Director of Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)

JCRC MISSION:

The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), a standing Committee of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, serves as the public policy and advocacy arm of the Federation and is the instrument through which the organized Jewish community can explore and develop policies on issues affecting the community. The JCRC educates and engages the Jewish community on key international, federal, state, and local issues, builds consensus, establishes relationships and builds coalitions with ethnic, religious, governmental and civic organizations and the media, to ensure a vibrant community that is able to take positions and advocate in pursuit of social justice.

Under its government affairs component, the JCRC is responsible for efforts to maximize government funding that is available for programs and services operated by Federation beneficiary agencies, and for efforts to promote social policies that enhance the quality of life for all people. The JCRC is involved in building and solidifying relationships with federal, state and local governments and the private sector around the traditional concerns for quality social services and programs for those in need.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

• Spearheads the development of the public policy agenda and vets and educates on issues and current events to foster understanding and cooperation within the Jewish and broader community;
• Advocates at all levels of government for public resources to support the activities of the Federation and partnership agencies, Israel’s safety and security and other issues of priority concern;
• Builds relationships and mutual understanding with ethnic, racial, faith-based and civic groups;
• Harnesses the power and resources of the Jewish community in supporting its social justice agenda; and
• Promotes through education and action, strong protection and support for Israel and the Jewish people at home and throughout the world.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The JCRC Director is responsible to lead the JCRC in implementing its mission and programmatic direction, in partnership with the JCRC Chair and committee members. The JCRC Director also supervises the Executive Director of the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, works closely with the Director of Community Security and manages the day-to-day operations of the JCRC.

Community Relations

• Positioning the JCRC as a convener for the Jewish community’s public affairs agenda;
• Educating and advocating for Jewish causes and issues including Israel, anti-Semitism, and the Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions movement;
• Building strong relationships and cooperation within Jewish communal groups
• Cultivating relationships with other communities and groups and engaging the community in support of social justice;
• Fostering collaborative relationships based on mutual understanding and respect with other communities and groups and building and engaging in coalitions on areas of common concern and priorities;
• Working with JCRC leadership to represent the interests of the Jewish community with religious, non-profit, civic, corporate, political, ethnic, and academic arenas, as well as the media;
• Engaging and working with local Jewish communal organizations and agencies and community members to advance the objectives of the organized Jewish community.
• Working with diverse constituencies within the Jewish community to reflect a broad spectrum of political, religious, and geographic perspectives with a commitment to using a deliberative process to debate complex issues and, where appropriate, shape consensus
• Monitoring local, national and international events, working with volunteer leadership to set policy and mobilizing leadership and volunteers for action as needed
• Collaborating with Federation’s Communications Department regarding Federation communications as it relates to Israel advocacy and policy matters
• Serving as a resource to the Jewish and non-Jewish communities

Government Affairs

Qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of government affairs, legislative processes and advocacy
• Experience working with diverse constituencies to develop consensus
• Demonstrated leadership experience in promoting mission critical programs and initiatives
• Commitment to Israel and comprehensive background on Israel-related issues, politics, people and history
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including public speaking, writing of letters, op-ed pieces and responses to community issues
• Experience with social media and other forms of digital communication are strongly desired
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Jewish practices, customs, history and community infrastructure
• Ability to set priorities and handle multiple tasks; strong organizational skills
• Personable, enthusiastic, self-motivated professional; comfortable in a fast-paced working environment, including occasional nights and weekends
• Ability to work closely with others in a team environment, and effectively interact with all levels of management, community leaders, donors and volunteers
• Ability to create and manage project/program budgets and timelines
• Education: minimum of Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree in related field preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in public affairs, Israel advocacy, or related field

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation is an equal opportunity employer.

Please send cover letter and resume to Michelle Labgold, Chief Planning Officer at jcrcjobs@gmjf.org.