Director, Jewish Community Relations Council of UJFT

Director, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater (UJFT)
Employment: Full time, exempt
Salary: Starting at $60,000 annually, depending on experience
Reports to: Senior Director, JCRC and Chief Programs Officer

The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater is seeking a relationship-driven, collaborative professional to lead its Jewish Community Relations Council. The JCRC Director will build relationships, develop volunteer leaders, coordinate community engagement, and expand the Federation's impact throughout the Jewish and broader communities.

Working closely with lay leaders, community partners, elected officials, educators, and Federation staff, the Director will serve as a connector, convener, educator, and advocate. This is an excellent opportunity for a thoughtful communicator who listens well, enjoys bringing people together, and wants to help others grow as community leaders.

• Build and sustain relationships with synagogues, Jewish agencies, community organizations, clergy, and lay leaders.
• Create meaningful opportunities for community members to participate in JCRC initiatives.
• Keep JCRC member organizations informed and connected through regular outreach, monthly updates, information-sharing, and opportunities for feedback.

• Map existing community relationships, identify opportunities for growth, and create systems that help preserve and share institutional knowledge.
• Recruit and develop lay leaders and community ambassadors to represent the Jewish community in civic, interfaith, and public affairs settings.
• Build partnerships with faith leaders, civic organizations, nonprofit partners, businesses, educational institutions, and other community stakeholders.
• Expand interfaith and intergroup engagement and strengthen the visibility of the Jewish community throughout the region.

• Develop relationships with local and state elected officials, public agencies, and community leaders.
• Monitor issues affecting the Jewish community, Israel, and the broader community.
• Support advocacy efforts and mobilize community participation in public policy and civic engagement opportunities.

• Advance education, public awareness, and coordinated community responses to antisemitism.
• Build relationships with K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and educational leaders, and help connect stakeholders with appropriate information, resources, and support.
• Coordinate programs and constructive community conversations that strengthen understanding of Israel and global Jewish issues across diverse audiences.

• Support the JCRC Steering Committee and working committees focused on Israel Education and Advocacy, Interfaith Relations, and Legislative Action.
• Help committee leaders establish goals, implement initiatives, track progress, and create meaningful pathways for volunteer leadership.
• Partner with development, marketing, programming, leadership, and volunteer teams to align community relations efforts with organizational priorities.

• A bachelor's degree; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Experience in community relations, public affairs, advocacy, education, communications, nonprofit leadership, volunteer engagement, or a related field.
• A demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships across diverse audiences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with excellent interpersonal and organizational abilities.
• Professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment when navigating complex or sensitive issues.
• Familiarity with Jewish communal life and a commitment to continued learning and growth in the field.

During the first year, the Director will strengthen participation across JCRC member organizations, develop active volunteer committees, deepen partnerships with civic, faith-based, educational, governmental, and community stakeholders, and translate existing priorities and relationships into consistent, measurable, and sustainable community impact.

The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater strengthens, protects, and enhances Jewish life locally, in Israel, and around the world. Through leadership, partnership, advocacy, education, and community engagement, UJFT works to build a stronger and more…