Jewish Community Relations Director

About the Organization  

Jewish Long Beach is the merged single agency of the Jewish Federation of Long Beach and West Orange County, Jewish Community Foundation, and the Barbara and Ray Alpert JCC (AJCC) serving the Long Beach and West Orange County areas. Jewish Long Beach is engaged in Fundraising and Philanthropy, Community Building, Social Services, Education and Leadership Development, Advocacy and Public Affairs, and Israel and Global Jewish Support. It is responsible for stewarding donor funds, building endowments, grantmaking, planned giving, and supporting community impact and innovations. In addition, Jewish Long Beach administers a wide variety of programs and services, rooted in Jewish values but open to all, including early childhood education, summer camp, and after-school programs, adult education, services for seniors, leadership development, fitness and wellness programs, and advocacy. The organization owns and operates an eight-acre multi-use campus in east Long Beach, has an annual operating budget of approximately $8 million, and manages approximately $40 million in philanthropic assets.  

Position Overview: 

The Director of the Jewish Community Relations Committee (JCRC) will lead the coordination, and execution of initiatives designed to enhance the standing and well fare of the Jewish community. Reporting directly to the CEO, the JCRC Director will serve as the primary advocate and liaison between the Jewish community and the broader society, this individual will focus on advancing Jewish values, fostering intergroup dialogue, and addressing public policy, advocacy, and social justice issues. The Director will manage a variety of community relations efforts, building relationships with key stakeholders, including elected officials, law enforcement, interfaith partners, and civic leaders, monitoring issues that affect the Jewish community, and ensuring Jewish communal interests are represented effectively. 

This role requires a strategic and dynamic leader with a deep understanding of Jewish culture, traditions, and contemporary issues, strong advocacy skills, coalition-building, and the ability to engage with diverse community stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Community Relations & Advocacy: 

• Advocate for Jewish Community Interests: Represent the Jewish community on issues such as public policy, civil rights, anti-Semitism, social justice, and religious freedom. 
• Legislative Activity: Initiate and respond to local, state, and national legislative matters affecting Jewish communal safety, security and belonging.  
• Build Strategic Civic Partnerships: Cultivate relationships with key business leaders, community institutions, professional associations, and educations institutions 
• Monitor & Respond to Issues: Track local, national, and international events impacting the Jewish community, developing timely responses to emerging concerns, including anti-Semitic incidents and discrimination. 
• Policy Development & Advocacy: Collaborate with Jewish and non-Jewish organizations to influence policy change that benefits the Jewish community and aligns with Jewish values of justice, equality, and peace. 
• Engage in Coalition-Building: Working with the CEO and Senior Director for Community Engagement and Impact, build relationships and dialog with interfaith, civic, and ethic organizations to promote mutual interest and combat discrimination. 

Community Outreach & Education: 

• Strengthen Intergroup Relationships Build and sustain strong relationships with local government officials, law enforcement, and other interfaith & ethnic community partners. 
• Build Community Bridges: Promote interfaith dialogue and cooperation through programs, partnerships, and relationship-building across religious, civic, and educational sectors. 
• Enhance community relations with the Jewish community by promoting understanding, countering prejudice, and fostering inclusivity.  
• Coordinate Public Education & Awareness: Lead initiatives that educate the public about Jewish history, culture, and contributions, countering misinformation and stereotypes about the Jewish community. 

Program Development & Implementation: 

• Plan & Lead Initiatives: Develop and implement programs that build positive relationships with various community groups, focusing on social justice, and advocacy campaigns. 
• Organize Events & Forums: Coordinate community forums, panel discussions, cultural events, and educational programs that engage both Jewish and non-Jewish participants. 

Public & Media Relations: 

• Serve as Spokesperson: Represent the Jewish Long Beach JCRC publicly through media outlets, speeches, and written content, ensuring the Jewish community’s voice is heard. Draft op/eds, letters to the editor and other communication, as needed 
• Manage Media Inquiries: Handle media inquiries, write press releases, and lead crisis communications efforts when necessary. 
• Create Communication Strategies: Develop and execute strategic communication plans that use traditional and digital media (social media, newsletters, etc.) to keep the community informed and engaged. 

Leadership & Staff Management: 

• Lead the JCRC Team: Manage of team volunteers, providing mentorship, oversight, and fostering a collaborative, results-driven environment. 
• Collaborate with Board & Committees: Work closely with the Jewish Long Beach Board of Directors and committees to ensure strategic alignment and effective program delivery. 
• Provide Reports & Updates: Regularly update the Chief Executive Officers and Board of Directors on key initiatives, program outcomes, and community relations efforts. 
   

Behavioral Expectations 

• Clearly communicate the “mission,” ensuring everyone works toward the same goals. 
• Create a positive environment where two-way communication, accountability, and strong trust are established. 
• Promote teamwork and respect, both internally between staff as well as in community-facing contexts with donors, volunteers, members, and other stakeholders.  
• Demonstrate the ability to respond with a high degree of responsiveness to the needs and requests of others, internally and externally. Understand the impact of their work on others. 
• Deal constructively with conflict and focus on the situation, issue or behavior and not on the person by diffusing situations before conflicts arise, resolving conflicts directly and actively promoting and gaining cooperation from others. 
• Accurately provide and receive information in oral and written communications. 
• Consistently provide ideas, opinions, or information in an articulate, professional way. 
• Actively listen to others and demonstrate understanding of other points of view. 
• Willingness and ability to adjust to changing conditions or priorities. 
• Take the initiative to identify and act on problems, and lead by example. Consistently make decisions that resolve problems and act decisively when necessary. 

Eduction and Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Jewish Studies, Political Science, Public Relations, Social Justice, or related field (master's strongly preferred). 
• Experience: At least 5-7 years of professional experience in community relations, public policy, advocacy, or a similar field, with a proven record of leadership in Jewish or interfaith work. 
   

Skills: 

• In-depth knowledge of Jewish history, culture, values, and contemporary challenges facing the Jewish community. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, persuasive messages for diverse audiences. 
• Experience in media relations, public speaking, and crisis management. 
• Proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and the media. 
• Effective leadership, team management, and organizational skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with attention to detail. 

Personal Attributes: 

• Commitment to Jewish Values: Deep respect for Jewish traditions, values, and culture, with a strong commitment to advancing the Jewish community’s welfare. 
• Strategic Thinker: Capable of thinking critically, anticipating challenges, and devising creative solutions to complex community and policy issues. 
• Relationship Builder: Skilled at building and nurturing relationships across diverse communities, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding. 
• Proactive & Results-Oriented: Self-driven with a strong ability to set goals, take initiative, and achieve results in a timely manner. 
• Tact & Diplomacy: Ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism, particularly when dealing with contentious or complex matters. 
   

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the JCRC is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle and feel objects, keyboard; reach with hands and arms; communicate and move around the building. It may also be necessary for the employee to lift and /or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

The primary work environment is typical of an office environment including sounds from office equipment. Due to travel and special events, the Jewish Community Relations Director (JCRD) will be exposed to outside weather conditions.
 

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience ($90,000 to $120,000) 
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and observance of Jewish holidays. 
• Additional Perks: Opportunities for professional development, networking, and participation in Jewish communal events and conferences. 

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the Director of the Jewish Community Relations. As the needs of the organization and the community evolve, the role and title may be adjusted to reflect those changes commensurate with the applicant’s experience.