Founded in 1993, NECHAMA: Jewish Response to Disaster is the only national Jewish organization to offer sustained direct recovery services in the United States, responding to damage caused by hurricanes, tornados, floods, and other natural disasters. Rooted and guided by Jewish values, NECHAMA has three priorities: humanizing Jews and representing Jewish ideals in communities shattered by disaster; providing a platform for Jewish volunteers and others to explore their identities and purpose; and spreading comfort and hope to people and communities in desperate need of assistance. For more information about NECHAMA, please visit www.nechama.org.
As our work mostly assists vulnerable clients who are not Jewish, NECHAMA has always helped combat antisemitism. Yet, antisemitism has been on the rise and since the October 7th attacks, that trend has increased sharply. NECHAMA must and will do more to help combat this phenomenon.
Job Parameters: Currently, this is a full-time but temporary position. Funding for this project is available through June 30, 2025. Depending on the success of fundraising, there is the possibility that this position will transition into a permanent role with NECHAMA. This is a remote job and work may be performed anywhere in the United States, but there will be travel, particularly to Western North Carolina, where NECHAMA is currently deployed. The job reports to the Chief Executive Officer.
Job Description: NECHAMA is seeking a full-time Project Director to join our team and work with the CEO and staff. The Project Director will:
- Elevate NECHAMA’s efforts to combat antisemitism.
- Develop contacts and deepen relationships with influencers (e.g. church and major non-profit leaders, educators, politicians, emergency management responders, journalists and others) who can support and promote NECHAMA’s efforts to combat antisemitism in communities where NECHAMA is working or has worked.
- Recruit and engage strategic non-Jewish allies in communities where we are deployed to discuss NECHAMA’s mission and purpose.
- Encourage influencers/influentials, including politicians, to engage with NECHAMA at our work sites for days of service.
- Return to communities where NECHAMA has previously conducted significant deployments to renew relationships and to educate those local partners on our work in combating antisemitism.
- Develop press releases and work with local, state, and national journalists to place information about NECHAMA and our work in combating antisemitism into relevant stories and podcasts.
- Draft articles and op-eds for publication in Jewish and non-Jewish press on combating antisemitism and the roles NECHAMA has in addressing this issue.
- Work locally with Jewish federations, community relations councils, JCCs, synagogues, and other communal institutions where NECHAMA is or has deployed to help combat antisemitism.
- Join single-issue and other relevant national and state coalitions to design and implement strategies to combat antisemitism and promote tolerance and inclusion.
- Work with and develop deeper allies in the disaster relief coalitions who can help highlight the dangers of antisemitism and lift up the issue at conferences and meetings.
- Develop an advisory committee to guide NECHAMA’s work in combating antisemitism.
- Develop and pursue funding leads to sustain NECHAMA’s Combating Antisemitism Project.
- Other tasks and responsibilities as they arise.
Qualifications: While no one person will embody all the qualities below, the ideal candidate will possess most of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes and experiences:
- Strong understanding of antisemitism, its historical context, and contemporary manifestations.
- 5+ years of experience in the nonprofit social impact, government, or education sectors with a role in community relations, building local relationships (particularly with other faiths) and coalitions preferred.
- Bachelor’s Degree. Preferably in Jewish studies, Jewish communal service, civic engagement, public affairs, political science, sociology or similar field. Master’s or other graduate degree in a related field is a plus.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of the organized Jewish community.
- Skilled in leading conversations with people who hold a diverse range of opinions on key issues in an open and respectful manner.
- Commitment to racial equity and ability to effectively collaborate across lines of race, class, and religion.
- Demonstrated ability to influence media (quotes in articles, placement of op-eds, etc.).
- High emotional intelligence, energetic and ability to multitask, inclusive with productive interpersonal skills, and team-oriented.
- Detail oriented with excellent problem-solving/analytical skills.
- Proven ability to work independently in a fully remote environment.
Eligible candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States, will not now, or in the future, require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States, and are willing to provide employment verification as required. Unless otherwise prohibited by federal, state, or local law, the successful candidate must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
NECHAMA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, sex, age, gender identity or expression, or other status protected by applicable law. NECHAMA is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.
Salary range: $75,000 - $95,000/year (half of this range for the six months) depending on experience.
How to apply:
Email the following to [email protected]:
- A cover letter addressing your interest and qualifications; salary expectations; where you saw this job description; and how a short-term position fits into your career aspirations.
- Resume, 3 references and a short and relevant writing sample.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.