JCC Association
Jewish Community Relations Council Director
JCC Association, Portland, Maine, us, 04122
Principal Responsibilities:
The Jewish Community Alliance (JCA) of Southern Maine seeks a passionate advocate and dedicated consensus builder as Director of Community Relations.
What You'll Be Doing
The JCA's Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) serves as the community's central body to address and prevent antisemitism. The JCRC protects and defends the Jewish community through relationship-building, coalition work, education, government affairs and advocacy, with a recognition that the security of the Jewish community ultimately depends on creating a just society for all people.
The JCRC Director is responsible for leading the JCRC in implementing its mission and programmatic direction, under the direction of the JCA's CEO, the JCRC Chair, and other lay leadership and in partnership with the rest of the JCA team. Specific responsibilities include:
Combatting Antisemitism
partner in strategic thinking for the JCA to implement and scale a broad state-wide antisemitism plan
assist in the execution of strategy, tactics, and partnerships to move forward these efforts
assess the current climate and develop a roadmap to proactively combat antisemitism locally in K-12 schoolssupport the work of local Hillels in countering the movement to delegitimize Israel on college campusesmonitor and respond to antisemitic incidents in the community as well as to local anti-Israel initiativesdevelop programs and relationships to proactively counter growing antisemitism across the political spectrumbuild out a strategy to influence Portland's largest employers on preventing and responding to antisemitism within the workplace
conduct corporate trainings to educate community members about the rise in antisemitism and the need to call it outlead portfolios for local and regional partners supporting workplace and business strategies
collaborate with statewide Jewish communal agencies on antisemitism and Israel programming as appropriateleading statewide efforts to combat antisemitism and all forms of hate, bigotry and discriminationCommunity Relations
spearhead the JCA's efforts to cultivate, develop and nurture relationships with and represent the interests of the Jewish community in diverse groups of individuals and organizations across racial, ethnic and religious communitiesidentify and coordinate collaboration across religious, non-profit, civic, corporate, political, ethnic, and academic arenaswork with and monitor media outlets to ensure that the Jewish public agenda is appropriately and accurately covereddesign and implement innovative programs and initiatives in support of the foregoing, including collaborations that advance social justice, intergroup understanding, and mutual respect and that strengthen the JCA's ties to diverse segments of the Greater Portland communitymaintain knowledge and professional expertise on relevant issues that impact the community relations spaceseek, write and facilitate grant opportunities, with a focus on bridgebuilding workensure that JCA leadership and donors, and the broader Jewish and general communities, understand JCRC's activities and impactGovernment Relations & Advocacy
establish and maintain strong ties with elected and appointed government officials at the local, state, and federal levelliaise with regional, national and international organizations, including the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), the Antidefamation League (ADL), etc. and undertake advocacy and public policy work in conjunction where aligned
ensure an effective voice for our community within these organizations
monitor local, national, and international events through the prism of Jewish communal priorities and work with leadership and community members to set policy, promote education, and galvanize community actionorganize education and advocacy opportunities for community memberssubmit written testimony and/or testify on legislation where appropriateeducating about and advocating for consensus causes and issues that impact the Jewish community and others, including drafting issue briefings and action alertsSecurity & Crisis Management
create and implement a community crisis management planconvene law enforcement officials to share concerns and intelligencework with local Jewish agencies on their grant processes related to security and other types of funding available at the federal, state, and local levelTeam Roles
actively participate in the JCA management teamcollaborate with the CEO and marketing on community communicationsgive input into donor relations portfolios where relevantstaff the JCRC meetings and sets agenda items in collaboration with leadershipnurture JCRC members' leadership skills and cultivate a strong pipeline of future volunteer leadersprepare and oversee annual JCRC budgetother duties as assignedSkills You Need
you bring creativity, vision and resilience to your workyou're a host and a connector, capable of building rapport and developing meaningful relationships with a wide variety of peopleyou thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic team environmentyou have an entrepreneurial spirit, asking questions, trying new approaches to community relations and demonstrating an appetite for innovationyou're a strategic community organizer, determining how best to reach and impact the community, including those not currently involved in traditional networksyou're a self-starter, highly motivated and organized, driven to succeed, reflective and open; you know how to set appropriate boundaries and ask for help when neededSpecific Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Characteristics
Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skillsDeep, up-to-date understanding of contemporary antisemitismExceptional oral and written communication skills, including public speakingStrong passion for and understanding of Jewish practices, customs, history, and community infrastructureIn-depth knowledge of government affairs, legislative processes, and advocacyExperience working with:
Volunteer leadersAt-risk and/or vulnerable populationsDiverse constituencies and stakeholders with varied opinionsCoalitions
Ability to:
Set priorities and handle multiple tasksCommunicate with sophistication and nuance on Israel-related issuesNavigate complicated or stressful situations with diplomacy, tact, and equanimityWork irregular hours, including periodic evenings and weekends as necessary to attend relevant events and programs and occasional travel to conferences, etc.
