Community Investment Educator, Shefa Fund

Posted by on April 18, 2003

[Community Development Finance list]

Job Opening ? April 2003

Community Investment Program Organizer/Educator
Progressive Jewish Foundation, Philadelphia

A national public foundation established in 1988, The Shefa Fund educates and organizes American Jews and Jewish institutions to use our resources to build community and foster justice, thereby strengthening and enriching Jewish life. Shefa?s Tzedek/ ?Justice? Economic Development Campaign (Tzedec) is a national initiative to involve Jewish institutions in the movement for low-income community and economic development. Tzedec provides education, technical assistance and investment vehicles to help American Jews and Jewish organizations invest a portion of their assets in community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that help revitalize economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Since its inception in 1997, Tzedec has catalyzed more than $12 million in investment from American Jewish sources nationwide, including foundations, federations and synagogues for investment in low-income community development.

The Shefa Fund seeks a full-time Organizer/Educator to facilitate and expand Tzedec?s program of local and national education, outreach and organizing of Jewish investments for low-income community development.

Responsibilities include: Jewish community organizing; developing and leading workshops and presentations; coordination of multiple initiatives; research; marketing; writing; money organizing/fundraising; and related administrative tasks. Some travel.

The Tzedec Organizer will:
? Assist congregations, Jewish Federations, family foundations and others to learn about and invest in the Tzedec Loan Fund and in local community development financial institutions (CDFIs). Track investments made by Jewish communities.
? Generate contributions and raise operating funds from organizations and individuals.
? Develop materials, give workshops/presentations to a variety of Jewish audiences.
? Provide technical assistance to partner institutions and investors by phone, correspondence, meetings.
? Maintain relationships, resource files and information on Jewish communities and organizations.
? Provide program and administrative support to Shefa President and Tzedec Director.

Qualifications: At least four years experience in a Jewish or community-based non-profit organization. Presentation/teaching/training experience and familiarity with Jewish communal institutions, as well as commitment to social justice and progressive Jewish values essential. Ideal candidate will have excellent writing and verbal communication skills, with ability to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, perform multiple tasks and be detail oriented. Excellent memory retention, knowledge of Jewish texts/resources, experience in the community economic development field desired. Sense of humor a plus. Bachelor?s degree or equivalent required.

Salary commensurate with experience (high 20s-low 30s). Excellent benefits.
Please submit application AS SOON AS POSSIBLE; position scheduled to begin July 1, 2003. To apply, send resume and cover letter to: The Shefa Fund, 8459 Ridge Avenue, 2nd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19128 Fax: 215-483-4429 [email protected]; no calls, please!