Research and Policy Director, Educational Advancement and Partnerships
Job Description
Director, Educational Advancement and Partnerships (Full-Time)
About JCRC-NY
The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY), a proud UJA-Federation of NY agency, serves as the primary community relations agency for the Jewish community in the metropolitan New York area. As an active force in New York civic and communal life, JCRC-NY operates as a central coordinating and resource body to: (1) Be a common table to cultivate understanding and joint action amongst diverse groups within the Jewish community; (2) Cultivate deeper relationships with the broader New York community to address critical issues and engender a shared society; (3) Ensure the security of the Jewish community in the face of rising antisemitism; and (4) Foster increased understanding and appreciation for the Jewish community’s relationship with Israel among diverse groups of New Yorkers.
New York Education Initiative
The New York Education Initiative is a joint initiative of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) and the Institute for Curriculum Services (ICS) launched in 2021 that utilizes community relations and academic approaches to dramatically increase professional development opportunities for social studies teachers in public and non-Jewish independent schools in order to provide them with a nuanced and holistic approach to understanding and teaching about Jews, Judaism, Jewish history, and Israel. In addition to offering ICS Professional Development opportunities, JCRC-NY seeks to amplify the voice of the New York Jewish community in education coalitions, work with school and district leaders to promote an inclusive and safe K-12 school environment in public and independent non-Jewish schools and ensure accurate and inclusive social studies instruction related to Jews, Judaism, Jewish history and Israel.
The Director of Educational Advancement and Partnerships is responsible for creating and implementing strategies to amplify the Jewish community’s voice and support a safe and inclusive climate in K-12 schools in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island. This individual will work closely, support and enhance the work of ICS New York Educator by helping to identify opportunities with school and district leaders to offer K-12 professional learning using ICS materials.
This position reports to the Director of Strategic Affairs, and must be based in the New York metropolitan area. The position is currently hybrid and will require being in the office periodically.
Responsibilities include:
- Build relationships with school, district, city and state education leaders to advance JCRC-NY goals.
- Look for opportunities to advance ICS Professional Development offerings for social studies teachers in downstate New York
- Create a well-organized infrastructure to mobilize groups of parents and other stakeholders to proactively engage in their children’s schools, and respond to education-related challenges that arise
- Connect with existing Jewish organizations in the education arena to leverage preexisting relationships with legislators in Albany and New York City to mobilize around issues of common concern
- Build and convene a coalition of Jewish organizations to share information, resources, and strategize on issues of key concern within the public and independent non-Jewish private schools
- Participate/represent JCRC-NY in education coalitions in New York
- In collaboration with JCRC-NY staff, form relationships with key local and NY state education officials and interest groups in public education, with an emphasis on marginalized communities and communities of color
- Hold periodic events to engage Jewish community with on timely issues in the education arena and through public engagement with the City and State education departments, chairs, and committees
- Monitor education legislation at the State and City levels
- Engage ICS as an academic resource to review curricula and education policy
- Additional responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Strategic Affairs
Requirements
- Deep understanding of the structure of the NYS Education Department and the NYC Department of Education, their structures, and their social studies core curriculum standards
- Excellent meeting and group facilitation skills
- Understanding of the Jewish community including the challenges it faces around antisemitism and Israel, and a deep commitment to JCRC-NY’s mission
- Proven outreach and organizing capabilities and ability to work with diverse audiences
- Ability to work and thrive in fast paced environments and coalitions balancing time across a wide range of activities and prioritizing the most impactful work
- Proven excellence in verbal and written communication
- Self-starter with creativity and a collaborative approach to problem solving
- Experience teaching social studies to diverse classes of middle or high school students a plus
Compensation
- Competitive benefits package, paid vacation, personal/sick days
- Salary Range: $75,000-$100,000
