Director of Advocacy & Community Relations

Director of Advocacy & Community Relations

United Jewish Federation of Utah

Position Summary

The United Jewish Federation of Utah seeks a thoughtful, relationship-driven professional to lead and expand the Federation’s community relations efforts across the state, with a particular focus on addressing antisemitism through education, advocacy, relationship-building, and stronger community partnerships.

Building on strong relationships the Federation has developed throughout Utah, the Director of Advocacy & Community Relations will serve as a key external representative and work across education, civic and community engagement, interfaith and intergroup relations, public affairs, media relations, and efforts to address antisemitism. The Director will also provide professional leadership for the Federation’s Community Partners Against Hate initiative.

This is a broad community relations role in which addressing antisemitism is a central priority, requiring an excellent relationship-builder and communicator with the judgment, curiosity, flexibility, and initiative to work effectively across diverse communities and issues. The position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and works closely with the Associate Director and Federation staff, volunteer leadership, and community partners throughout Utah.

Primary Responsibilities

·      Lead the Federation’s efforts to address antisemitism proactively through education, advocacy, relationship-building, and community partnerships, while helping coordinate thoughtful and effective responses when incidents or concerns arise.

·      Provide professional leadership for the Federation’s Community Partners Against Hate (CPAH) initiative, working with volunteer leadership and diverse community partners to strengthen relationships, expand education and engagement, and advance collaborative efforts to address hate, bias, and bigotry.

·      Build and deepen relationships with educators and educational institutions, faith communities, civic organizations, government officials, business and community leaders, media, and other key partners throughout Utah.

·      Deepen the Federation’s engagement with K–12 schools, school districts, colleges, and universities and develop educational opportunities, resources, and guidance related to Jewish life, antisemitism, Israel, and issues affecting Jewish students and the broader community.

·      Strengthen interfaith and intergroup relationships and develop opportunities for dialogue, education, collaboration, and partnership across communities.

·      Develop and maintain relationships with local and state elected officials, government agencies, and other public-sector partners, supporting Federation advocacy and public affairs efforts as appropriate.

·      Build productive relationships with local media and help the Federation communicate effectively on issues affecting the Jewish community.

·      Identify emerging issues and opportunities and help develop proactive strategies that strengthen the Federation’s presence, relationships, and effectiveness throughout Utah, including identifying opportunities for the Federation to lead, convene, partner, or support community efforts.

·      Serve as a visible and credible representative of the Federation, working collaboratively with Federation staff and engaging and supporting volunteer leaders in advancing the Federation’s community relations efforts.

Qualifications & Experience

The right candidate may come to this position through a variety of professional paths. Experience in community relations, education, communications, nonprofit leadership, public affairs, government relations, advocacy, community engagement, or a related field may provide a strong foundation for the role.

The successful candidate should bring:

·      Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the ability to connect authentically with people from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.

·      Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong public speaking and presentation abilities.

·      Sound judgment and the ability to navigate sensitive, complex, emotionally charged, and rapidly evolving community issues.

·      Cultural awareness and the ability to work effectively across faith, cultural, political, and community differences.

·      Strong organizational and project-management skills, along with initiative, self-direction, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

·      Intellectual curiosity and the ability to learn complex issues, understand different perspectives, and communicate information clearly and thoughtfully.

·      A collaborative approach to working with professional colleagues, volunteer leaders, and community partners.

·      Knowledge and understanding of Jewish communal life, antisemitism, Israel, and issues affecting the Jewish community is strongly preferred; candidates must demonstrate the ability and commitment to develop deeper expertise in these areas.

·      Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position based in the Federation’s Salt Lake City office, with flexibility for occasional remote work. Some evening and weekend commitments and travel are expected.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000–$90,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits include a stipend toward health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off.

Professional Opportunities

This position offers the opportunity to help shape and lead the Federation’s advocacy and community relations efforts throughout Utah. The Director will also benefit from national training and collaboration with colleagues across the country through Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA).

About the United Jewish Federation of Utah

The United Jewish Federation of Utah serves and strengthens Jewish life throughout the state by bringing people together, supporting Jewish organizations and programs, responding to community needs, and building relationships within the Jewish community and throughout Utah. The Federation works across generations and communities to strengthen Jewish identity, support those in need, promote community security, build bridges with our neighbors, and help ensure a vibrant Jewish future.

Send resume and cover letter to ashapiro@shalomutah.org