Director of Advocacy, Education, and Community Engagement

Jewish Community Center•Cherry Hill, NJ

3d•$85,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The JCRC of Southern New Jersey seeks a strategic, collaborative professional to lead education, parent and community engagement, and advocacy initiatives. The work aims to combat antisemitism and identity-based hate while advancing Jewish identity, accurate understanding of Israel, Holocaust education, inclusion, and respectful dialogue. The Director will use JCRC resources and relationships to work with schools, campuses, families, community organizations, and public officials, and will oversee programs, training and resources, partnerships, and policy advocacy. The position is funded by a grant. The Director will lead the strategy, delivery, evaluation, and growth of education and community engagement initiatives; design and deliver educational programming and training; support K-12 parent advocacy; cultivate relationships and partnerships; and advance antisemitism prevention and policy advocacy. The role also involves coordinating with JCRC, the Raab Goodwin Holocaust Museum, Federation colleagues, volunteers, and partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education, public policy, public administration, organizational psychology, or a related field.
Experience in strategic planning, community engagement, and working with secondary or higher education institutions.
Strong knowledge of historical and contemporary antisemitism, the Israel-related campus landscape, and the American political environment.
Excellent communication, writing, presentation, networking, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and work independently as well as collaboratively.
Ability to manage changing priorities and multiple deadlines effectively.
Proficiency with social media.
Several years of experience in community engagement and relationship cultivation is desired, with demonstrated progressive growth in skill and responsibility convening groups, setting goals, and keeping groups on task.

Nice To Haves

Previous work in state or local government or a nonprofit environment.
Knowledge of the New Jersey legislature.
Knowledge of New Jersey nonprofit, faith-based, foundation, and/or corporate communities.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategy, implementation, evaluation, and growth of JCRC education and community engagement initiatives.
Set annual goals, work plans, partnerships, and impact measures, and use results to improve and expand programs.
Coordinate with JCRC, the Raab Goodwin Holocaust Museum, and Federation staff, volunteers, and partners to align resources and shared priorities.
Design and deliver workshops, professional development, presentations, and facilitated dialogue on antisemitism, Jewish history and identity, Israel, and related topics.
Partner with the Raab Goodwin Holocaust Museum to connect Holocaust education with contemporary antisemitism and support safe, inclusive learning environments for Jewish students and staff.
Create and curate historically accurate, culturally responsive curricula, toolkits, speakers, and other educational resources.
Assess school and campus needs and connect institutions with appropriate training, guidance, programs, and partner organizations.
Lead K-12 Parent Advocacy programs that help families address antisemitism, celebrate Jewish identity, participate in school activities, and advocate effectively.
Build relationships with school district boards of education, colleges and universities, civic and faith groups, and Jewish communal organizations throughout Southern New Jersey.
Convene parents, educators, students, and community leaders to address emerging challenges and develop collaborative responses.
Represent JCRC and the Federation at school, district, coalition, and public forums.
Review K-12 school curricula to identify problematic lessons and antisemitic content.
Build and sustain relationships with state and local elected officials and their staff throughout New Jersey.
Track relevant state and local bills and policies in collaboration with Jewish Federations of New Jersey and identify strategic regional engagement opportunities.
Prepare and deliver testimony at legislative hearings at the State House.
Monitor incidents, legislation, funding opportunities, and community needs to shape programs, communications, and advocacy priorities.
Support and monitor district- and state-level efforts on antisemitism prevention, Holocaust and Israel education, Jewish holiday accommodations, and policies that protect Jewish students and staff.
Help school districts and Jewish educational institutions understand and pursue relevant federal, state, and local funding opportunities.
Develop briefings, talking points, and public guidance with JCRC and Federation colleagues for educators, civic leaders, and public officials.
Identify and cultivate partnerships with relevant groups, organizations, and community leaders in New Jersey.
Identify and promote opportunities for joint programming with current or prospective community-based partners.
Maintain a vetted network of curricula, speakers, and organizations focused on Jewish identity, antisemitism, Holocaust education, and Israel education.
Partner across Federation departments on events, communications, youth engagement, stakeholder outreach, data tracking, and reporting.
Manage multiple projects and partnerships independently with professionalism, diplomacy, flexibility, and sound judgment.