Director of Civic Engagement

About the role

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

The Director works 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. The role combines relationship management, public affairs, program development, research, communications, and measurement.

Responsibilities: • Develop tailored engagement strategies for priority stakeholders — elected and government officials, K-12 and higher education leaders, business and civic leaders, law enforcement, interfaith partners, nonprofits, and media • Support implementation of priorities set by Federation leadership and its Public Affairs Committee, and monitor developments in antisemitism, public policy, education, and community relations • Support government relations and advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels, and help the Federation respond strategically when antisemitism or other significant issues arise • Identify and facilitate partnerships, joint initiatives, educational programs, and co-sponsored events with community stakeholders • Develop stakeholder profiles, issue briefs, talking points, and presentations that prepare Federation leaders to engage effectively • Recruit, train, and support lay leaders serving as relationship stewards, and establish systems to track and evaluate the strength of Federation's community relationships

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience
• Ten or more years in community relations, public affairs, government relations, nonprofit leadership, civic engagement, external affairs, coalition building, or advocacy
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain relationships across varied professional, political, religious, cultural, and community backgrounds
• Strong project and program management skills, moving from strategy to implementation
• Excellent written and verbal communication; experience with CRM or project-management systems
• Preferred: familiarity with antisemitism and Jewish communal life, experience managing volunteers or lay leaders, and knowledge of the St. Louis and Missouri civic landscape
• Note: The role requires regular participation in meetings, programs, and community events throughout the St. Louis region, including occasional evenings and weekends. Some travel may be required for professional development, conferences, advocacy, and JFNA initiatives.
• The Jewish Federation of St. Louis is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace.

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