UJA-Federation of New York is the largest local philanthropy in the world. For more than 100 years, we’ve brought New Yorkers together to solve some of the most pressing problems facing our community. Thanks to our network of hundreds of non-profits, we can leverage our expertise across any number of areas — including health and human services, arts and culture, and education — to care for Jews everywhere and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, respond to crises close to home and far away, and shape our Jewish future. Our reach extends from New York to Israel to nearly 70 other countries around the world, touching 4.5 million people each year.
The Manager of Civic Action & Engagement will play a central role in mobilizing New York’s Jewish community around UJA’s advocacy and government relations agenda. As part of the Community Organizing and External Relations (COER) department—which leads UJA’s work on government relations, community mobilization, and combating antisemitism—this role will focus on strengthening UJA Action, our grassroots advocacy arm, while also expanding broader community participation in UJA’s civic priorities.
Through this position, UJA seeks to deepen grassroots networks, build stronger organizing capacity, and enhance our ability to engage and activate the Jewish community quickly and effectively. From securing Jewish institutions and combating antisemitism to advocating for essential human services, this role ensures our community remains a powerful civic voice in New York and beyond.
This is an exciting opportunity for a mission-driven professional passionate about civic engagement, Jewish communal life, and advocacy. The ideal candidate is a skilled relationship-builder and organizer who can connect diverse stakeholders, collaborate across teams, and translate advocacy priorities into meaningful community action.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead the growth and activation of UJA Action, engaging synagogues, nonprofits, grassroots leaders, and individual advocates in campaigns advancing priorities such as antisemitism prevention, nonprofit security, food access, and human services.
- Broaden Jewish community participation in UJA’s government relations agenda by connecting grassroots leaders, clergy, and lay advocates with elected officials.
- Design and implement campaigns, advocacy briefings, convenings, and targeted outreach efforts to increase participation and amplify impact.
- Track and evaluate engagement metrics to guide strategy and strengthen future campaigns.
- Partner closely with the Government Relations team to integrate grassroots perspectives into advocacy strategy and ensure Jewish community voices are heard in City Hall, Albany, and beyond.
- Position UJA Action and UJA’s broader advocacy efforts as leading vehicles for Jewish communal civic engagement in New York.
Qualifications:
- 7+ years in grassroots organizing, community advocacy, policy campaigns, or Jewish communal work.
- Proven success mobilizing individuals and organizations in civic or policy-focused efforts.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to engage multiple stakeholder groups.
- Excellent writing and content development skills for campaign materials and outreach.
- Experience coordinating projects in dynamic, multi-team environments.
- Understanding of Jewish communal institutions and the current socio-political landscape.
- Familiarity with UJA Action’s legislative focus—such as antisemitism response, nonprofit security funding, and human services priorities.
- Bachelor’s degree required
Reports to: Senior Vice President, Community Organizing and External Relations
Salary: $100,000 - $120,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Great Perks. Because We Appreciate Great Employees.
TIME OFF
We offer a generous number of vacation days and have the Jewish holidays off as well. Fridays our offices close early (October to March at 3:00 pm and April to September at 4:00 pm). All so you can relax and recharge.
HYBRID MODEL
We’re operating on a hybrid work model: three set days in the office and two days remote. So enjoy the best of both worlds — the comforts of home and the energy of the office.
HEALTH CARE
UJA provides a top-tier medical and dental plan, along with a flexible spending account. We also offer life insurance. And for a small cost you can take part in on-site yoga and exercise classes at our Manhattan office. Wellness matters to us.
PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT
UJA employees can enroll in a pension plan and tax deferred annuity.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Classes, workshops, and compelling speakers will keep you at the top of your game.
COMMUNITY
We come together as a staff to commemorate holidays (from Rosh Hashanah to MLK Day), volunteer at nonprofits, and celebrate our accomplishments together. (Our chocolate chip cookies are legendary!)
SOME MORE (YES, MORE!)
We also offer a commuter benefit plan, so you can get to work and feel good about it.