Program Director, Center for Shared Society

About the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY)

The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) serves as the primary community relations agency for the Jewish community in the metropolitan New York area. As an active force in New York civic and communal life, JCRC-NY operates as a central coordinating and resource body to: (1) Be a common table to cultivate understanding and joint action among diverse groups within the Jewish community; (2) Cultivate deeper relationships with the broader New York community to address critical issues and engender a shared society; (3) Ensure the security of the Jewish community in the face of rising antisemitism; and (4) Foster increased understanding and appreciation for the Jewish community’s relationship with Israel among diverse groups of New Yorkers. For over 50 years, JCRC-NY has built relationships with faith, government, and community leaders across our city to advance the values, interests, and security of the Jewish community and to create a more interconnected New York for all.

JCRC-NY’s Center for Shared Society is the organization’s intergroup and interfaith relations arm, which works to meet the challenges and opportunities of building a shared society in the most diverse city in the world. The Center is an integral part of the organization’s approach to confronting hate and antisemitism in New York City. The Center is likewise deeply engaged in connecting the city’s diverse Jewish communities to the issues and communal challenges that are central to our city and to those with whom we share our neighborhoods. 

Position Overview

JCRC-NY seeks a Program Director to be part of a dynamic team working to further the organization’s values and goals of creating strategic partnerships with diverse leaders throughout New York City by identifying and addressing issues of shared concern. This position is full-time and based out of the midtown offices of JCRC-NY. Employees are required to work in the office at least three days per week. The Program Director is supervised by the Vice President of the Center for Shared Society. 

Responsibilities

The Program Director will bring a strong ability to:

• Serve as the lead coordinator to oversee implementation of two major grant-funded programs:
• The Partners Against the Hate (PATH), funded through the 67th Precinct Clergy Council in partnership with the Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) to combat hate through bridge-building and hate crime awareness programming 
• Strengthening Partnerships and Communities (SPAC), funded by UJA Federation of New York, to create community relations hubs with participating JCCs
• Liaise between JCRC-NY, including grantees/subvendors, and OPHC and UJA, respectively
• Supervise implementation of the PATH-funded Fellowships Against Hate, including expansion into Manhattan, led by JCCs in the five boroughs
• Work with JCC partners to develop and enhance curricula to meet the needs of communities, ensuring standardization and supporting consistent, high-quality delivery
• Assist in recruitment efforts and interviewing processes, as needed
• Represent JCRC-NY and speak at a minimum of two Fellowship meetings, including graduations, per borough to reach developing networks and establish a JCRC footprint
• Conduct regular site visits throughout NYC and Long Island to monitor impact and ensure organizations are consistently meeting benchmarks
• Design and lead training modules, both in-person and on Zoom, for a growing network of grant recipients and subvendor organizations
• Work closely with the VP of the Center to provide group and individual consultations with JCCs and PATH partners to support their respective initiatives to combat hate and build cross-community relationships
• Represent JCRC at diverse stakeholder meetings with city government, foundations, and community partners, and regularly connect with alumni and city partners to identify opportunities for partnership and support
• Manage and monitor budgets and oversee funding allocations 
• Perform detailed record keeping and prepare comprehensive grant reports to ensure full compliance with funding requirements
• Lead evaluation processes as well as design and administer the annual grantee selection process
• Attend grantee events throughout NYC, including occasional weeknights and Sundays, to strengthen relationships with program partners, as well as to provide hands-on support as needed
• Design and coordinate major events, such as conferences and networking opportunities

Other Responsibilities

• As a member of the JCRC’s Center for Shared Society team, coordinate on program goals, share updates, troubleshoot challenges, provide feedback, and foster collaboration
• Support broader JCRC-NY marketing and communication efforts through content collection for weekly updates, social media, e-newsletters, etc. 
• Complete other tasks and assignments as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• At least 3-5 years of experience in community relations, interfaith programming, coalition building, conflict resolution, diversity and inclusion, or a similar field
• Relationship-oriented person who can create inroads with emerging leaders and their communities
• Proven ability to build trust and rapport with individuals from diverse religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, with a strong understanding of bias and oppression dynamics within diverse communities
• Strong understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of backgrounds and viewpoints within the Jewish communities of New York
• Experience with program management, budget management, curriculum development, and group facilitation 
• Self-starter, creative thinker, problem-solver, and team player
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and public speaking skills 
• Attentive to detail
• Energetic, positive, and enthusiastic 
• Comfort using standard technology tools (G-Suite, etc.) 

Compensation and Benefits 

• Salary Range: $60,000 - $85,000, commensurate with experience
• Benefits include healthcare, dental, paid vacation, personal/sick days, UJA Federation pension plan, 403B plan options

To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected].