Racial Justice and Inclusion Specialist

Website United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) is the network organization for the Conservative Movement working to ensure there are thriving centers of Jewish practice that celebrate both tradition and contemporary life in North America, Israel and beyond. We envision and pursue an authentic and dynamic Judaism that inspires today’s and tomorrow’s generations of Jews to seek meaning, find connection and experience wholeness (shleymut) in a world that is complex and ever-evolving. Together, we demonstrate what an authentic and dynamic Judaism looks like, inspire people to be part of it and advance its critical role in the world.

Our services and programs are focused on three key areas:

  • We support and strengthen congregations and their leaders. We develop and deliver a portfolio of services and programs including leadership training for congregational lay leaders and professional staff to help them identify, embrace and respond to the needs of the 21st Jewish community.
  • We engage teens. Our USY program engages thousands of teens in synagogues and other settings.
  • We serve as a vital resource for the Movement through a partnership with the Rabbinical Assembly (RA) working strategically to expand our reach to engage individuals beyond synagogue walls.

Position Purpose

USCJ is seeking a Racial Justice and Inclusion professional with expertise creating and executing trainings and programs that are grounded in diversity, equity and inclusion to elevate our racial justice education and inclusion efforts to the next level. This role will work closely with our partner congregations and leaders to facilitate inclusive and collaborative change processes. By building meaningful relationships with partners and community members and navigating complex conversations, this role will grow our capacity to advance justice and inclusion frameworks within our organization and the Conservative/Masorti Movement.

USCJ recognizes that our work toward racial justice begins in our own institutions, synagogues and communities. Thanks to a generous grant, we are growing our team to include a professional focused on expanding and coordinating our racial justice and inclusion efforts.

Job Responsibilities

Encourage Best Practices in our Movement Organizations

  • Identify, develop and deliver webinars, trainings and other learning opportunities both internally and for our movement partners looking to reduce bias in their practices and processes
  • Represent USCJ on the RA Social Justice Commission and serve as lead team member for the Racial Justice Subcommittee
  • Advise on best practice change initiatives and strategies that identify and engage diverse community members

Engage our Communities and Beyond

  • Follow-up and serve as a resource to program participants and help them develop action plans within their organizations and communities
  • Consult with congregational leaders to provide guidance to both evaluate their synagogue cultures and implement ways to be more welcoming and inclusive to Jews of Color
  • Proactively reach out to Jews of Color in our congregations and beyond to assess their experiences and needs; and develop and implement appropriate support, engagement, change initiatives and solutions
  • Create affinity groups for adults, teens and young adult Jews of Color
  • Develop cohorts and communities of practice for leaders engaged in racial justice efforts within their communities

Thought Leadership

  • Serve as the subject matter expert both internally and for our congregations and movement partners by staying current on racial justice and inclusion trends
  • Collect and curate racial justice resources for the USCJ website
  • Author blog posts and articles on racial justice issues

Job Requirements

  • Demonstrated passion for and knowledge of DEI principles, best practices and programming
  • Demonstrated experience developing and implementing effective programming related to racial justice and anti-racism
  • Desire to help build the capacity of the Jewish community around racial justice and inclusion
  • Strong presentation and facilitation skills to lead groups to productive outcomes
  • Engaging presenter, able to teach effectively in both remote and in-person settings
  • Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion
  • Proven ability to both work both independently and within a team including a range of stakeholders and partners with minimal supervision
  • Prefer 3 to 5 years of work experience in a Jewish community organization
  • Familiarity with the synagogue world
  • Self-starter with a true sense of project ownership from start to finish, capable of managing conflicting priorities while achieving deadlines
  • Outstanding verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Detailed, thorough, accurate, organized and productive
  • Receptive to feedback and a desire to learn and grow professionally
  • Experience working remotely as part of a geographically dispersed team
  • Adept at utilizing social media platforms
  • Schedule Monday through Friday. May be required to attend occasional evening or weekend events.

Salary

$80,000 – $85,000

Benefits

Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Flex Spending (FSA), Dependent Care Account, 403b Retirement Plan with employer contribution, Company-provided life insurance, as well as a variety of Voluntary Insurance offerings. Benefits include generous paid time-off, Shabbat Friday schedules and parental leave.

Location

Remote within the US

To Apply

For consideration, forward your resume and cover letter to [email protected].