Vice President, Israel and Jewish Affairs

The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY), a proud UJA-Federation of NY agency, serves as the primary community relations agency for the Jewish community in the metropolitan New York area. As an active force in New York civic and communal life, JCRC-NY operates as a central coordinating and resource body to: (1) be a common table to cultivate understanding and joint action amongst diverse groups within the Jewish community; (2) cultivate deeper relationships with the broader New York community to address critical issues and engender a shared society; (3) ensure the security of the Jewish community in the face of rising antisemitism; and (4) foster increased understanding and appreciation for the Jewish community’s relationship with Israel among diverse groups of New Yorkers.

JCRC-NY seeks to intensify its community relations efforts, strengthen existing partnerships, and build new relationships with diverse leaders in our city to advance the values, interests, and security of the New York Jewish community and build a more interconnected New York for all.

The Vice President of Israel and Jewish Affairs is a senior leadership role overseeing JCRC-NY’s Israel engagement, Jewish education, and Jewish identity and leadership portfolios. Reporting to the Executive Vice President of Programming, the VP partners closely with the Vice Presidents of The Center for Shared Society and Government Affairs to ensure alignment across the agency’s community relations and advocacy work.

We are looking for a strategic thinker and builder — someone who will not only steward existing initiatives, but bring their own vision, ideas, and passions to shape the future of this work. The ideal candidate sees opportunity, drives bold programming, deepens Jewish substance across the agency, and builds the relationships and platforms that move the work forward. Additionally, candidates for this role must see themselves as team players, excited to support colleagues in their work.

This is an in-person role, with a minimum of 3 days a week in our NYC office. This person will begin the role in July 2026.

• Strategic leadership: In partnership with the EVP of Programming, set direction for the agency’s Israel-related work and ensure alignment with the broader organizational mission.
• Programming: Oversee initiatives that build connection to and understanding of Israel among diverse New York constituencies, including Study Tours to Israel, Israel in New York programming, webinars, and briefings.
• Alumni network: Maintain and grow the Study Tour alumni community through ongoing programming and communication.
• Policy expertise: Serve as the agency’s lead policy expert on Israel, the Middle East, and Israel–Diaspora relations.

• Department leadership: Oversee JCRC-NY’s Education Department, supervising the Director of Campus Affairs and the K-12 Director and supporting them in driving their respective portfolios.
• K-12 and Campus alignment: Ensure a seamless, integrated approach across the K-12 and Campus teams, with shared strategy, best practices, and intelligence flowing between them.
• Strategic direction: Set the overall vision for JCRC-NY’s educational work, ensuring it advances the agency’s mission and responds effectively to the moment.

• Chief programmatic lead: Drive initiatives related to Jewish holidays, ideas, values, and identity, including end-to-end planning of major programming..
• Internal Jewish consultancy: Partner with departments across the agency to infuse JCRC-NY’s broader work with Jewish substance and meaning.
• Blumberg Fellowship: Lead all aspects of the Blumberg Fellowship — curriculum, recruitment, selection, and ongoing fellow engagement — building a high-level network of young Jewish leaders.

• Internal alignment: Coordinate closely with the VP of The Center for Shared Society and the VP of Government Affairs so that programming advances the agency’s broader community-relationship-building goals.
• Diverse Jewish New York: Develop strategies for JCRC-NY to engage meaningfully with the full diversity of Jewish populations across NYC, Long Island, and Westchester.
• NYJC support: Help the EVP of Programming convene the New York Jewish Coalition, identify opportunities for collaboration and collective learning across member organizations, and support planning and execution of the NYJC Annual Meeting and other coalition events.

• 10+ years of experience in Israel education or advocacy, Jewish communal service, or international affairs, including developing practical programs and materials.
• Deep familiarity with the diverse Jewish communities of New York City — their leadership structures, the diversity of thought on Israel, and the challenges they face.
• Deep passion for advocacy on behalf of the Jewish people and a nuanced understanding of Israel, the broader Middle East, and Israel–Diaspora relations.
• Excellent facilitation skills, with experience in coalitions and a respectful approach to divergent religious and political viewpoints.
• Demonstrated experience organizing both small private convenings and large-scale public events with increasing levels of responsibility.
• High-level communication skills, including writing and public speaking.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments, balance competing priorities, and focus on the most impactful work.
• Self-starter with creativity, problem-solving instincts, and the drive to build new initiatives.
• Ability to supervise staff, contribute as a team member, and work independently across multiple projects.
• Knowledge of Hebrew a plus.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred; Ph.D. a plus.

Salary Range: $140,000 – $160,000

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, paid vacation, UJA-Federation pension plan, and 403(b) plan.

Please send a cover letter and resume to aeders@jcrcny.org.