Director of Civic Engagement

Position Summary

The Jewish Federation of St. Louis seeks a strategic, relationship-oriented professional to serve as Director of Civic Engagement, expanding Federation's capacity to strengthen civic relationships, address antisemitism, advance public affairs priorities, and build meaningful partnerships throughout the St. Louis region.

The Director will work in collaboration with other Jewish agencies and across government, education, business, law enforcement, interfaith, nonprofit, and civic sectors, while engaging Federation lay leaders as active relationship-builders and ambassadors for the Jewish community.

This position combines relationship management, community engagement, public affairs, program development, research, communications, and measurement. A successful candidate will be highly organized, comfortable building relationships across diverse communities, and able to translate strategy into sustained action.

• Develop tailored relationship and engagement strategies for priority stakeholder groups, including:
  • Elected and government officials
  • K-12 and higher education leaders
  • Business and civic leaders
  • Law enforcement and public safety partners
  • Interfaith and intergroup leaders
  • Nonprofit and community organizations
  • Media and other community influencers
• Coordinate regular engagement and meaningful touchpoints between Federation leaders and priority stakeholders.
• Proactively identify opportunities to deepen relationships, develop partnerships, and expand Federation’s network of community allies.

• Support the implementation of priorities established by Federation leadership and its Public Affairs Committee.
• Monitor developments related to antisemitism, civic engagement, public sentiment, public policy, education, community relations, and issues affecting Jewish life.
• Translate emerging issues and trends into recommendations and actionable engagement strategies.
• Support government relations and advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Help strengthen Federation’s relationships with elected officials, public agencies, educational institutions, civic organizations, and other community partners.
• Support Federation’s ability to respond strategically and effectively when antisemitism or other significant issues affecting the Jewish community arise.

• Identify and facilitate opportunities for partnerships, joint initiatives, educational programs, and co-sponsored events with community stakeholders.
• Develop and manage programs that strengthen understanding, relationships, and collaboration between the Jewish community and the broader St. Louis community.
• Coordinate Federation participation in relevant Jewish Federations of North America-supported initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with Jewish community organizations and other partners whose work intersects with Federation’s public affairs and community relations priorities.

• Develop stakeholder profiles, issue briefs, background materials, talking points, presentations, meeting preparation materials, and other resources to support Federation leaders and relationship stewards.
• Conduct research to help Federation understand key organizations, institutions, leaders, issues, and community dynamics.
• Work with Federation’s communications team to support public affairs messaging and community engagement initiatives.
• Ensure Federation leaders are prepared to engage thoughtfully and effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholders.

• Recruit, train, coordinate, and support Federation lay leaders who serve as relationship stewards and ambassadors with…