Senior Director, Planning & Agency Relations

Job description

Jewish Federation of Detroit | Bloomfield Hills, MI As the primary instrument of Jewish philanthropy and engagement in the Detroit area, we are a community-driven organization committed to taking care of the needs of the Jewish people and building a vibrant Jewish future, in Detroit, in Israel and around the world. The Senior Director, Planning & Agency Relations reports to the Chief Operating Officer and oversees community planning, resource allocation, and agency relations. The role identifies emerging needs, shapes strategic priorities, guides community investment decisions, partners with lay leadership, and builds strong relationships with agencies and community organizations. Key Responsibilities • Lead community planning efforts to identify emerging needs, priorities, and opportunities across the Jewish community • Partner with Federation and lay leadership to develop and implement strategies aligned with organizational and communal priorities • Oversee resource allocation and community investment processes by gathering information, assessing needs, analyzing impact, and supporting funding decisions • Lead committees focused on planning, allocations, and agency relations • Build and maintain strong relationships with partner agencies and community organizations to foster collaboration and alignment • Coordinate with the Federation's Director of Business Practices to review agency budgets and other financial reports • Supervise staff and promote strong execution and professional growth • Develop reports, materials, and recommendations for senior and lay leadership on planning, agency matters, and allocations • Oversee the grant writing process and related reporting to the State of Michigan, ensuring timely submissions, compliance, and coordination • Track trends, needs, and relevant data to inform discussions, strengthen impact analysis, and support decision-making Requirements & Skills • Bachelor's degree in business, public policy, social sciences, nonprofit management, or a related field; Master's degree preferred • 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in community planning, agency relations, nonprofit management, philanthropy, human services, or a related field • Strong financial acumen and comfort working with financial and programmatic data • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with professional staff, agency leaders, lay leaders, and community stakeholders • Strong strategic thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills • Experience leading committees and preparing clear recommendations and materials for a range of audiences • Experience supervising staff and fostering a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven team culture • Commitment to the mission and values of the Jewish Federation of Detroit and an understanding of the nonprofit and communal landscape