Director of Public Affairs and Community Relations Job at Jewish Federation of G

Director of Public Affairs and Community Relations Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven Department: Public Affairs Reports To: Chief Executive Officer About the Organization The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven brings people together to strengthen Jewish life, support Israel, care for those in need, and build a vibrant, secure, and connected community. Through philanthropy, leadership, and partnerships, the Federation serves as the central address for Jewish communal life and a trusted partner within the broader civic landscape. About the Role The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven seeks a thoughtful, strategic professional to serve as its Director of Public Affairs and Community Relations. This role is centered on leading the Federation’s efforts to address and respond to antisemitism, strengthen support for Israel, and build meaningful relationships across diverse communities. The Director will operate at the intersection of public affairs, communications, and community leadership, helping to shape both strategy and response in a complex and rapidly evolving environment. This position requires a professional who combines strong communication skills, sound judgment, and emotional maturity with the ability to engage constructively with individuals holding a wide range of perspectives. Position Summary The Director of Public Affairs and Community Relations leads the Federation’s work in combating antisemitism, advancing Israel engagement, and building strong civic and intergroup relationships. Working closely with the CEO and a committee of lay leaders, the Director will develop and implement a strategic public affairs agenda that includes: Strengthening relationships with K–16 educational institutions Building partnerships with elected officials Engaging in interfaith and cross-community outreach Promoting understanding of and support for Israel This role represents a strategic evolution beyond the traditional JCRC model, with a strong emphasis on clear communication, disciplined execution, collaboration, and systems that support effective and timely response. This role operates in close partnership with the CEO and requires strong judgment in representing the Federation externally. The Director will support and help prepare senior leadership for high-level engagement, while also representing the organization in appropriate settings. Success in this role requires discretion, role clarity, and the ability to navigate external relationships in a way that reflects organizational priorities and leadership structure. Salary Range: Starting at $85,000 Key Responsibilities Antisemitism Response and Public Affairs Lead the Federation’s efforts to monitor, assess, and respond to antisemitism locally and beyond. Develop coordinated strategies for addressing incidents in partnership with community leaders, institutions, and law enforcement where appropriate. Serve as a central point of coordination for community response, ensuring a measured, strategic, and professional approach. Track trends and proactively identify emerging issues impacting the Jewish community. Communications and Messaging Serve as a lead writer and strategist for public-facing communications related to antisemitism, Israel, and community relations. Draft statements, talking points, briefings, op-eds, and correspondence. Work closely with internal communications staff to ensure messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with Federation priorities. Support leadership in media engagement and help manage relationships with local media outlets. Community Relations and Coalition Building Build and sustain relationships between the Jewish community and diverse communities, faith leaders, civic organizations, and institutional partners. Engage constructively with individuals and groups representing a broad range of perspectives. Facilitate respectful dialogue and help navigate sensitive or complex community issues. Strengthen community partnerships that advance mutual understanding and shared goals. Government and Institutional Relations Cultivate community relationships with elected officials and public sector leaders. Partner with K–16 institutions to address antisemitism and support constructive engagement. Represent the Federation in civic and policy-related settings as appropriate. JCRC Leadership and Partnership Serve as the professional lead and staff partner to the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), working in close collaboration with lay leadership. Ensure the JCRC operates as a thoughtful, inclusive, and effective forum for community perspectives on public affairs issues. Facilitate productive and respectful dialogue across a range of viewpoints, particularly on complex and sensitive issues. Guide the work of the JCRC and its focus areas, including combating antisemitism, Israel engagement, interfaith outreach, K–16 partnerships, and government relations. Translate community input into clear, strategic recommendations aligned with Federation priorities. Maintain appropriate balance between professional leadership and volunteer engagement, ensuring both strong direction and meaningful participation. Strategy, Prioritization, and Execution Set clear priorities across multiple areas of responsibility and manage competing demands effectively. Develop systems and processes for monitoring issues, coordinating responses, and tracking progress. Maintain strong organization, follow-through, and accountability across all areas of work. Ensure that work is aligned with Federation strategy and executed in a thoughtful and disciplined manner. Manage the department budget and monitor expenses in alignment with organizational priorities. Assist with fundraising efforts related to public affairs initiatives, in partnership with development staff, as appropriate. Organizational Collaboration Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Federation and JCC to integrate public affairs into broader organizational efforts. Contribute to a team-oriented culture grounded in professionalism, respect, and shared mission. Potentially supervise staff or consultants supporting public affairs work. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. Significant experience in public affairs, communications, community relations, government relations, or a related field. Demonstrated experience addressing or responding to antisemitism or related community issues strongly preferred. Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, thoughtful, and effective messaging. Prior press or communication experience preferred. Strong political awareness and the ability to navigate complex and sensitive environments with sound judgment. Demonstrated ability to build and sustain productive working relationships across organizations and teams. Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities effectively. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers, and stakeholders holding diverse viewpoints. Strong computer and technology skills, including comfort with digital communication tools and platforms. Demonstrated ability to operate both independently and in close partnership with senior leadership. Personal Qualities The ideal candidate will demonstrate: Integrity and a deep commitment to the Federation’s mission Emotional maturity, professionalism, and sound judgment The ability to remain calm, thoughtful, and constructive in complex or high-pressure situations Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills A collaborative, team-oriented approach Respect for a broad range of perspectives and the ability to engage productively across differences A disciplined, organized, and solutions-oriented work style Ability to engage constructively with differing viewpoints without becoming reactive or dismissive Demonstrates strong judgment in representing an organization externally, including understanding when to lead and when to support senior leadership This position requires a professional who values institutional mission, exercises sound judgment, and approaches complex community issues with discretion, professionalism, and respect for others. Organizational Alignment The Director serves as a representative of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven and is expected to advance the organization’s mission and priorities in close partnership with the CEO and volunteer leadership. The CEO serves as the primary external representative of the Federation. The Director plays a key role in advancing the organization’s work by supporting external relationships, preparing for high-level engagement, and representing the Federation in appropriate settings. This role requires strong judgment in understanding when to engage directly and when to support senior leadership. Success depends on the ability to operate within a coordinated leadership approach, ensuring that all external engagement reflects the Federation’s priorities, relationships, and institutional voice. Commitment to the Role The Federation seeks a professional interested in building meaningful and lasting relationships within the Greater New Haven community. This role is best suited for someone motivated by long-term impact, consistency, and sustained engagement. Professional References Final candidates will be asked to provide professional references who can speak to their leadership style, collaborative approach, and professional judgment. #J-18808-Ljbffr In Summary: The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven seeks a thoughtful, strategic professional . The Director of Public Affairs and Community Relations leads the Federation’s efforts to address and respond to antisemitism, strengthen support for Israel, and build meaningful relationships across diverse communities . This role represents a strategic evolution beyond the traditional JCRC model . En Español: La Federación Judía de Greater New Haven reúne a las personas para fortalecer la vida judía, apoyar a Israel, cuidar a los necesitados y construir una comunidad vibrante, segura y conectada. A través de la filantropía, el liderazgo y las asociaciones, la federación sirve como dirección central para la vida comunitaria judía y un socio confiable dentro del panorama cívico más amplio. Este puesto requiere un profesional que combine fuertes habilidades de comunicación, buen juicio y madurez emocional con la capacidad de involucrarse constructivamente con individuos que tienen una amplia gama de perspectivas. Resumen El Director de Asuntos Públicos y Relaciones Comunitarias lidera el trabajo de la Federación en la lucha contra el antisemitismo, el avance del compromiso israelí y la construcción de relaciones cívicas e intergrupiales sólidas. Trabajando estrechamente con el CEO y un comité de líderes laicos, el Director desarrollará e implementará una agenda estratégica de asuntos públicos que incluye: Fortalecer las relaciones con instituciones educativas K16 Construir alianzas con funcionarios electos Participar en divulgación interreligiosa y transcomunitaria Promover la comprensión y apoyo a Israel Esta función representa una evolución estratégico más allá del modelo JCRC, con un fuerte énfasis en la comunicación tradicional, ejecución disciplinada, colaboración y sistemas de respuesta apropiados y eficaces. El éxito en este papel requiere discreción, claridad de rol y la capacidad de navegar por las relaciones externas de una manera que refleje las prioridades organizacionales y la estructura del liderazgo. Rango salarial: Comenzando a $ 85,000 Responsabilidades clave Respuesta al antisemitismo y Asuntos Públicos Lidera los esfuerzos de la Federación para monitorear, evaluar y responder al antisemitismo localmente y más allá. Desarrollar estrategias coordinadas para abordar incidentes en asociación con líderes comunitarios, instituciones e fuerzas del orden público cuando sea apropiado. Servir como un punto central de coordinación para la respuesta comunitaria, asegurando un enfoque medido, estratégico y profesional. Tendencias y identificar proactivamente temas emergentes que afectan a la comunidad judía. Comunicaciones y Relaciones y mensajerías Dirigir como escritor principal y estratega para hacer frente al anti-semitismo a nivel local y fuera de ella. Se prefiere una experiencia previa en prensa o comunicación. Una fuerte conciencia política y la capacidad de navegar por entornos complejos y sensibles con un buen juicio. La habilidad demostrada para operar tanto independientemente como en estrecha colaboración con el liderazgo senior. cualidades Personales El candidato ideal demostrará: integridad y un profundo compromiso con la misión de la Federación. Madurez emocional, profesionalismo y profesionalidad. El Director desempeña un papel clave en el avance del trabajo de la organización apoyando las relaciones externas, preparándose para el compromiso de alto nivel y representando a la Federación en los entornos apropiados. Este rol requiere un fuerte juicio para entender cuándo involucrarse directamente y cuándo apoyar al liderazgo superior.