with the legislative process.
• Experience with event planning and execution, including press events and public affairs programming.
• Knowledge of local and regional media landscape.