The Role
Develops and distributes press materials, policy updates, and organizational communications; manages relationships with elected officials, civic leaders, community organizations, and media contacts; monitors media and social engagement; prepares spokespeople for interviews; supports advocacy activities; and plans Community Relations events, programs, and initiatives.
Summary Generated by Built In
About the Jewish Federation of Detroit
As the primary instrument of Jewish philanthropy and engagement in the Detroit area, we are a community-driven organization committed to taking care of the needs of the Jewish people and building a vibrant Jewish future, in Detroit, in Israel and around the world.
About the Community Relations Team:
The Community Relations team leads public affairs for the Jewish Federation of Detroit. This includes building relationships and coalitions that strengthen the Jewish community, combat antisemitism, deepen understanding of Israel and the Jewish people, and advance the Jewish community’s interests and values in the broader civic community.
The Associate Director will serve as a leader and trusted strategic partner within the Community Relations team. They will manage a significant portfolio while working with the Director of Community Relations to translate strategic priorities into clear, defined objectives and manage day-to-day operations of key initiatives including, timelines, deliverables, coordinating workflow across the team, and ensuring consistent execution and follow through. They will be expected to exercise significant independent judgment and represent the Federation with elected officials, faith and civic leaders, educational institutions, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
The Associate Director, Community Relations will report to the Director, Community Relations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
As the primary instrument of Jewish philanthropy and engagement in the Detroit area, we are a community-driven organization committed to taking care of the needs of the Jewish people and building a vibrant Jewish future, in Detroit, in Israel and around the world.
About the Community Relations Team:
The Community Relations team leads public affairs for the Jewish Federation of Detroit. This includes building relationships and coalitions that strengthen the Jewish community, combat antisemitism, deepen understanding of Israel and the Jewish people, and advance the Jewish community’s interests and values in the broader civic community.
The Associate Director will serve as a leader and trusted strategic partner within the Community Relations team. They will manage a significant portfolio while working with the Director of Community Relations to translate strategic priorities into clear, defined objectives and manage day-to-day operations of key initiatives including, timelines, deliverables, coordinating workflow across the team, and ensuring consistent execution and follow through. They will be expected to exercise significant independent judgment and represent the Federation with elected officials, faith and civic leaders, educational institutions, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
The Associate Director, Community Relations will report to the Director, Community Relations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serve as a strategic partner to the Director of Community Relations in developing and implementing department initiatives including managing programs, advancing advocacy priorities, managing proactive and reactive media, and broadening external engagement strategies.
- Manage a significant portfolio of internal and external relationships, including elected officials and government partners at all levels, K-12 education leadership and stakeholders, as well as faith, ethnic, cultural and civic leaders and organizations
- Maintain and deepen key relationships, identify new partnership and coalition-building opportunities, coordinate meetings and briefings, develop joint programs and initiatives, and advance advocacy and community-relations priorities.
- Expand Federations bridge-building and coalition-building capabilities, with particular emphasis on non-Jewish community leaders and identifying new communities and constituencies with whom the Federation should engage.
- Broaden the Federation’s external reach and influence by strengthening relationships with local and national journalists, identifying opportunities for proactive media engagement, and cultivating relationships that can help deepen understanding of antisemitism, Israel and the Jewish community.
- Help shape and execute Federation messaging and communications ensuring that complex and sensitive issues are communicated accurately, strategically and effectively to audiences with varying levels of knowledge and differing perspectives.
- Develop and track metrics and key performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of programs, relationships and initiatives; use data and analysis to inform strategy, strengthen decision-making and demonstrate impact to Federation leadership, donors, foundations, elected officials and community partners.
- Identify emerging opportunities, challenges and trends affecting the Jewish community and recommend proactive strategies for addressing them.
- Help lead the Federation’s response to emerging community issues and crises, working across departments and with external partners to coordinate strategy, communications and action.
- Help guide Federation efforts to prevent, address and respond to antisemitism and anti-Jewish bias, including developing proactive strategies that deepen understanding of antisemitism, strengthen alliances and build resilience within the Jewish community.
- Maintain a strong working knowledge of Israel, Israeli society, the U.S.-Israel relationship and developments affecting Israel and the Jewish people, and serve as a knowledgeable resource for Federation leadership, community partners and external stakeholders.
- Build strong relationships with Community Relations lay leaders, Federation volunteers and donors, and partner with them to advance strategic priorities, strengthen committee and task-force engagement, and cultivate emerging leaders who can expand the Federations reach within the Jewish and broader communities.
- Represent the Federation at meetings, public programs, community events, coalitions, and other external forums, including speaking publicly on behalf of the Federation when appropriate.
- Take ownership over programs and initiatives within the Community Relations structure.
- 5+ years of relevant professional experience in community relations, government affairs, public policy, advocacy, Jewish communal service, nonprofit leadership, education, external affairs or a related field.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills and demonstrated ability to establish trust with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Strong knowledge of Jewish communal issues and a demonstrated commitment to Jewish community.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complicated or sensitive issues clearly and persuasively.
- Strong political and interpersonal judgment and the ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, complex, environments.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple substantive projects and relationships simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently, exercise initiative and take ownership of significant areas of
- responsibility.
- Strong organizational and project-management skills with consistent attention to detail and follow-through, including familiarity managing budgets, volunteers and multiple partner organizations.
- Ability to work collaboratively with professional colleagues, senior leadership and volunteer leaders.
- Comfort with public speaking and representing an organization externally.
- Willingness to attend evening and weekend programs and travel as required.
- Experience with event planning and execution, including media engagement and public affairs programming.
- Knowledge of local and regional media landscape.
Skills Required
- 3+ years of experience in community outreach, media or communications, government relations, public affairs, or a similar role
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience drafting press materials and correspondence
- Ability to interact effectively with diverse and interfaith audiences
- Ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple tasks under deadline pressure
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to independently manage program planning, logistics, and facilitation
- Ability to travel as needed
- Passion for building relationships and making a positive impact
- Familiarity with the legislative process
- Experience with event planning and execution, including press events and public affairs programming
- Knowledge of the local and regional media landscape
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The Company
What We Do
The Jewish Federation of Detroit is the cornerstone of Jewish philanthropy and community engagement in Southeast Michigan, committed to meeting the needs of the Jewish people and strengthening Jewish life.
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