: AVP, Advocacy and Education: Israel and Antisemitism

Director, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)
Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford
About Us
The Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford (JFGH) is a trusted nonprofit dedicated to building and sustaining a vibrant Jewish community in Greater Hartford, Israel, and across the globe. For over 70 years, JFGH has united diverse volunteers and professionals to strengthen Jewish life through thoughtful planning, critical fundraising, and impactful community initiatives. Together, we address social service needs, support Jewish education, secure communal institutions, combat antisemitism, foster connections to Israel, and build bridges of understanding with individuals and groups beyond the Jewish community.
Greater Hartford’s Jewish community of over 30,000 continues to thrive, welcoming new members to a region celebrated for its rich cultural institutions, outstanding schools and universities, and affordable, scenic neighborhoods—just a short drive from New York and Boston. Our community is home to vibrant synagogues, two day schools, Jewish camps, a kosher grocery, senior Jewish living, and an exceptional Jewish Community Center. Federation’s total financial resource development last year exceeded $12 million, reflecting the growing generosity and engagement of our community.
Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)
The JCRC serves as the public affairs and advocacy arm of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, working to safeguard the Jewish community, foster understanding, and champion Jewish values. Through education, coalition-building, and advocacy, the JCRC:
• Promotes Jewish security and combats antisemitism and anti-Israel bias.
• Engages with civic, faith, and ethnic leaders to build bridges of understanding and allyship.
• Advocates for public policies aligned with Jewish values, including social justice and support for Israel.
• Mobilizes the community to address incidents of hate and discrimination.
By empowering individuals and organizations to act, the JCRC strengthens the bonds between the Jewish and broader communities, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

Role Overview
The AVP, Advocacy and Education will serve as a visionary leader and community advocate, working to address antisemitism, support Israel, and advance Jewish communal priorities. This role focuses on education, relationship building, legislative advocacy, and mobilizing the community for impactful action. The Director will create programs, build coalitions, and elevate understanding and support for Jewish concerns locally, regionally, and nationally.

Key Responsibilities
Advocacy and Policy Leadership
• Spearhead campaigns to combat antisemitism and anti-Israel bias.
• Advocate for robust hate crime legislation, anti-BDS measures, and policies that protect Jewish interests.
• Build relationships with government officials at all levels, providing testimony and mobilizing community action on legislative priorities.
Educational Outreach
• Design and implement training programs on antisemitism for students, educators, business leaders, and civic partners.
• Develop leadership programs for Jewish students, young professionals, and parents to navigate antisemitism in schools, workplaces, and beyond.
• Partner with local agencies to integrate antisemitism, Holocaust, and anti-Israel bias education into curricula.
Community Engagement and Relationship Building
• Cultivate alliances with civic, faith, business, and ethnic leaders to build coalitions against antisemitism and discrimination.
• Plan and lead Israel missions to deepen allyship and foster meaningful relationships with non-Jewish leaders.
• Engage local media to amplify messages about antisemitism and ensure sensitive, accurate coverage.
Incident Response and Mobilization
• Establish systems for reporting and responding to antisemitic incidents in partnership with ADL, SCN, and other agencies.
• Organize rapid response teams and community workshops to address incidents effectively and empower activists.
Leadership and Strategy
• Develop and execute initiatives that align with Federation’s public policy agenda and advocacy goals.
• Work collaboratively with senior leadership and lay leaders to set strategic priorities and mobilize the community.
• Manage the JCRC’s operations, including budget planning, staff supervision, and program implementation.

Qualifications
• Proven leadership experience in advocacy, community relations, or public policy.
• Deep knowledge of Jewish history, practices, and communal priorities, with expertise in antisemitism, Israel advocacy, and social justice.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of government affairs and legislative processes.
• Experience with coalition building, program management, and public engagement.
• Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.