JCPA Director of Advocacy & Public Affairs

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) is the national convener of Jewish coalitions working to build a just and inclusive American democracy. For 80 years, JCPA has brought together national and local organizations and built bridges across communities to address the most pressing issues of the day and set strategies for advocacy and mobilization.

JCPA recently announced its new strategic focus, building on its long legacy convening the Jewish community to work toward a just and inclusive society -- recognizing that Jewish safety is inextricably linked with the safety of other communities and a strong, inclusive,

and pluralistic democracy. This work is more urgent than ever in the face of an unprecedented crisis of antisemitism and other forms of hate and extremism.

The Director of Advocacy and Public Affairs will play a central role in this new chapter for JCPA, leading a number of important functions across the organization. This position will work closely with the CEO and other staff to lead JCPA’s work on federal, state, and local advocacy and public affairs and serve as JCPA’s primary day-to-day representative in Washington, DC. This includes leading JCPA’s Action Networks focused on Protecting Democracy and Combating Hate and Bigotry, as well as managing key relationships with

federal offices and agencies, partner organizations, and other stakeholders as JCPA builds out its policy and broader public affairs agenda.

Primary responsibilities include:

·   Work with JCPA professional and lay leadership to further define and develop the organization’s advocacy agenda based on current priorities and the external policy landscape.

·   Develop and implement a comprehensive advocacy and public affairs plan for JCPA,including building out the work of the Action Networks; identifying and engaging partners and stakeholders on the national, state, and local levels (in collaboration with JCPA’s state

and local partners, including the Jewish Community Relations Councils); and creating materials and other approaches to inform different audiences about JCPA’s priorities.

·   Serve as JCPA’s primary day-to-day representative in Washington, DC, building relationships with key federal offices and partners, representing JCPA at meetings and events, and identifying opportunities to continue growing JCPA’s presence and impact in Washington.

·   Working closely with the CEO and other key JCPA leaders, build a grasstops public affairs strategy aimed at empowering key leaders and other voices as effective messengers on countering antisemitism and broader hate and extremism and understanding its

connections to our democracy.

Skills and Qualifications

·   At least eight years’ experience in government, advocacy, public affairs and/or strategic communications, nonprofit, and/or politics.

·   A deep understanding of government and politics, as well as the Jewish communal landscape.

·   Strong strategic communications and writing skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with different audiences.

·   An organized self-starter who can collaborate, problem solve, and effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines.

·   Passionate about the values and priorities at the core of JCPA’s work, including democracy and pluralism.

Compensation and Other Details

·   This position will be based in Washington, DC and report directly to the CEO. It will

require some travel and limited evening and weekend work related to events, conferences, and breaking news.

·   The compensation range for this role is $150,000 to $175,000 commensurate with experience, plus full benefits that include health, dental, and life insurance and a retirement plan.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter with the subject line “Director of Advocacy & Public Affairs” to careers@thejcpa.org.

JCPA is passionate about building an inclusive and equitable working environment, and deeply values the diversity of insight, perspective, and experience of a diverse workforce. This includes Black, Latinx, and Asian people, Black Jews, Jews of Color, Sephardi and Mizrachi Jews, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and gender non-conforming people, and people

with disabilities. We also welcome applications from people of diverse religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds.

JCPA is an equal opportunity employer, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, national origin, disability condition, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by federal, state, or local law.