Director of Advocacy, Education, and Community Engagement

Full time regular - 35 hours

Professional

JFED, Cherry Hill, NJ, US

Requisition ID: 2323

Salary Range: $85,000.00 To $100,000.00 Annually

The JCRC of Southern New Jersey seeks a strategic, collaborative professional to lead education, parent and community engagement, and advocacy initiatives that combat antisemitism and identity-based hate while advancing Jewish identity, accurate understanding of Israel, Holocaust education, inclusion, and respectful dialogue. This position will leverage the resources and relationships of the JCRC to work with schools, campuses, families, community organizations, and public officials. The Director will oversee programs, training and resources, partnerships, and policy advocacy. Position is funded by a grant.

Benefits include: Generous PTO; Medical, dental, and vision care included; 403b plan eligible; Group term life insurance; Voluntary disability insurance plan; FSA & HSA options available; Gym membership included and other employee discounts are available.

Responsibilities:

Program Leadership and Impact

• Lead the strategy, implementation, evaluation, and growth of JCRC education and community engagement initiatives.

• Set annual goals, work plans, partnerships, and measures of impact; use results to improve and expand programs.

• Coordinate with JCRC, the Raab Goodwin Holocaust Museum, and the Federation staff, volunteers, and partners to align resources and advance shared priorities.

Education, Training, and Educator Support

• Design and deliver workshops, professional development, presentations, and facilitated dialogue on antisemitism, Jewish history and identity, Israel, and related topics for educators, students, families, and community leaders.

• Partner with the Raab Goodwin Holocaust Museum to connect Holocaust education with contemporary antisemitism and support safe, inclusive learning environments for Jewish students and staff.

• Create and curate historically accurate, culturally responsive curricula, toolkits, speakers, and other educational resources.

• Assess school and campus needs and connect institutions with appropriate training, guidance, programs, and partner organizations.

Parent, School, and Community Engagement

• Lead K-12 Parent Advocacy programs that help families address antisemitism, celebrate Jewish identity, participate in school activities, and advocate effectively.

• Build relationships with school districts boards of education, colleges and universities, civic and faith groups, and Jewish communal organizations throughout Southern New Jersey in conjunction with established relationships.

• Convene parents, educators, students, and community leaders to address emerging challenges and develop collaborative responses.

• Represent JCRC and the Federation at school, district, coalition, and public forums.

Antisemitism Prevention and Advocacy

• Lead review of school curriculum from K-12 to identify problematic lessons and antisemitic content.

• Build and sustain relationships with state and local elected officials and their staff members throughout New Jersey.

• Track relevant bills and policies in the state and in local communities in collaboration with Jewish Federations of New Jersey and identify opportunities for the region to strategically engage.

• Prepare and deliver testimony at legislative hearings at the State House.

• Monitor incidents, legislation, funding opportunities, and community needs to shape programs, communications, and advocacy priorities.

• Support and monitor district- and state-level efforts on antisemitism prevention, Holocaust and Israel education, Jewish holiday accommodations, and policies that protect Jewish students and staff.

• Help school districts and Jewish educational institutions understand and pursue relevant federal, state, and local funding opportunities.

• Engage educators, civic leaders, and public officials and develop briefings, talking points, and public guidance in collaboration with JCRC and Federation colleagues.

• Identify and cultivate partnerships with key groups, organizations and community leaders in New Jersey, directly correlated to the region's work in the state.

• Identify and promote opportunities for joint programming with current or prospective community-based partners.

Team and Organizational Collaboration

• Maintain a vetted network of curricula, speakers, and organizations focused on Jewish identity, antisemitism, Holocaust education, and Israel education.

• Partner across Federation departments on events, communications, youth engagement, stakeholder outreach, data tracking, and reporting.

• Manage multiple projects and partnerships independently with professionalism, diplomacy, flexibility, and sound judgment.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, public policy, public administration, organizational psychology, or a related field.

• Experience in strategic planning, community engagement, and working with secondary or higher education institutions.

• Strong knowledge of historical and contemporary antisemitism, the Israel-related campus landscape, and the American political environment.

• Excellent communication, writing, presentation, networking, and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and work both independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to manage changing priorities and multiple deadlines while working effectively both independently and collaboratively.

• Proficiency with social media.

Work Experience:

• The ideal candidate has several years' experience in community engagement and relationship cultivation and is able to demonstrate progressive increase in skill and responsibility in convening groups, setting goals, and keeping groups on task.

• Previous work in state or local government or a non-profit environment a plus.

• Knowledge of the New Jersey legislature a plus.

• Knowledge of the New Jersey non-profit, faith-based, foundation, and/or corporate communities a plus.

EEO Statement:

The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, and our family of agencies, is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon a person’s actual or perceived gender, race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy), affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital/civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, veteran or military status, disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions, or other legally protected characteristics.

The Federation participates in the E-Verify program.

The Federation is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us via the link on this posting. EOE