What We Provide
Work with highly qualified, creative, collaborative, and go-getter teammates and a dedicated supervisorCompetitive salary (range: $65,000-$75,000, depending on experience) and benefits including health, vision, dental, and matched retirement planFlexible hybrid work schedule with generous time offPositive work environmentSignificant support and professional development for employees, including ongoing coaching and mentorship, trainings, research, and best practices on relational-based engagement, and access to a vast network of Jewish educators and professionalsAbout the JCA and PortlandTo Apply
Please submit your cover letter and resume to: Leslie Kirby, CEO, Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine (lkirby@mainejewish.org)
The JCA is a dynamic organization that recognizes and supports individuals from a broad range of experiences and backgrounds. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer related or HIV/AIDS related), genetic information, or sexual orientation. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The JCA conducts background checks as part of the hiring process.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred, with coursework in social sciences, Jewish communal work, public affairs, or related field3-5 years of relevant experience in Jewish communal, nonprofit, public sector, or related fieldSalary:
$65,000 - $75,000
Agency Information:
About the JCA and Portland
The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine (JCA), a combined agency of Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Center, and Jewish Family Services, is the vibrant hub of Jewish programming in Portland and Southern Maine. The JCA offers a rare opportunity to tap your skills, talents, and experience to benefit a greater good while you grow professionally. You will work in a dynamic environment with a diverse group of individuals who share your commitment and enthusiasm. Together, you will make a difference for Jews and non-Jews in Maine and worldwide. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a collegial, family-friendly work and team environment.
Portland has been nationally recognized as one of the best places to live by U.S. News and World Report. Beautifully situated on a peninsula in Casco Bay on the Gulf of Maine, Portland is a progressive community rich in diversity. It's Maine's economic capital with the state's largest port, major banking centers, and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. While the largest city in Maine with a metropolitan population of 570,000, Portland retains its small-town feel. Just a two-hour drive from Boston's Logan Airport, Portland readily connects to the rest of the world.
The Jewish Community Alliance (JCA) of Southern Maine seeks a passionate advocate and dedicated consensus builder as Director of Community Relations.
What You'll Be Doing
The JCA's Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) serves as the community's central body to address and prevent antisemitism. The JCRC protects and defends the Jewish community through relationship-building, coalition work, education, government affairs and advocacy, with a recognition that the security of the Jewish community ultimately depends on creating a just society for all people.
The JCRC Director is responsible for leading the JCRC in implementing its mission and programmatic direction, under the direction of the JCA's CEO, the JCRC Chair, and other lay leadership and in partnership with the rest of the JCA team. Specific responsibilities include:
Combatting Antisemitism
partner in strategic thinking for the JCA to implement and scale a broad state-wide antisemitism plan
assist in the execution of strategy, tactics, and partnerships to move forward these efforts
assess the current climate and develop a roadmap to proactively combat antisemitism locally in K-12 schoolssupport the work of local Hillels in countering the movement to delegitimize Israel on college campusesmonitor and respond to antisemitic incidents in the community as well as to local anti-Israel initiativesdevelop programs and relationships to proactively counter growing antisemitism across the political spectrumbuild out a strategy to influence Portland's largest employers on preventing and responding to antisemitism within the workplace
conduct corporate trainings to educate community members about the rise in antisemitism and the need to call it outlead portfolios for local and regional partners supporting workplace and business strategies
collaborate with statewide Jewish communal agencies on antisemitism and Israel programming as appropriateleading statewide efforts to combat antisemitism and all forms of hate, bigotry and discriminationCommunity Relations
spearhead the JCA's efforts to cultivate, develop and nurture relationships with and represent the interests of the Jewish community in diverse groups of individuals and organizations across racial, ethnic and religious communitiesidentify and coordinate collaboration across religious, non-profit, civic, corporate, political, ethnic, and academic arenaswork with and monitor media outlets to ensure that the Jewish public agenda is appropriately and accurately covereddesign and implement innovative programs and initiatives in support of the foregoing, including collaborations that advance social justice, intergroup understanding, and mutual respect and that strengthen the JCA's ties to diverse segments of the Greater Portland communitymaintain knowledge and professional expertise on relevant issues that impact the community relations spaceseek, write and facilitate grant opportunities, with a focus on bridgebuilding workensure that JCA leadership and donors, and the broader Jewish and general communities, understand JCRC's activities and impactGovernment Relations & Advocacy
