Strategic Community Relations Associate

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) is the national convener of Jewish coalitions working to build a just and inclusive American democracy. For 80 years, JCPA has brought together national and local organizations and built bridges across communities to address the most pressing issues of the day and set strategies for advocacy and mobilization.

JCPA recently announced its new strategic focus, building on its long legacy and recognizing that Jewish safety is inextricably linked with the safety of other communities and a strong, inclusive, and pluralistic democracy. This work is more urgent than ever in the face of an unprecedented crisis of antisemitism and other forms of hate and extremism.

The Strategic Community Relations Associate will play a foundational role in this new chapter for JCPA, supporting strategic partnerships with Jewish Community Relations Councils (JCRCs) around the country and other national and local Jewish organizations sharing our agenda. This role will also support professional and lay leader development and emerging leaders programs and engagement. 

Primary responsibilities include supporting JCPA’s engagement with the 125 Jewish Community Relations Councils nationwide and collaborating with other national and local organizations and partners. This will include: 

• Organizing professional skills-building, public affairs, and advocacy resources for JCRC professionals and lay leaders and other local partners, including: 
  • drafting materials and coordinating programs to onboard new JCRC staff and leaders.
  • drafting toolkits and sample materials related to communications, policy, and advocacy priorities, as well as supporting rapid response on critical issues. 
  • collaborating with key partner organizations to share their resources and expertise. 
• Overseeing the logistics and assisting with virtual meetings for JCRC professionals and leaders on JCPA’s core issues, including through initiatives like the JCRC Chairs Initiative and other virtual and in-person convenings. 
• Sharing communications with JCRC professionals and leaders, including opportunities for JCRCs and other local partners to engage in and advocate around JCPA’s key national priorities. 

Skills and Qualifications

• At least three years of experience in community relations, Jewish communal organizations, programming, and/or nonprofit/social services. 
• An understanding of the Jewish communal landscape.
• Strategic thinking. 
• Strong communications and writing skills. 
• An organized self-starter who can collaborate, problem-solve, and effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines.
• Passionate about the values and priorities at the core of JCPA’s work, including democracy and pluralism.
  

Compensation and Other Details

While JCPA is headquartered in New York City, we are open to the right candidate serving in a remote capacity. This position will report directly to the Senior Vice President for Community Relations. It may require limited evening and weekend work related to events, conferences, and breaking news.

The compensation range for this role is $60,000 to $75,000 commensurate with experience, plus full benefits that include health, dental, and life insurance and a retirement plan.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter with the subject line “Strategic Community Relations Associate” to careers@thejcpa.org.

JCPA is passionate about building an inclusive and equitable working environment and deeply values the diversity of insight, perspective, and experience of a diverse workforce. This includes Black, Latinx, and Asian people, Black Jews, Jews of Color, Sephardi and Mizrachi Jews, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and gender non-conforming people, and people with disabilities. We also welcome applications from people of diverse religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds.

JCPA is an equal opportunity employer, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, national origin, disability condition, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by federal, state, or local law.