Senior Engagement Manager

WHO ARE WE?:

The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati (JFC), the backbone organization that catalyzes our community in common purpose, is seeking a Senior Engagement Manager. JFC welcomes all cultural backgrounds and faiths including those of every socioeconomic status, race, gender, national background, sexual orientation, gender identity, and physical, mental, and developmental ability. The Federation is a community-driven convener, mobilizing diverse groups toward collective action. We are problem-solvers and opportunity-makers with unparalleled reach, raising funds and allocating resources where they're most needed. Connected by our values and tradition, we act as a force for good in the world: caring for the elderly, striving for social justice, keeping our community safe, combating antisemitism, and bringing crucial aid to the most vulnerable. We may come from different places and express our Jewishness in different ways, but we are unified in our vision to build a flourishing, diverse Jewish community for future generations. The Federation is a community-driven convener, mobilizing diverse groups toward collective action. We are problem-solvers and opportunity-makers with unparalleled reach, raising funds and allocating resources where they're most needed

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Jewish Federation is seeking a strong partner to help strengthen the Jewish Peoplehood and Engagement strategies for the community. The Senior Engagement Manager is a full-time employee of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati (JFC) and plays a key role in fostering a sense of belonging, and engaging community members during meaningful life stages. Core responsibilities include:

• Serving as thought partner in refocusing our Jewish Peoplehood strategy
• Collaborating with community partners to develop and enhance teen engagement opportunities
• Overseeing the $1.2 million Cincy Journeys grant program for overnight Jewish camp and Israel travel experiences and connecting those experiences to a broader community strategy
• Supervising the Senior Community Shaliach
• Sharing responsibility for the Chaverim M'Israel program alongside the Senior Community Shaliach

The Senior Engagement Manager is a member of the Community Planning and Engagement Department and reports to the Director of Leadership and Engagement.

MORE ABOUT THE ROLE :

Essential Functions:

Jewish Peoplehood and Engagement Strategic Development

C2030 Refocus is the community strategic plan, led by The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation. Two strategic priorities within the plan are to strengthen Jewish peoplehood and sense of belonging, as well as strengthening Jewish engagement at high-impact life stages. This role will be use quantitative community data, qualitative input from community members and agencies, and national trends to inform the strategies that help fulfill the long-term outcomes in both of these areas

Supervision of Senior Community Shaliach

The Jewish Federation has been bringing senior emissaries from Israel to Cincinnati for over twenty years. The Senior Community Shaliach is a living bridge between Israel and Cincinnati, running programs and building relationships throughout the community. The Senior Engagement Manager supervises all aspects of that role, including making connections, helping with programming, and supporting their family during their two or three year contract.

Cincy Journeys Oversight

This grant program is funded by The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati and the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. The Cincy Journeys program helps community members deepen their connection to Jewish peoplehood through immersive camp and travel experiences. This long-running program is a key driver of the C2030 Refocus Engagement strategy. The Senior Engagement Manager is the primary thought leader about how this program can be the catalyst to propel that strategy to the next level. The Senior Engagement Manager also serves as the primary point of contact for the program, acting as both the external community liaison and the internal coordinator across Federation departments, including Development, Operations and Marketing.

Key responsibilities include:

• Promoting the program throughout the community
• Building and maintaining relationships with camps and trip providers
• Supporting families and participants through the application and participation process
• Collecting and analyzing program data, tracking trends, and preparing annual grant reports
• Identifying and recommending national best practices and innovative ideas to strengthen the program locally
• Running the Camp Fellows professional development program

Chaverim M'Israel Program Management

A meaningful aspect of this role is supporting the Chaverim M'Israel program, which brings two Israeli teen emissaries to Cincinnati for a gap year between high school and military service. The role works collaboratively with JFC colleagues, including our JCRC, and external partners like the JCC, Rockwern Academy, and congregations to maximize their impact in the community.

The Senior Engagement Manager oversees the logistical and administrative components of the program, including:

• Hiring and onboarding participants
• Recruiting and supporting host families
• Coordinating schedules and program logistics
• Serving as the primary liaison with the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI)

Youth and Teen Engagement

This role supports the C2030 Refocus Community Strategic Plan priority focused on strengthening Jewish engagement among youth and teens. The Senior Engagement Manager will collaborate with community partners - including congregations, the JCC, Shelanu, Rockwern Academy, AJC, and others - to explore and support social, educational, and leadership opportunities that deepen Jewish identity and strengthen peer connections.

JFC will convene stakeholders and help determine the Federation's appropriate role in supporting and implementing initiatives that emerge from this collaborative work.

Israel Partnership

Federation fosters meaningful connections through a formalized partnership between Cincinnati and a municipality, city or Kibbutz in Israel. Part of this role will be to support the partnership through helping to lead the local steering committee and assisting with programs.

CANDIDATES SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Strong knowledge and understanding of global Jewish peoplehood and Israel
• Background or experience in Jewish camping preferred
• Supervisory experience
• Bachelor's degree in education or experience working in a related field
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail and follow-through
• Warm, professional, and approachable demeanor
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Flexibility and strong problem-solving abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset
• Strong conflict management skills

This role requires participation during some evening and weekend events. Occasional travel for conferences, camp visits, and Israel travel may also be required.

BENEFITS WE OFFER:

• Robust Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with employee health and wellness plan
• Talent Management & Professional Development programs and learning opportunities
• Competitive 401(k) program with company match and additional contribution opportunities
• Complimentary single membership to the Mayerson JCC Fitness Center + Discounts to the onsite Café and Spa
• F.S.A, Employer Matched H.S.A, life insurance, Voluntary Short-Term/Long-Term Disability Insurance, 529 College Savings Plan, Legal Shield plan
• Incredible Paid Time Off: 15 days vacation, 12 days of sick, and up to 10+ paid Jewish Holidays per year (in addition to federal holidays)
• Fun, collaborative, business-casual work environment

Pay Range: $80,000 - $90,000 per year