Job Details

Ohio Jewish Communities President & CEO

Position: Full Time

Reports to: OJC Board of Directors

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

Key Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Knowledge of bipartisan lobbying, US-Israel relationship, Jewish federation/community priorities, policy areas of specific importance such as security, antisemitism, aging, education, etc.

Skills in effective relationship building, crafting vision, legislative drafting, strategic communications. Ability to step back, focus on the goal, fundraise internally, showcase ROI, and manage staff, interns, and work with board and other community stakeholders.

OJC Background:

Founded in 1982 and now known nationally as a standard-bearer of state Jewish government affairs organizations, OJC is the bipartisan statewide government advocacy, public affairs, and community relations voice for Ohio's eight Jewish Federations and their network of some 150 nonprofit agencies. While OJC often leads on lobbying and public policy related needs, it is not the “only arrow in the advocacy quiver” and OJC's political capital must be carefully used. The CEO walks this line in leading the organization, serving as its voice to internal stakeholders and other Jewish community organizations as well as externally, to policymakers and other advocacy groups. He/she sets strategic priorities, crafts and executes a lobbying “game plan” to benefit Ohio's Jewish communities, Federations and their beneficiary agencies.

Principal Duties, Responsibilities, and Tasks:

Government Advocacy:

Serve as the chief advocate for the organization at all levels of government, create and strengthen relationships with public officials at the executive and legislative levels and staff. Work to enact legislation or regulation that advances OJC, the Federations, and broader Jewish communal priorities, while working to minimize or derail those efforts that conflict with communal interests and needs. Become the trusted voice on Jewish The bipartisan statewide government advocacy, public affairs, & community relations voice of Ohio's eight Jewish federations: Jewish Community Board of Akron, the Canton Jewish Community Federation, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, JewishColumbus, the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton, the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo, and the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation. communal needs, including particular sensitivity to combating antisemitism and educating on the Holocaust, and ensuring the community has strong relationships with the majority and minority as part of OJC's directive to be “bipartisan to a fault.” Work with other Jewish communal and private lobbyists servicing Jewish community clients. Prioritize funding and appropriations asks and public policy efforts.

Public Affairs:

Be the trusted voice to other advocacy organizations within Ohio and as appropriate, nationally, on the Jewish community's advocacy positions and possibilities for partnerships and allied advocacy. Work with governmental offices such as executive and legislative leadership, as well as independent agencies such as Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Education and Memorial Commission, among others.

Community Relations:

As appropriate, speak to Jewish community groups and organizations, as well as other appropriate nonprofit organizations and religious faiths, build partnerships, and educate on issues and current events topics.

Media Engagement & Thought Leadership:

Act as spokesperson for the Jewish community on public policy, political, and public affairs related issues to both niche and mainstream media. Oversee production, research, and writing of memoranda and issue backgrounders, as well as legislative testimony. As appropriate, author and publish op-eds, social media posts, speak publicly and/or sit on panels.

Israel Connection:

Strengthen the US-Israel and the Ohio-Israel connection through legislation and administrative action, lead missions of civic leaders and societal influencers to Israel, bring Israeli leaders to Ohio, and strengthen joint projects and partnerships.

Political Action:

Engage with candidates for public office, political parties, and campaign staff to educate them on issues of importance to the community. Arrange roundtables and meetings with candidates. Educate community members on issues, including the importance of voting.

Partnerships & Collaborations:

Collaborate and partner with other organizations within the Jewish community as appropriate, including OJC's Observer organizations and lay leaders. Interact with, and take direction from, Ohio's Jewish Federation professionals. Partner with non-Jewish The bipartisan statewide government advocacy, public affairs, & community relations voice of Ohio's eight Jewish federations: Jewish Community Board of Akron, the Canton Jewish Community Federation, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, JewishColumbus, the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton, the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo, and the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation. organizations when appropriate. Engage with affiliated organizations to OJC, even if legally distinct, including, but not limited to, the OJC PAC and the Ohio Israel Innovation Collaborative.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Outreach to key stakeholders in the Federation system, the Ohio Jewish community, national groups, and others. Ensure JCRC directors, Federation CEOs, Federation security directors, and key agency heads as well as relevant lay leaders are both informed and engaged. Establish and maintain relationships with Ohio's Jewish Federations and member agencies, Observer groups and their national organizations, JFNA, The Conference of Presidents, Israel's Consulate General, The Economic Mission of Israel, RJC, JDCA, JCPA, and others, as appropriate.

Budgetary, Development, and Administrative:

Responsible, both managerially and as fiduciary, for organizational balanced budget, fundraising, including off-budget and special budget items, and lobbying and ethics compliance. Supervise organizational staff and interns in an effective manner utilizing their knowledge, strength, and skills. Develop political contribution strategy for the OJC PAC in conjunction with PAC leadership.

Requirements for Position:

● Required minimum 7-10 years professional experience in lobbying and/or government relations. Additional communal relations experience preferred.

● Bachelor's degree in related fields required. Masters, JD, and/or other advanced degrees/certifications preferred.

● Must have knowledge of and experience with developing and leading public policy campaigns and working with diverse stakeholders/communities. Prior travel experience to Israel and knowledge of Jewish community, culture, traditions, and Jewish communal services preferred.

● Past supervisory experience and strong history of working with a volunteer board of directors and key state lay leaders.

● Strong oral communication skills as evidenced by experience with public speaking in large and small groups.

● Strong written skills as evidenced by published op-eds and other thought pieces on multiple platforms, public position papers, internal community communications, and drafted legislation.

● Ability to be persuasive in presenting public policy initiatives.

● Strong ability to work effectively on a bipartisan basis.

● Possesses the ability to multitask and to consistently generate substantial productivity.

● Ability to work independently without close oversight but also be a team player.

● Fundraising experience. The bipartisan statewide government advocacy, public affairs, & community relations voice of Ohio's eight Jewish federations: Jewish Community Board of Akron, the Canton Jewish Community Federation, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, JewishColumbus, the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton, the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo, and the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation.

● Dynamic and creative thought leader and solutions driver.

● Must live in, or be willing to relocate to, Columbus, Ohio.

● Ability to travel on a regular basis, primarily in Ohio and Washington DC, as well as internationally to Israel.

● Demonstrated proficiency in computer software skills and use of technology, as well as strong ability to engage in social media.

Salary Range/Benefits: $175,000-$225,000, based on experience, plus benefits.

Contact: Greg Miller, OJC Board President, ...@hcmg.com