Description

Director of Public Affairs 

Job Description

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Job Summary

The Director of Public Affairs leads the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s (JFSM) efforts to strengthen its voice, influence, and partnerships across the broader community and the donor base. This position focuses on advocacy, coalition building, and public positioning, ensuring the Federation is a respected and effective leader on issues impacting the Jewish community and the broader region. This position is simultaneously a strategist, a communicator, a crisis manager, a relationship broker, and a steward of donors. Their fundamental job is to ensure that JFSM’s work is understood — by the public, by the press, by elected officials, and by the communities it serves, while being fully supported by donors.

With the guidance of the CEO, they often act as a spokesperson, ensuring that the public, press, elected officials, and community stakeholders understand the organization’s work. As a small organization, leaders hold accountability for stewarding donors. As a result, this position will hold accountability for a portfolio of top donors and, with the guidance and mentoring of the CEO and the Chief Impact and Engagement Officer, will leverage their relationship-building skills to strengthen donors’ investment in JFSM’s work.   They must collaborate effectively with the other functions and leaders in JFSM, specifically the Chief Impact and Engagement Officer, in terms of partnering around donor stewardship.  

Application Instructions: 

Location of position:  580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232 

Please note: This is a full-time, on-site position; non-local candidates would be expected to relocate. 

Salary and benefits: Base salary range of $90,000 - $110,000. Final salary commensurate with experience. JFSM offers competitive health, wellness, and retirement benefits (4% for each employee regardless of whether they contribute to the 401k, plus an employer match up to 3%. Potential total employer contribution = 7%). A relocation bonus may be provided, as appropriate. 

To apply, please submit: 

      Cover Letter

      Resume/CV

      Three references 

Submit Applications to: [email protected] 

Additional project or writing samples will be requested during the selection process.  

Application Deadline: We are seeking to fill this position immediately. Candidates are asked to submit their material as soon as possible and before August 10, 2026. 

Key Responsibilities

Public Affairs & Advocacy

      This professional will collaborate with the CEO on JFSM’s public affairs strategy and then lead the implementation, focused on combating antisemitism, supporting Israel, and advancing key community priorities.

      In coordination with the CEO, acts as the lead on government relations and with outside government relations counsel. Government relationships include local, state, and national elected officials, civic leaders, and policy influencers.

      Monitor emerging issues and recommend proactive and responsive advocacy actions

      Build and sustain coalitions and relationships with interfaith partners, nonprofit organizations, and civic institutions.

      Lead coalition efforts around shared priorities (security, education, civil discourse, etc.).

      Strengthen engagement with non-Jewish audiences, including business, education, and government sectors.

      Manage crisis communications, ensuring timely, credible, and legally defensible responses to incidents such as data breaches, public safety issues, or program failures.

      Collaborate and coordinate with internal teams across operations, communications, and development to align messaging and policy objectives.

      Maintain strict confidentiality and professional boundaries for all matters of JFSM.

Community Engagement & Outreach

      Partner with C-Suite colleagues on the design of high-impact outreach initiatives. Accountable for implementing those that expand the Federation’s reach and relevance.

      Prioritize engagement activities with existing and potential stakeholders.

      Partner internally to align outreach with programming, communications, and donor engagement efforts.

      Support community-facing initiatives tied to education, public events, and thought leadership.

 Communications & Messaging Alignment

      Collaborate with marketing and leadership to ensure consistent messaging and positioning across all public-facing efforts

      Contribute to speechwriting, briefing materials, and key messaging for external audiences

      Serve as a visible ambassador for the Federation in select public settings

Donor Stewardship (30% of time)

      Accountable for the relationship management of a portfolio of top donors to increase their commitment and investment in JFSM’s projects and work.

      Leverage every opportunity to interact with all donors, including those in the assigned portfolio,  and solidify their connection to the mission, resulting in ongoing financial support and sustainability.

      Over time, identify potential funders and partners to fund advocacy initiatives through grants and other financial commitments.

Requirements

Qualifications

      Passion for our mission: A genuine interest in and connection with our organization’s values and community impact.

      Strong relationship management skills

      Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, journalism, political science or a related field required. Advanced degrees a plus.

      5–7+ years of experience in public affairs, government relations, community relations, or advocacy, preferably in a non-profit organization.  A background in political communications or legislative staff work can be advantageous but is not mandatory.

      Some knowledge of donor stewardship and how it applies to this role. Willing to train and mentor the successful candidate.

      Strong writing, editing, and strategic messaging skills, with the ability to craft messages for diverse audiences under pressure.

      Deep understanding and professional experience maintaining strict confidentiality

      Demonstrated success in building coalitions and partnerships

      Strong understanding of issues related to antisemitism, Israel, and Jewish communal priorities

      Excellent communication and strategic thinking skills

      Ability to reprioritize among fast-breaking issues and allocate time precisely according to the relative risks and opportunities for the Federation and our community.

      Professional discipline in messaging and advocacy, prioritizing the needs of JFSM, as demonstrated by experience

      Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills.

      Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams with varied responsibilities.

      Tech-savvy: Proficiency in CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Blackbaud) and Microsoft Office Suite.

      Knowledge of legislative processes, regulatory environments, and public policy trends.

      Experience in crisis management, stakeholder engagement, and media relations.