Director, Strategic Initiatives at Jewish Federation of Cleveland

About the Organization: The Jewish Federation of Cleveland is the only organization in Cleveland that focuses on the health and vitality of the entire Jewish community. For more than 120 years, the Federation has created the critical scale necessary to drive meaningful social change and provide relief in times of crisis. Position Overview: The Director, Strategic Initiatives partners with the Managing Director, Community Relations and External Affairs to advance the Federation's strategic external affairs priorities. This role focuses on building relationships with stakeholders beyond the Jewish community, developing strategies to combat antisemitism, implementing community mapping and outreach efforts, and supporting advocacy, coalition-building, and public engagement. Responsibilities: • Develop and implement strategies advancing external affairs priorities, with a specific focus on corporate environments, unions, and professional associations • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with civic, business, faith, nonprofit, and government leaders • Lead community mapping efforts to identify stakeholders, institutions of influence, gaps in engagement, and opportunities for strategic outreach • Design programs, trainings, convenings, and outreach that educate diverse audiences about Judaism, antisemitism, Israel, and related community concerns • Provide professional leadership and subject matter expertise to the Community Relations Committee (CRC) and its subcommittees • Support advocacy and rapid response efforts with background materials, talking points, correspondence, and presentations • Represent the Federation in meetings, public forums, coalitions, and community events • 10% of the position is allocated to an annual Campaign assignment Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in a related field required; advanced degree preferred • 5+ years in community relations, public affairs, government relations, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, or communications preferred • Strong knowledge and experience with Israel, antisemitism, and the Jewish community, culture, and traditions required • Experience with stakeholder mapping, community landscape analysis, or strategic outreach planning highly desirable • Experience working with volunteer leadership, coalitions, or community-based organizations highly desirable Benefits: • Affordable medical and dental insurance • Paid vacation, holiday, and sick days • 403(b) plan, life insurance, and long term disability • Wellness programs and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)