Assistant Director for Economic and Business Diplomacy, Center for New Middle East (CNME)
Washington, DC
About AJC
American Jewish Committee (AJC) is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. We create trusted partnerships with leaders around the world to ensure Jews and Israel are safe and thriving.
With an unparalleled reach spanning six continents, AJC engages leaders in more than 110 countries through 40 offices and dozens of partnerships with Jewish communities worldwide. Wherever the Jewish people and Israel need us, AJC is there—empowering leaders in government, education, partner communities, and the private sector to counter antisemitism and act as allies.
The challenges we face are global. AJC is leading the global response. Join us.
Your Department
AJC’s Center for a New Middle East (CNME) utilizes AJC’s unparalleled global advocacy network to foster deeper diplomatic, economic, and civic ties between Israel and its Arab neighbors. It builds upon AJC’s historic success in cultivating trust and opening doors to all levels of government across the Arab world. Drawing upon the relationships AJC has nurtured since its initial visits to Morocco in the 1950s, and expanded since the Madrid Peace Conference of 1991, AJC pursues programs across three principal sectors: diplomacy, business, and civil society. AJC actively promotes U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and its full integration in the Middle East and North Africa, regional business collaboration, and interfaith dialogue to advance Israeli-Arab understanding. This holistic approach, combined with AJC’s global architecture—with 15 international posts, including offices in Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi, and a range of government contacts and communal partners around the world—uniquely positions the Center to advance AJC’s policy and institutional agendas.
By bringing together decades of trust, international architecture, and multifaceted programs, the Center for a New Middle East can do things that no other organization can accomplish. The Center will have the power to convene the best and brightest from across the world to build bridges, shape policies, and instill the hope needed to truly create a new Middle East.
Your Impact
The Assistant Director for Economic and Business Diplomacy supports the AJC Center for a New Middle East's (CNME) economic and business diplomacy vertical by helping to develop, manage, and execute high-level programs and strategic initiatives that advance relationships among the United States, Israel, and the Arab world.
Working closely with CNME colleagues in Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi, as well as partners across AJC, the Assistant Director plays a leading role in coordinating major events, cultivating relationships with key stakeholders, and supporting cross-departmental initiatives that promote commercial diplomacy, regional integration, and cross-border cooperation.
In this role, the Assistant Director helps ensure that AJC's programming remains innovative, strategic, and responsive to a rapidly evolving regional landscape. Responsibilities include preparing briefing materials, managing relationships with government, business, and civil society leaders, supporting the development and execution of engagement strategies, and contributing to the planning and implementation of high-profile conferences, delegations, special initiatives, and alumni engagement efforts.
The ideal candidate brings experience from the private sector and is a dynamic, self-motivated, and collaborative professional with strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills. They should be capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, building relationships across diverse constituencies and cultures, and working effectively with teams, departments, and international regions. Familiarity with the Middle East and international business, investment, entrepreneurship, or commercial diplomacy is strongly preferred.
Your Role
Contribute to the development and execution of the department's strategy, goals, objectives, and action plans
Manage and facilitate advocacy and outreach programs, projects, initiatives, events, meetings, trainings, and/or missions
Implement new opportunities to expand departmental initiatives beyond existing programs
May participate and support the work of Boards, committees, task forces, or working groups
Leverage resources to help build awareness of and support for the AJC and department initiatives
May assist with development efforts, including participation in fundraising initiatives and plans, donor outreach, providing materials for grant applications and reports, and related activities
Maintain and manage programmatic spending for initiatives they work on
Research, monitor, and report on developments, issues, and trends impacting the department and AJC priorities
Coordinate, attend, and/or lead meetings
Develop relationships with and engage strategic contacts, groups, and organizations
Support the building of coalitions, partnerships, and initiatives with organizations and other external partners to further AJC’s mission
Assist in representing AJC and the department in the community, at functions, and in other public forums
Draft, edit, and disseminate communications resources and materials
Supervisory Role
Individual contributor
Education, Training, and Experience
Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred)
Minimum of 5 years of related work experience and intermediate job skills and knowledge
Experience in international business, investment, entrepreneurship, or commercial diplomacy
Fluency in the language of international business and commerce
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Passion for the mission, goals, and objectives of AJC
Committed to AJC’s core values: respect, accountability, integrity, innovation, and collaboration
Demonstrates professionalism and high standards of conduct
Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds
Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and listening)
Strong organization and project management skills, including the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
Capacity to multitask and work in a fast-paced and changing environment
Willing and able to work outside of standard working hours, including early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook), Google Suite applications, and Zoom
Familiarity with international business, investment, entrepreneurship, or commercial diplomacy
Physical Demands
Office employees:
Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
Communicating with others to exchange information
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
Disclaimers
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute a contract between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.
Compensation
The salary for this position is $67,000 - $80,000 depending on relevant experience and location.
Benefits
Regular Full-time employee benefits:
Medical, vision, and dental plans
Flexible Spending Account options
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) - 15 vacation days per year, that increases with continued employment
Paid Holidays (many Federal and major Jewish Holidays)
Hybrid work schedule
403(b) participation, after one year of employment
Transit plan
Competitive Paid Parental Leave
*After applicable waiting or probationary periods have been met
