TITLE: Director, Israel and Global Jewry
REPORTS TO: Chief Planning & Programming Officer
PAY TYPE: Full-time | Exempt
DATE: September 30, 2024
The Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester builds a strong Jewish future in Rochester, Israel and globally through philanthropy, engagement, education, and advocacy. By leveraging our resources to cultivate and enhance Jewish life, caring for people in need, combatting antisemitism and ensuring the safety and security of our community, fostering connections with Israel and Jewish people globally, and growing the resources to sustain our community, the Federation makes a meaningful impact on the local and global Jewish communities.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester is seeking an innovative and enthusiastic individual to foster awareness, nurture deeper understanding of, and grow individual connections to Israel and Global ewry.
ROLE AND RESPONSBILITIES
The Director of Israel and Global Jewry will elevate community members’ understanding and connection to Israel. Specifically, the Director will:
• Develop a strategy to engage the Rochester Jewish community on Israel and Global Jewry.
• Create and implement programming (e.g. speakers, experiences, and annual events such as Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Yom HaZikaron, and the October 7th Commemoration and ongoing or cohort programming), including oversight of all logistical aspects (e.g. scheduling, venue arrangements, catering, budgeting, and creative direction).
• Cultivate, maintain, and coordinate relationships with Israelis, Israeli-Americans, families of Israelis and families of Americans living in Israel.
• Serve as a thought-leader on Israel and Global Jewry and elevate the Federation’s position as a community resource on matters related to Israel and Global Jewry; Cultivate working relationships with community groups, school districts, higher education institutions.
• Lead Israel advocacy efforts on behalf of
the Rochester Jewish community.
• Develop and coordinate mission plans for traveling to Israel and other international destinations.
• In collaboration with the Federation’s Parternship2Gether and Shinshinim Directors and other staff, collaborate on the Federation’s priority impact area of fostering connections to Israel and Global Jewry through strategy and planning.
• Staff Israel Programming committee, Israel and Overseas committee and related sub-committees; Ensure all committee-related communication, planning, evaluation, and coordination with the Chairs are managed in a timely and professional manner; Help steward relationships with existing Committee members and engage prospective committee members.
• Manage and coordinate the IsraelNow program.
• Together with the Federation marketing team, develop strategies and create content to raise awareness of Israel and other global Jewish communities and the impact of the Federation’s annual campaign on these communities (through our partners, Joint Distribution Committee, World ORT, Jewish Agency for Israel, Ethiopian National Project, and iRep).
• Collaborate with Philanthropy department on meaningful strategies to secure support for our Israel and global work; support fundraising efforts for emergency campaigns abroad.
• Participate consistently in the JFNA network of Israel and Overseas professionals group.
• Develop and manage department budget, including tracking expenses and seeking additional funding opporunities when necessary.
Other Responsibilities:
• Serve as an ambassador of the Federation and foster positive professional relationships within the Federation, among colleagues, and other external stakeholders.
• Promote the mission of the Federation; Participate in Annual Campaign efforts, including participating in stewardship and donor conversations to raise funds on behalf of the community.
• Attend meetings and community events, as needed; Some events occur on evenings and weekends
• Travel as necessary.
• Additional functions and responsibilities may change or may be assigned by the Chief Planning & Programming Officer, CEO and Executive Team.
Qualifications:
• Professional, strong leadership, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills.
• In-depth knowledge of Jewish values, history, and culture; ability to communicate with sophistication and nuance on Israel and related issues.
• Proven experience as an Israel educator and/or Israel engagement professional.
• Degree in Israel education or similar a plus; graduate degree beneficial, but not required.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, communal professionals and lay leaders; ability to navigate complicated or stressful situations with diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to manage difficult conversations with nuance and respect for different positions.
• Ability to self-start, think broadly, set direcion, and meet agreed-upon deliverables.
• Highly organized and detailed-oriented; Ability to manage time effectively and multiple projects simultaneously; Flexibility to adjust to changing priorties; works well under deadline pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal skills and the ability to communicate effectively.
• Demonstrates innovation, creativity, and a commitment to excellence.
• Conduct work with maturity, sound judgment, and high ethical standards.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Has a positive and courteous attitude at work.
SALARY RANGE $80,000-$90,000 annually; 37.5 hours per week
The Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and an inclusive work environment regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status.
The above is intended to describe the general duties and requirements for the performance of the job. It is not construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts the manager's ability to assign or reassign responsibilities for this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform essential job functions.