POSITION SUMMARY
The Director, Jewish Community Relations Council is a full-time, non-exempt professional of Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo (JFGT). This role provides professional leadership and oversight of JFGT’s community relations and public affairs work.
The Director, in partnership with the JFGT CEO and the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) Chairperson, will set priorities for the local Jewish community relations agenda. Core areas of responsibility include Israel advocacy; combating antisemitism; government relations at the local, state, and national levels; educational relations at the elementary, high school, and college levels; interfaith and intergroup relations; and advancing social and economic justice.
The Director also serves as a trusted resource for media, government officials, and both Jewish and non-Jewish community leaders on issues related to Israel and the Jewish community.
The Director will be supported by the JFGT Community Relations Specialist and JFGT program associates and will have other appropriate administrative support for the Director’s efforts.
The Vice President Community and Government Relations (“VPCGR”) position is a more senior role for a full-time, exempt professional employee of JFGT. This position and title could be filled by a candidate for the JCRC Director role with the right mix of experience and qualifications. The VP has an expanded role as part of JFGT’s leadership team. We are looking to fill one of the two positions.
JFGT has invested in building a highly effective JCRC program with engaged lay leadership and professional resources. This position offers the right candidate the opportunity to make a lasting impact in a community that deeply values Jewish community relations and is committed to innovation and collaboration.
We are seeking a candidate who sees the big picture, seeks growth, and wants to work on a team to fulfill JFGT’s mission to deliver a Jewish future.
ABOUT THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER TOLEDO
With an annual operating budget of approximately $5 million dollars and more than 30 professional staff, JFGT serves as the central address for Jewish life, philanthropy, and community services across northwest Ohio and parts of southeast Michigan.
Key divisions and programs include:
- Toledo Jewish Community Foundation, stewarding over $50 million in assets
- Annual Campaign raising seven figures
- Jewish Senior, Family, and Social Services, providing a community food pantry, transportation services, financial/scholarship assistance
- Gan Yeladim Preschool, PJ Library, and programs for young families and NextGen leaders
- Hillel programs at two state universities
- Robust active programming for community members age 55+
- Toledo Jewish Community Cemetery Association operating 2 cemeteries
The JCRC has a budget of $340,000+ and serves as a vital division of JFGT.
Toledo’s Jewish community is “small but mighty,” sustaining three synagogues (Reform, Conservative, Orthodox) as well as Chabad. The city’s cost of living is among the lowest in the country. The city offers cultural richness through the Toledo Zoo, Toledo Museum of Art, and Mud Hens baseball, and is within easy reach of Ann Arbor, Detroit, Cleveland, and Chicago.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree and 2-7 years of relevant professional experience, or equivalent work experience.
- Residency within 20 miles of JFGT offices.
- Availability for some evening and weekend (non-Shabbat) events.
Demonstrated excellence in:
- Jewish community relations and navigating polarized political environments with nuance and tact.
- Project/program management with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Independent work with consistency and follow-through.
- Collaborative, open-minded and non-siloed leadership.
- Outstanding oral/written communication, including the ability to present complex issues regarding antisemitism and anti-Zionism to diverse audiences.
- Building coalitions and cultivating strategic partnerships.
- Advanced knowledge of antisemitism, extremist movements, and advocacy strategies to combat hate.
- Advanced knowledge of and ability to educate/advocate on Israel-related issues with nuance and sensitivity.
- Knowledge of Jewish history and commitment to Jewish values.
- Passion for Jewish advocacy.
REPORTING
The JCRC Director or VPCGR will report directly to the CEO.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and execute a program to fulfill JCRC priorities in the Jewish and non-Jewish community including:
- Understanding Israel and the relationship with the Diaspora
- Addressing and responding to antisemitism and anti-Zionism
- Building connections with other faith-based and ethnic communities
- Advocating and engaging with government officials.
- Plan and lead programming with the Western Galilee Partnership Consortium (a joint program with the Jewish Agency for Israel) and supervise JFGT’s overseas allocations process.
- Coordinate Yom HaShoah, Yom Hazikaron, and Yom Ha’atzmaut and other Israel-themed programming.
- Collaborate with the Director of the Ruth Fajerman Markowicz Holocaust Resource Center on Holocaust-related programming.
- Represent the Jewish community in public and educational settings, including K–12 schools.
- Draft communications that share the JCRC’s work with the broader community.
- Identify and pursue grant opportunities to support JCRC programs.
- Collaborate with the Community Relations Specialist on JCRC programming.
- Other duties as assigned.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF VPCGR
- Participation as an active and contributing member of the JFGT Leadership Team
- Israel Mission/Trip planning
- Expanded marketing/fundraising support
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ REQUIREMENTS
- Standing/lifting as necessary (up to 50 pounds); ability to drive to meetings; sitting and close computer work.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate, the JCRC Director/VPCGR will have a salary between $75,0000-$100,000. In addition, JFGT offers the following additional benefits:
- Generous Paid Time Off including early close for Shabbat and Jewish holiday closures
- Extended Illness Benefits
- 85% contribution to single participant coverage in group health (HMO and high-deductible plans with HSA available) and dental plan
- Vision and other supplemental insurance available for employee purchase
- 401(k)—New employees are immediately eligible to make voluntary contributions. After one year service, JFGT contributes 7% annually of base salary (3% safe harbor with an additional 4% discretionary contribution)
- Group life insurance
- Cell phone plan reimbursement of up to $600 per year
- YMCA/JCC max membership for you and family
- Parental leave after 12 months service
- Reduced preschool tuition at Jewish community preschool
- Laptop computer
- Professional development and conference expenses including potential travel to Israel
Interested applicants should forward cover letter, resume and references to Jodi at [email protected]
Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender identification, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law