External Affairs Manager

About the JLC

The Jewish Leadership Council [JLC]’s vision is a UK Jewish community with diverse, effective and sustainable leadership driving innovative and impactful organisations securing our community’s future.

Our mission is to support development and excellence in our member organisations, challenging them to lead the way in sustaining, building, and celebrating vibrant Jewish communities across the UK.

Collective responsibility and collaborative leadership have been the driving principles of the JLC since it was founded and underpin how the JLC:

 connects and coordinates the Jewish charitable sector
 strengthens and supports leadership across our community
 magnifies and amplifies the individual voices and collective voice of our member organisations

We are proud that the JLC’s current 37 members are communal organisations from across the spectrum of Jewish life, including national synagogue denominations, care organisations, education charities, regional representative councils and the Board of Deputies.

Working for the JLC

The JLC is run by a small professional staff and led by Co-CEOs, Claudia Mendoza and Michelle Janes. We are a goal driven organisation that is committed to working flexibly and creatively. We embrace personal and team development and see building relationships as a vital tool of our success. We are led by our organisational values:

Be creative

We look to bring fresh approaches and to add value to our members’ new ideas through innovation

Think long-term

We take seriously our unique strategic responsibility to take the long view and plan for the sustainability of the community

Work collaboratively

We work with our members and partners to achieve the best results

Act responsibly

We consider the long-term effectiveness and reputation of our organisation, our members and the Jewish community in all that we do

Be inclusive

We value diversity and work to make sure that our decisions at all levels are informed by a wide variety of perspectives

Use evidence

We base what we say and do on the best research and on our members’ experiences and expertise

The Role

This role is an established and vital role within the JLC’s Public Affairs Team. The External Affairs Manager for Yorkshire, the East Coast and the East Midlands will be an important conduit between the JLC and the Jewish community across the region, supporting their needs.

They will establish new and build upon existing relations with local policy makers, including Council Leaders, Metro Mayors and Members of Parliament, to educate them on the needs of the local and national community.

They will create opportunities for engagement between JLC member organisations and local and national government, including at Ministerial and Shadow Ministerial level. They will assist collaboration between member organisations on a local level.

They will also work collaboratively with the wider community institutions to strengthen and support the work of JLC members.
Working together with the communications team, they will identify opportunities to magnify and amplify the voices of our member organisations as well as celebrate success in our regional communities.

Person specification

We are committed to strengthening and supporting our regional communities and this role is crucial to the success of this.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about developing the sustainability of regional Jewish communities and their infrastructure. This role will require someone who is driven, creative and innovative. They will be a self-starter and an excellent relationship builder. They will be proactive and have a strong ability to work within an agile team.

This role will give you an opportunity to work with the community’s major Jewish communal organisations within a dynamic and exciting team. You will be someone with the ability form and maintain relationships with a wider variety of stakeholders from community professionals and lay leaders to local and national elected officials. The role will provide opportunity and scope for personal and professional growth, supported by our leadership.

Specific responsibilities

 Engaging with different stakeholders inside and outside the community
 Developing and maintaining relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
 Following and understanding the UK political landscape and parliamentary procedure
 Communicating, both verbally and in writing, with tailored messaging to different audiences
 Responsibility for coordinating advocacy in the regions by becoming the point of contact for issues that affect the Jewish community
 Assist on issues that affect Jewish students on campuses, in partnership with UJS
 Establish relationships with regional civil society, press and other faith groups
 Work with the rest of the Public Affairs team to draft policy positions
 Proactively organise events of interest to the community

Essential Qualities

 Knowledge of the UK Jewish community and its infrastructure
 An understanding of Jewish community issues
 Demonstrable experience of working with and leading multiple stakeholders
 Experience of working both independently and within a team
 Excellent planning and organisational skills
 Ability to manage multiple projects whilst prioritising effectively
 The ability to build effective working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders
 Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
 Willingness to develop leadership
 A keen interest and understanding of current affairs in relation to the UK Jewish community

Desirable Qualities

 Understanding the remit of a membership organisation
 Knowledge of the local Jewish community and the key organisations
 An understanding of local politics
 Holder of a clean driving licence

Application Information and Further Details

If you are considering applying for this role and would like any more information, please be in touch with Natasha Glass – natasha@thejlc.org

Applications should be made by sending your CV and covering letter to Natasha Glass at the email above, setting out why you want to join our team.

This role is advertised as a full time position. We would also welcome and consider applications from participants who are looking to work more flexibly including part time or with a job share.

This role is based in the region it serves and working location will be arranged with the successful candidate. There is a limited expectation of travel to our London office, which will be subsidised by the organisation.

The salary range of this role is: £32,000 – £34,000 commensurate with experience

We offer a holiday allowance of 20 days (in addition to relevant Jewish Festivals and bank holidays)

We provide employees with access to an Employee Assistance Programme that extends to their immediate family and provides support and services when needed.

Deadline for applications: Friday 4th June 2021

The Jewish Leadership Council is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

Charity Registration Number: 1115343. The Jewish Leadership Council is a company limited by guarantee.
Registered in England and Wales No: 5742840.