Director of Affinities

Job Description

Job Description

About the Jewish Federation of Detroit
As the major instrument of Jewish philanthropy and engagement in the Detroit area, the Jewish Federation of Detroit is committed to caring for the needs of the Jewish people and building a vibrant Jewish future in Detroit, Israel, and around the world.

The Affinities Department provides meaningful Jewish experiences to both established and underserved groups in the Detroit Jewish community and finds ways to be more inclusive for demographics who are not currently connected.

The Director of Affinities is responsible for creating meaningful opportunities for engagement among affinity and professional groups, primarily adults ages 40–65. Through strategic programming, relationship-building, leadership development, and philanthropy, this role helps connect community members to Federation and Jewish life.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Community Engagement
  • Develop and implement engagement strategies for affinity groups that support the overall community development work and goals of Federation.
  • Identify emerging interests, trends, and gaps in engagement and create innovative programs to address them.
  • Collaborate with lay leaders and colleagues across Federation to strengthen community connections and participation.
• Affinity Group & Program Management
  • Provide leadership and oversight for multiple affinity groups, including program planning, volunteer engagement, budgeting, and goal setting.
  • Develop networking, educational, cultural, social, and community-building experiences that foster meaningful connections.
  • Plan and oversee an annual signature event that brings together members of the target audience and strengthens community engagement.
  • Work closely with Federation’s Events and Marketing teams to ensure successful program implementation and promotion.
  • Evaluate program success through participation, feedback, and engagement outcomes.
• Missions & Special Initiatives
  • Lead the planning and implementation of boutique domestic and international travel experiences and other special initiatives.
  • Ensure these experiences serve as pathways to deeper involvement in Federation and the Jewish community.

• Relationship Building & Leadership Development
  • Build and maintain relationships with community members, donors, prospective donors, and volunteer leaders.
  • Meet regularly with constituents to understand their interests and connect them with meaningful opportunities for involvement.
  • Identify and cultivate emerging volunteer leaders and partner with colleagues to place them in appropriate leadership roles.

• Annual Campaign & Philanthropic Engagement
  • Participate actively in Federation’s Annual Campaign and fundraising efforts.
  • Utilize programs and relationship-building opportunities to identify, cultivate, and steward donors.
  • Collaborate with colleagues across Federation to support donor engagement and leadership development.

• Staff Supervision & Department Management
  • Supervise and mentor department staff, including an Associate Director, Associate, and Administrative Assistant.
  • Manage departmental budgets, resources, and annual goals.
  • Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture focused on excellence, accountability, and community impact.

Qualifications

• Strategic thinker with strong leadership and relationship-building skills.
• Natural connector who enjoys engaging people and building community.
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and able to work independently.
• Positive, professional demeanor with strong customer service skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with social media and digital marketing tools.
• Ability to represent Federation professionally and enthusiastically within the community.
• Knowledge of and appreciation for the Jewish community, Federation, and the Jewish nonprofit sector preferred.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed to support programs and events (flex time provided).

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