Description

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Kehillah program aims to weave together a vibrant, collaborative, and interconnected Philadelphia Jewish community. There are eight Kehillot (Hebrew for community or neighborhood) throughout Greater Philadelphia. The program focuses on relational engagement with individuals, families, and underserved communities, creates a two-way feedback loop between the Kehillot and the Jewish Federation, and expands the pipeline of potential new leaders and supporters for the Jewish Federation and the entire Jewish community. With over a dozen synagogues and a large geographic area, Bucks County is home to significant potential and a broad community of dedicated individuals committed to enriching their Jewish identities and strengthening our Jewish present and future.

This position sits within the Leadership and Community Development Department of the Jewish Federation. This person reports to the Director of Community Development. This position works cross functionally within the Jewish Federation, and will work in close collaboration with the Jewish Federation interest groups and fundraising team. 

Community Engagement Specialists (CES) focus on relational engagement with individuals, families and underserved communities, creating a two-way feedback loop between the Kehillot and the Jewish Federation and expanding the pipeline of potential new leaders and supporters. The CES weaves together a more vibrant, collaborative, and interconnected Philadelphia Jewish community in Bucks County. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: A part-time CES works 23 hours per week and supports one Kehillah in our community by focusing on the following:

• Relational engagement: Connect with individuals and families within their Kehillah to understand their interests and needs, help them feel like they belong within Jewish community and life, and to serve as a concierge service connecting them to Jewish experiences and institutions, including the Jewish Federation. The CES will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with rabbis, cantors, executives, educators, community members and volunteers, and all other relevant Jewish community contributors. This also includes a focus on underserved populations throughout our community (ie: Jews of Color, interfaith/multifaith Jews; Russian and Hebrew speaking Jews, Jewish individuals with disabilities, Orthodox Jews, LGBTQ Jews, etc).
• Donor prospecting: The CES will identify new potential donors within their area to be introduced to a member of the Jewish Federation’s fundraising team to follow up on philanthropic opportunities.
• Leadership development: The CES will identify and engage leaders throughout the community, in event chair and local board roles. S/he will amplify voices that reflect the diversity of our community. Local leadership groups will determine their goals for the year, in partnership with the Jewish Federation’s priorities. CES will also connect potential leaders with leadership opportunities throughout the Jewish Federation, including committees, Israel missions, etc. 
• Programs and gatherings: CES will be responsible for planning and executing two to three large-scale and at least two smaller events per year aimed at reaching all members of their Kehillah, engaging partner organizations, and demonstrating the Jewish Federation’s presence in the community. The planning process for each event can include: forming and managing a planning or host committee, securing a venue and vendors (and managing necessary paperwork), arranging for the purchase of supplies and food, recruiting attendees, setting up, staffing, and cleaning up the event, and following up with attendees. 
• Jewish Federation integration and communications: The CES maintains a steady communications presence within their Kehillot, working closely with the Jewish Federation marketing team to craft and distribute compelling messaging that integrates the goals of the Jewish Federation, the Kehillah, and its partner organizations. 

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time at Jewish Federation’s discretion.

Requirements

•  Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills. Ability to work well with individuals with a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask in an environment that requires managing multiple activities and priorities
• Proven ability to take a project from concept through completion
• Strong familiarity of Jewish traditions with the ability to lead Jewish events and connect effectively within the Jewish community
• Knowledge of Philadelphia and Bucks County Jewish Community preferred
• Ability to work evenings, occasional Shabbat, holiday, and Sunday events, as needed

Overview

Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including a hybrid work schedule, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug program, life insurance, generous paid time off and 403b retirement savings program.

Our Mission

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes financial and volunteer resources to address the communities’ most critical priorities locally, in Israel and around the world.

Commitment to Diversity

We deeply value the diversity of insight, perspective, and experience brought by people from backgrounds typically underrepresented in Jewish institutions. This includes Black, Latinx, and Asian people, Black Jews, Jews of Color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and gender non-conforming people, and people with disabilities. We also welcome applications from people of diverse religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds.