Frontline Professional (Generalist)- Grand Rapids

Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids
Strengthening Community. Advancing Belonging.

Frontline Professional (Generalist)
Full-Time Position

Position Summary

The Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids seeks a strategic, relationship-driven professional to lead its community relations, public affairs, civic engagement, and antisemitism response efforts.

Serving as a key external representative of the Federation, this professional will build and strengthen relationships with government officials, faith leaders, educational institutions, civic organizations, business leaders, and community stakeholders across Grand Rapids and West Michigan. The role is responsible for helping the Federation address antisemitism, strengthen community partnerships, engage lay leaders, and advance the Federation's role as a trusted voice within the broader Grand Rapids community.

This position requires exceptional judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex and evolving community issues while fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary representative of the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids to external stakeholders and community partners.

• Build and maintain relationships with civic leaders, faith communities, nonprofit partners, and community organizations throughout Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

• Coordinate Federation responses to incidents of antisemitism and related community concerns.

• Build and maintain relationships with local and state elected officials and public agencies, including the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, and the State of Michigan.

• Support advocacy efforts on issues of concern to the Federation and the broader Jewish and Grand Rapids communities.

• Develop relationships with K-12 schools, higher education institutions (including local colleges and universities), and educational leaders.

• Support efforts to address antisemitism and bias in educational settings.

• Foster meaningful relationships with faith-based, ethnic, and cultural organizations across the greater Grand Rapids area.

• Partner with Federation volunteers and lay leaders involved in public affairs and community relations work.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• Experience in community relations, public affairs, government relations, advocacy, education, communications, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.

• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.

• Demonstrated ability to navigate sensitive and complex issues with professionalism and sound judgment.

• Experience working with diverse stakeholders and community partners.

• Familiarity with the Grand Rapids / West Michigan community and its civic, educational, and faith-based landscape is a plus.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Advocacy & Public Affairs

• Coalition Building & Relationship Management

• Community Engagement

• Crisis Response & Issue Management

• Communications & Public Representation

• Lay/Professional Partnerships

• Policy & Community Awareness

Success Outcomes in Year 1

• Establish strong relationships with key civic, educational, faith, and governmental partners across Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

• Develop a clear understanding of the local community's opportunities and challenges.

• Become a trusted resource for Federation leadership and community stakeholders.

• Strengthen readiness and response capacity related to antisemitism and community concerns.

• Increase engagement with lay leaders and external partners.

• Advance proactive community building and coalition efforts on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].