Managing Director, Strategy for Combating Antisemitism

Overview:

Antisemitism has been sharply on the rise in America over the last 4-5 years. In response, UJA significantly increased its work confronting antisemitism, including the creation in 2019 of our Community Security Initiative, the building out of our community and government relations functions, and enhancing grantmaking.

The post-October reality, however, demands a greater response. And UJA-Federation – the largest Jewish philanthropy in our community - is uniquely positioned to help coordinate that response here in New York, with best practice and grant-making strategies that will serve as a model for other communities. To ensure the success of this work, we will be creating a new team at UJA, Combating Antisemitism.

Position Summary:

The Managing Director, UJA’s Strategy for Combating Antisemitism plays an integral role in the advancement and implementation of UJA’s strategy of Combating Antisemitism with a focus on building collaborative relationships within the Jewish community and beyond. This position requires an active management approach with a strong focus on results, cross-departmental teambuilding capability, and the ability to develop innovative ideas to actualize UJA’s vison to combat antisemitism. This team will work closely with and not duplicate the work of other UJA departments, external partners, and community organizations. Success will require a comprehensive leveraging of existing expertise, talent, and relationships, alongside an increased investment in UJA’s own capabilities as well as other institutions best positioned to carry out key elements of the workplan. The goal is to maximize collective impact and assure effective strategies and solutions.

 The role:

1. Lead, manage and implement all strategies of the confronting antisemitism plan and optimize available resources (internal and external) for greatest impact. 
2. Design and lead UJA’s grant-making Strategy for Combating Antisemitism. This includes using data to identify the short-term and long-term needs that exist throughout the community, proactively anticipating opportunities and challenges, as well as knowledge and evaluation of the current marketplace of ideas and products.
3. To further UJA’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 UJA’s efforts.
4.  Provide overall leadership and supervision to direct reports by providing coaching, direction, mentorship, ongoing feedback, and performance evaluation to maximize and assure coordination of strategy. 
5. Partner with UJA’s research and evaluation team to design an appropriate measurement and evaluation plan.
6. Manage relationships and provide consultation to Jewish organizational partners, grantees and others who are working to implement our collective strategy. 
7.  Work effectively with our antisemitism lay advisory committee, volunteer, and professional leadership.
8.  As an ambassador of Combating Antisemitism, effectively speak about the effort with donors and prospects and regularly communicate to internal and external audiences about ongoing efforts.

Qualifications/Competencies

•  Minimum of 10 years of professional experience
• 5+ years of management experience.
• Possess a strong personal presence and outstanding relationship-building skills. 
•  Effective and supportive communicator, able to inspire and influence and build credibility and rapport. 
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with volunteer leadership and professional colleagues throughout UJA.
• Able to impart knowledge, develop skills, and mentor team members.
•  Possess the maturity, diplomatic, motivational, and interpersonal skills to work effectively with others.
• Creative thinker, collaborator with excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
•  Deep understanding of contemporary antisemitism.
• Able to enthusiastically support and promote UJA’s mission and values.
• Master’s degree preferred.

At UJA, respect and inclusion are the cornerstones of our organizational culture. We are committed to advancing an environment where people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can be their authentic selves and where every voice is heard and valued. We know that our diversity makes us stronger, more effective, and more compassionate. That is why we’re committed to continuing our education and awareness as we look to create a more inclusive workplace, one that’s best prepared to meet the needs of the diverse communities we proudly serve. UJA is an equal opportunity employer.

The salary range for this position is $185,000-$215,000, commensurate with relevant experience.