Program Officer, Antisemitism & Advocacy

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW   

As a center for Jewish philanthropy, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund (the Federation) mobilizes assets to support the most pressing issues of our time, while building and sustaining thriving Jewish communities in the Bay Area, Israel and beyond for generations to come. We inspire personal and collaborative philanthropy, and facilitate grantmaking, impact lending, and advocacy to make the world a better place.  

With our work guided by Jewish values, the Federation operates as a community foundation, partnering with individuals and families to implement their charitable visions as well as to connect and strengthen the Jewish non-profit sector. In 2022, the Federation granted and loaned more than $245 million, making it the single largest funder of Jewish causes in the state of California.   

The Federation is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual with a variety of skill sets who wants to join a team working to build a new model of 21st century and next generation Federation engagement. 

TEAM OVERVIEW 

The Community Impact Department is responsible for developing and implementing a range of impact initiatives and overseeing grantmaking from multiple funding sources to further the Federation’s vision of diverse and dynamic Bay Area Jewish communities, deeply engaged in Jewish life and doing good locally, in Israel and around the world.   

POSITION SUMMARY 

Antisemitism has been on the rise in America over recent years, and since the October 7th attacks, that trend has increased sharply. The Bay Area is unique hot spot for attacks, protests, condemnation and controversy. As Federation refines its responses to supporting Israel and the local community in this new environment, a focus on antisemitism and advocacy has become more urgent. This role will serve as a contact point and resource for communal organizations looking for information, support and coordination with those in the community tackling similar issues. The solutions needed for this moment will be a mix of financial investment in effective programs, the joint efforts of aligned organizations, and the proper response from government and agencies. This role serves as the primary manager for Federation grantmaking and organizing efforts in the Bay Area that address these issues.  

The Program Officer works to manage aspects of the Federation’s grant process from research, concept, and award. Once awarded, the Program Officer monitors grant implementation and ensures grantees are complying with grant requirements and that key lessons are being captured and integrated across the Federation’s integrated Philanthropy team. This role report to the Managing Director, Engagement and Community Impact. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS   

Strategy 

• Work with Senior leadership to design and implement strategies to confront antisemitism  
• To further Federation’s vision to combat antisemitism, facilitate new partnerships with other nonprofits, foundations, interfaith and community leaders. Collaborate on specific areas of interest with the goal of identifying new strategies and initiatives to enhance Federation’s efforts. 
• Identify, recruit, and optimize available resources (internal and external) for greatest impact 

Grantmaking 

• Lead and manage a significant portfolio of Federation-directed grants with a focus on antisemitism and advocacy  
• Coach prospective grantees through preparing, developing and/or revising grant requests to meet established criteria.  
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis, including organization financial data, assessing outcomes of the proposed initiatives, and other relevant information to make funding recommendations and to inform future strategy. 
• Oversee preparation of grant agreements, including reporting requirements and methods of evaluation, and ensuring grants are tracked and monitored. Align on shared outcomes with grantees.  
• Cultivate relationships with grantee partners, working cooperatively to execute their grant expectations. Have a regular communications cadence appropriate for grant size. Conduct periodic site visits, and review reports and budgets. 
• Build and maintain relationships with organizations inside and outside of the grantee pipeline to keep the finger on the pulse of community needs and opportunities.  
• Work collaboratively with internal & external colleagues to identify, recruit, and optimize available resources for the greatest impact 
• Develop processes to improve the Federation’s grantmaking practices, particularly how to live best practices through the grant lifecycle 
• Participate with the larger Philanthropy team to enhance the impact of grantmaking efforts 

Advocacy & Relationship Building 

• Staff the Federation’s political advocacy efforts, working closely with JPAC and JCRC.  
• Focus on building collaborative relationships inside and outside of the Jewish community to combat antisemitism 
• Works with community partners to develop and implement initiatives to combat antisemitism and hate, including but not limited to hate crimes and hate speech. 
• Manage relationships and provide consultation to Jewish organizational partners, grantees and others who are working to implement our collective strategy.  
• Work collaboratively with other funders, board members, grantee partners, and outside experts on new and ongoing initiatives.  
• Plan and manage all logistics related to workshops, convening and training  
• Leading communication within Federation and externally with partner organizations  

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES 

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Track record of success in community organizing and coalition building  
• Working knowledge of Jewish community and tradition, and Bay Area/North American Jewish life. 
• Sophisticated knowledge of Jewish issues, especially antisemitism, anti-Israel initiatives, the way that issues of the American Jewish community are intertwined with events in and perceptions of Israel.  
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks with accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality. 
• Team player with the capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and across departments. 
• Flexibility and interest in working cross-culturally. 
• Administrative and logistics planning and execution skills. 
• Strong Microsoft Office and Google Drive knowledge and skills. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s Degree required, in Jewish studies, Jewish communal service, civic engagement, public affairs or similar field preferred. Master’s Degree in related field is a plus. 
• 10+ year of relevant experience  

 Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits — medical, dental, vision, vacation, sick pay, holidays (including Jewish), and retirement plan. 

EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES  

The Federation views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a company culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible talent pool to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund is an equal opportunity employer