Director, AJC Central Europe, Office of Global Affairs
Warsaw, Poland
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 Government and International Affairs in Washington, D.C., AJC has offices across the United States and around the globe and maintains partnerships with Jewish communities worldwide.
Reports to the Director, AJC Europe. In addition, there is a close working relationship with the Director of Global Affairs, and the CEO.
Provides leadership, management and vision for the AJC Central Europe Office, ensuring that the work of the Central Europe office is aligned with AJC’s mission and annual priorities; represents AJC’s interests in the region as the “go-to” Jewish communal organization for the governments, foreign ministries and thought leaders.
The Director also helps support AJC’s mission and operations by fundraising and friend-raising directly for the department/institute and for AJC at large.
The Director does all this while adhering to AJC’s core values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Accountability.
Major Functions:
Responsible for all matters relating to execution of AJC’s mission in the region including promoting AJC’s mission and program as it relates to enhancing transatlantic partnerships, bilateral relations with Israel and attitudes toward Israel;
The fight against anti-Semitism, radicalism and extremism, and against anti-democratic and xenophobic movements;
Responsible for, and is the public face of, AJC’s advocacy efforts in Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia, in partnership with AJC colleagues in the US and Europe, who have experience and relationships within the region;
Responsible for all matters relating to execution of AJC’s mission in the region, and the operations of the office.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
Diplomatic Outreach
Cultivate meaningful and long-term relationships with senior government officials, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, rising political figures, and other thought and policy leaders, assuring AJC access to the highest levels of government in the region;
Communicate regularly with government officials on issues salient to AJC;
Be the AJC “expert” on political affairs in the geographic area and provide analysis to the CEO and lay leadership on current events and arising issues;
Serve as liaison between AJC and local Jewish communities.
Administration and Management
Hire and supervise staff and interns in Warsaw, and potentially local representatives in the region, outside of Poland;
Execute the mission of AJC in the region;
Oversee the establishment of office protocols, and assure their alignment with AJC policies and protocols;
Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations;
Work in close collaboration with the Director of AJC Europe and European team on shared agendas, and take part in European wide initiatives, events and campaigns.
Communications
Work with Global Communications to develop branded materials for the new office;
Engage in public speaking opportunities;
Publish blogs, essays, opinion pieces, Op-Eds, letters, and other media;
Develop and maintain an online and social media strategy to advance AJC’s agenda.
Leadership Development
Identify and nurture potential donors and help raise money to support; recruit existing and prospective donors and lay leaders to engage in Global Forum, AJC missions, and other national events;
Establish a board of advisors in collaboration with the Development Department and Chief Operating Officer.
PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES:
An undergraduate degree is required, master’s degree preferred;
At least seven years management experience with a commitment to a collaborative leadership style;
Experience managing staff and department(s);
An entrepreneurial mindset and ability to work independently;
Capacity to work on multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and set priorities;
The ability to work collaboratively and to encourage teamwork and shared responsibility among staff members;
Excellent written, verbal and listening skills;
A demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards and values consistent with those of AJC;
Fluency in English
Working knowledge of one or more Central or Eastern European languages is a plus;
A high regard for, and knowledge of, diplomacy and diplomatic protocol;
Success in fundraising and “friend-raising”;
Excellent communication skills, especially across all levels of the organization, and pleasant demeanor;
Demonstrated maturity, situational awareness, and outstanding interpersonal skills;
Track record of demonstrating sound judgment by making appropriate decisions and knowing when to take initiative;
Commitment to AJC’s global mission and familiarity with the Jewish community.
