Community Connections Manager

The Community Connections Manager builds relationships that connect people to the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and the broader Jewish community. This position leads newcomer and volunteer engagement, manages the Shalom Ambassadors program, cultivates community partnerships, and represents Federation at community outreach opportunities.

The ideal candidate is outgoing, highly organized, proactive, and skilled at turning new connections into meaningful, ongoing engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Newcomer Engagement

• Serve as a primary point of contact for newcomers to the SarasotaManatee area or those new to the Federation.
• Welcome and connect newcomers with Federation programs, events, volunteer opportunities, synagogues, and other community resources based on their interests.
• Maintain ongoing communication and followup to encourage continued engagement.
• Coordinate monthly newcomer campus tours and an annual newcomer event.
• Maintain newcomer records and track participation and engagement.

Volunteer Engagement

• Build and grow Federation’s volunteer program through active recruitment, engagement, and stewardship.
• Match volunteers with meaningful opportunities based on their interests, skills, and availability.
• Work with Federation staff to identify volunteer needs and coordinate scheduling, orientation, training, and recognition.
• Maintain regular volunteer communication and track participation, hours, and retention.
• Identify volunteers with potential for deeper involvement and leadership.

Shalom Ambassadors

• Manage and grow the Shalom Ambassadors program, including recruitment, onboarding, training, communication, and stewardship.
• Coordinate Ambassador participation in Federation programs, newcomer activities, and community outreach.

Community Partnerships & Programs

• Manage Federation’s Just Schmoozing and Chai Life programs.
• Cultivate relationships with synagogues and community organizations and recruit partners to host and facilitate programs.
• Serve as Federation’s liaison with participating organizations, coordinating dates and expectations while encouraging partners to take ownership of the event experience.
• Coordinate Federation registration and promotion with appropriate internal departments.
• Track participation and partner involvement to strengthen and grow the programs.

Community Outreach

• Represent Federation at community fairs, expos, festivals, and other outreach opportunities throughout SarasotaManatee.
• Build relationships with prospective participants, volunteers, and community partners and connect them with appropriate opportunities.
• Ensure timely followup with individuals interested in becoming more involved with Federation and the Jewish community.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationshipbuilding skills.
• Warm, welcoming, and comfortable initiating conversations and developing new relationships.
• Highly organized with strong followthrough and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proactive, selfdirected, and able to move work forward independently.
• Experience in community engagement, volunteer management, membership, hospitality, events, or nonprofit programming preferred.
• Comfortable representing Federation and speaking with individuals and groups.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database/CRM systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Schedule & Work Requirements

This full-time position requires schedule flexibility, including regular evening and weekend work to support programs, events, and community outreach. Work schedules will be adjusted as appropriate based on organizational needs.

About THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF SARASOTA-MANATEE INC

At JFSM, we strive to strengthen Jewish life and identity in our community, provide for Jewish people in need, and promote support for Israel. We seek to build a safe and secure Jewish community and counter antisemitism through education. We honor our traditions, yet are unrelenting in our pursuit of progress. We welcome you to engage in our work and support your community by joining us. Together, we have the power to ensure that our community will continue to grow and thrive for years to come!