Director of Public Affairs

Job Description 

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Position 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: JFSMJobs@outlook.com 

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

Application Deadline: We’re looking to fill this role right away, so please send in your materials as soon as you can, and no later than August 10, 2026.

Visit our website to view the full job description. 

Careers - The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

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.