Director of Civic Engagement

Position Summary

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

The Director will work 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.

This position combines relationship management, community engagement, public affairs, program development, research, communications, and measurement. A successful candidate will be highly organized, comfortable building relationships across diverse communities, and able to translate strategy into sustained action.

Essential Responsibilities

Community Relationships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop tailored relationship and engagement strategies for priority stakeholder groups, including:
  • Elected and government officials
  • K–12 and higher education leaders
  • Business and civic leaders
  • Law enforcement and public safety partners
  • Interfaith and intergroup leaders
  • Nonprofit and community organizations
  • Media and other community influencers
• Coordinate regular engagement and meaningful touchpoints between Federation leaders and priority stakeholders.
• Proactively identify opportunities to deepen relationships, develop partnerships, and expand Federation’s network of community allies.

Public Affairs & Civic Engagement

• Support the implementation of priorities established by Federation leadership and its Public Affairs Committee.
• Monitor developments related to antisemitism, civic engagement, public sentiment, public policy, education, community relations, and issues affecting Jewish life.
• Translate emerging issues and trends into recommendations and actionable engagement strategies.
• Support government relations and advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Help strengthen Federation’s relationships with elected officials, public agencies, educational institutions, civic organizations, and other community partners.
• Support Federation’s ability to respond strategically and effectively when antisemitism or other significant issues affecting the Jewish community arise.

Partnerships & Programs

• Identify and facilitate opportunities for partnerships, joint initiatives, educational programs, and co-sponsored events with community stakeholders.
• Develop and manage programs that strengthen understanding, relationships, and collaboration between the Jewish community and the broader St. Louis community.
• Coordinate Federation participation in relevant Jewish Federations of North America-supported initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with Jewish community organizations and other partners whose work intersects with Federation’s public affairs and community relations priorities.

Research, Communications & Engagement Resources

• Develop stakeholder profiles, issue briefs, background materials, talking points, presentations, meeting preparation materials, and other resources to support Federation leaders and relationship stewards.
• Conduct research to help Federation understand key organizations, institutions, leaders, issues, and community dynamics.
• Work with Federation’s communications team to support public affairs messaging and community engagement initiatives.
• Ensure Federation leaders are prepared to engage thoughtfully and effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Lay Leadership Engagement

• Recruit, train, coordinate, and support Federation lay leaders who serve as relationship stewards and ambassadors with strategic community partners.
• Provide lay leaders with the information, resources, and ongoing staff support necessary to represent Federation effectively.
• Develop systems for maintaining accountability, documenting engagement, and ensuring continuity in key community relationships.
• Help build a culture in which community relationship-building is a shared responsibility among Federation professional and volunteer leadership.

Measurement, Tracking & Reporting

• Establish baseline measures and systems for evaluating the strength and growth of Federation’s community relationships.
• Regularly assess progress and identify gaps, risks, and opportunities for deeper, authentic engagement.
• Use data and feedback to continuously improve Federation’s strategy.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Ten or more years of experience in community relations, public affairs, government relations, nonprofit leadership, civic engagement, external affairs, coalition building, advocacy, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain relationships with leaders from varied professional, political, religious, cultural, and community backgrounds.
• Strong project and program management skills, including the ability to move from strategy to implementation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to research complex issues and translate information into concise, useful materials for leaders and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage numerous relationships and priorities simultaneously.
• Experience using databases, CRM systems, project-management platforms, or other tools to track relationships, activities, and outcomes.
• Sound judgment, discretion, professionalism, and comfort working on complex or sensitive community issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with professional colleagues, volunteer leaders, community partners, and senior organizational leadership.

Preferred

• Experience working with elected officials, government agencies, educational institutions, civic organizations, interfaith organizations, business leaders, or nonprofit coalitions.
• Experience recruiting, training, or managing volunteers or lay leaders.
• Familiarity with issues related to antisemitism, Jewish communal life, civic engagement, and contemporary public affairs.
• Experience developing metrics or systems for measuring relationship-building and community engagement.
• Knowledge of the St. Louis and Missouri civic, government, education, nonprofit, business, and philanthropic landscape.

Additional Expectations

This position will require regular participation in meetings, programs, community events, and stakeholder engagements throughout the St. Louis region, including occasional evening and weekend responsibilities. Some travel may be required for professional development, conferences, advocacy activities, and Federation or JFNA initiatives.

The Jewish Federation of St. Louis is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace.