Founded in 1906, AJC seeks to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel, and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. Among Jewish advocacy organizations, AJC is the leader in the global arena. We are known for our unparalleled access to diplomats, government officials, and faith leaders in more than 100 countries. In addition to our New York headquarters and Office of Policy and Diplomatic Affairs in Washington, D.C., AJC has offices across the U.S. and around the globe and maintains partnerships with Jewish communities worldwide.
The regional offices maintain the agency's nationwide presence, attract leaders and donors to AJC, enhance the agency's influence with key local, national, and international decision makers and stakeholders, implement advocacy initiatives at the state/local level, establish and nurture community relationships, and serve as AJC's eyes and ears on the ground.
The Assistant Director of AJC Chicago works to advance American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) organizational priorities on a regional level through engaging lay leaders and elected officials from the local to federal levels. The Assistant Director will primarily oversee AJC Chicago’s legislative advocacy in Illinois and the surrounding Midwestern states; antisemitism-focused advocacy, including awareness of antisemitism and promoting the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition; and manage its local communications and media relations.
The Assistant Director adheres to AJC’s core values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, andAccountability.
Primary Responsibilities Include:
Assist the Regional Director in the implementation of strategic goals and objectives in coordination with the Regional Board;
Lead local advocacy initiatives and coordinate AJC legislative outreach to elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels as well as with law enforcement;
Interface, build partnerships, and form coalitions with other civic leaders and community groups and represent AJC at meetings and special initiatives;
Work in partnership with lay leaders to lead advocacy training and provide issue messaging for private meetings;
Contribute toward the recruitment and development of local and national AJC leadership through communication, advocacy, and developing innovative programming;
Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy to help position the AJC brand in Chicago and the surrounding Midwestern states as a dynamic, vigorous, and visible presence in the community, including but not limited to maintaining the regional office website, Facebook page, newsletter, and improving relationships with local reporters and journalists to increase local media exposure.
Steward and solicit lay leaders, prospects, and donors to ensure their maximum engagement with AJC including through financial resource development;
Develop programs in collaboration with the Regional Director and lay leadership; implement all aspects of programs both independently and collaboratively;
Guide and manage Regional Board committees of lay leaders;
Work closely with AJC national and legislative colleagues to coordinate meetings in Chicago, surrounding Midwestern states, as well as in Washington, D.C.;
Supervision of interns;
Special projects as needed in addition to other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Five+ years of experience working in government, in an advocacy organization, in a lobbying capacity, in political campaigns, or in national organizing
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s preferred
Commitment to AJC’s global mission and familiarity with the Jewish community
Strong understanding of politics and political leadership in Chicago preferred
Fluency in key AJC issues including combating antisemitism, promoting Israel’s place in the world, American pluralism, hate crimes, American global leadership, and foreign policy
Self-starter who can work independently and collaborate with colleagues and volunteer leaders
Ability to work effectively under pressure, make difficult decisions, and follow through on agreed upon initiatives
Entrepreneurial creativity, resourcefulness, strong problem-solving skills, and ability to multi-task and manage many projects simultaneously
Flexible and creative and strategic thinker able to develop new ways to engage potential and existing donors and partners
Capacity to speak with a non-partisan voice, echoing AJC’s thoughtful approach
Excellent interpersonal skills, tact, and diplomacy
Superior written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail
Pride and professionalism in work accomplishments
Well-developed organizational and time management skills
Sense of humor and strong desire to add to a culture of collaboration and feedback
Availability occasionally outside of business hours, including evenings and weekends, for events, programs, and meetings, and occasional travel
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google applications
AJC requires all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID 19, unless one has a legally recognized reason for exemption.