establish and maintain strong ties with elected and appointed government officials at the local, state, and federal levelliaise with regional, national and international organizations, including the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), the Antidefamation League (ADL), etc. and undertake advocacy and public policy work in conjunction where aligned
ensure an effective voice for our community within these organizations
monitor local, national, and international events through the prism of Jewish communal priorities and work with leadership and community members to set policy, promote education, and galvanize community actionorganize education and advocacy opportunities for community memberssubmit written testimony and/or testify on legislation where appropriateeducating about and advocating for consensus causes and issues that impact the Jewish community and others, including drafting issue briefings and action alertsSecurity & Crisis Management
create and implement a community crisis management planconvene law enforcement officials to share concerns and intelligencework with local Jewish agencies on their grant processes related to security and other types of funding available at the federal, state, and local levelTeam Roles
actively participate in the JCA management teamcollaborate with the CEO and marketing on community communicationsgive input into donor relations portfolios where relevantstaff the JCRC meetings and sets agenda items in collaboration with leadershipnurture JCRC members' leadership skills and cultivate a strong pipeline of future volunteer leadersprepare and oversee annual JCRC budgetother duties as assignedSkills You Need
you bring creativity, vision and resilience to your workyou're a host and a connector, capable of building rapport and developing meaningful relationships with a wide variety of peopleyou thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic team environmentyou have an entrepreneurial spirit, asking questions, trying new approaches to community relations and demonstrating an appetite for innovationyou're a strategic community organizer, determining how best to reach and impact the community, including those not currently involved in traditional networksyou're a self-starter, highly motivated and organized, driven to succeed, reflective and open; you know how to set appropriate boundaries and ask for help when neededSpecific Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Characteristics
Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skillsDeep, up-to-date understanding of contemporary antisemitismExceptional oral and written communication skills, including public speakingStrong passion for and understanding of Jewish practices, customs, history, and community infrastructureIn-depth knowledge of government affairs, legislative processes, and advocacyExperience working with:
Volunteer leadersAt-risk and/or vulnerable populationsDiverse constituencies and stakeholders with varied opinionsCoalitions
Ability to:
Set priorities and handle multiple tasksCommunicate with sophistication and nuance on Israel-related issuesNavigate complicated or stressful situations with diplomacy, tact, and equanimityWork irregular hours, including periodic evenings and weekends as necessary to attend relevant events and programs and occasional travel to conferences, etc.
What We Provide
Work with highly qualified, creative, collaborative, and go-getter teammates and a dedicated supervisorCompetitive salary (range: $65,000-$75,000, depending on experience) and benefits including health, vision, dental, and matched retirement planFlexible hybrid work schedule with generous time offPositive work environmentSignificant support and professional development for employees, including ongoing coaching and mentorship, trainings, research, and best practices on relational-based engagement, and access to a vast network of Jewish educators and professionalsAbout the JCA and PortlandTo Apply
Please submit your cover letter and resume to: Leslie Kirby, CEO, Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine (lkirby@mainejewish.org)
The JCA is a dynamic organization that recognizes and supports individuals from a broad range of experiences and backgrounds. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer related or HIV/AIDS related), genetic information, or sexual orientation. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
The JCA conducts background checks as part of the hiring process.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred, with coursework in social sciences, Jewish communal work, public affairs, or related field3-5 years of relevant experience in Jewish communal, nonprofit, public sector, or related fieldSalary:
$65,000 - $75,000
Agency Information:
About the JCA and Portland
The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine (JCA), a combined agency of Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Center, and Jewish Family Services, is the vibrant hub of Jewish programming in Portland and Southern Maine. The JCA offers a rare opportunity to tap your skills, talents, and experience to benefit a greater good while you grow professionally. You will work in a dynamic environment with a diverse group of individuals who share your commitment and enthusiasm. Together, you will make a difference for Jews and non-Jews in Maine and worldwide. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a collegial, family-friendly work and team environment.
Portland has been nationally recognized as one of the best places to live by U.S. News and World Report. Beautifully situated on a peninsula in Casco Bay on the Gulf of Maine, Portland is a progressive community rich in diversity. It's Maine's economic capital with the state's largest port, major banking centers, and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. While the largest city in Maine with a metropolitan population of 570,000, Portland retains its small-town feel. Just a two-hour drive from Boston's Logan Airport, Portland readily connects to the rest of the world.