Associate, External Affairs

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate, External Affairs is responsible for assisting the External Affairs team with strategies stemming from the Community Relations Committee and Government Relations Committee, as well as efforts to combat antisemitism. In this capacity the Associate, External Affairs will be responsible for assisting to work on a broad range of issues and representing the Jewish community to the non-Jewish community. 

This position is full-time and reports to the Assistant VP, External Affairs. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

1. Position the Jewish Federation of Cleveland as a convener for the Cleveland Jewish community’s public affairs agenda.
2. Partner in strategic thinking for the Federation to implement and scale a broad antisemitism plan. Assist in the execution of strategy, tactics, and partnerships to move forward these efforts.
3. Assess the current climate and develop a roadmap to proactively combat antisemitism locally in K-12 schools and universities.
4. Work with local member agencies on their grant processes related to security and other types of available funding at the federal, state, county, and city level.
5. Serve as a resource on public affairs issues and activities to Federation stakeholders, including volunteer leadership and others.
6. Develop and maintain relationships within the general and Jewish community for mutually beneficial programming and coalition-building, in conjunction with Government Relations.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. 10% of the position is allocated to an annual Campaign assignment; this may include, but is not limited to, providing staff support to a group of Campaign volunteers, planning and executing a specific Campaign strategy, and participating in regular Campaign meetings and events, as determined by the Campaign Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics:

1. Creative and strategic thinker. Demonstrated success implementing short- and long-term strategic activities and tasks with clear goals, objectives and measurement tools.
2. Knowledge of current affairs topics of interest to the Jewish community, including Israel.
3. Possess a passionate commitment to the Jewish community and relevant public policy issues.
4. Strong knowledge and understanding of Jewish practices, customs, history, and community infrastructure.
5. Excellent written communications skills
6. Ability to manage project/program budgets and timelines.
7. Ability to set priorities and handle multiple tasks and strong organizational skills.
8. Ability to work irregular hours, including periodic evenings and weekends as necessary to attend relevant events and programs.

Education, Training and/or Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
2. 1-3 years of experience in community relations, government relations, Jewish communal work, public policy and/or advocacy.

ABOUT THE FEDERATION

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland is the only organization in Cleveland that focuses on the health and vitality of the entire Jewish community. For more than 120 years, the Federation has created the critical scale necessary to drive meaningful social change and provide relief in times of crisis in ways no one person or organization could do alone. As Jewish Cleveland’s hub for innovative solutions and collaborative services, the Federation is able to change and improve lives in Cleveland, Israel, and around the world.