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 Director of Media Engagement will set the standard for excellence in proactive media relations campaigns focused on AJC’s mission, secure quality earned media placements in national and Jewish newspapers, and lead the organization’s capability to effectively deliver key messages across a spectrum of traditional and digital media. The ideal candidate for this position will be an excellent public relations strategist with extensive writing and media relations experience with a proven track record of media hits. Given the nature of the news business and the fact that AJC operates globally, the Director must be on call outside normal business hours.
The Director of Media Engagement does all this while adhering to AJC’s core values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Accountability.
Responsibilities include:
Promote AJC as the go-to organization for comment and analysis on priority issues of concern to the Jewish community;
Proactively pitch media coverage of AJC events, projects, missions overseas, publications, and more;
Develop and implement a strategic media relations plan to advance AJC’s mission; broaden awareness of its policies and organization priorities; and increase the visibility of its program;
Reply promptly to national media inquiry and make judgment on who is the best AJC expert to respond to the request;
Write, edit, and distribute national press releases and statements;
Review and edit opinion pieces by AJC staff experts;
Pitch, prepare, and place opinion pieces, blogs, and letters to the editor and other communications;
Develop and maintain contacts with reporters, editors, and bookers, especially among the Jewish media and cable news programs;
Increase AJC’s standing with the media to challenge competitive organizations for media share of voice and thought leadership;
Monitor the news and identify opportunities for AJC to speak out;
Work closely with the Director of Media Communications and the Assistant Director of Executive Communications to identify and develop media opportunities for the CEO;
Supervise the Assistant Director, Media Engagement;
Prepare AJC experts for interviews and provide ongoing media counsel to AJC staff;
Maintaining an online archive of press releases;
Mentor, coach, and support team members.
Qualifications:
8-10+ years relevant communications experience;
5+ years of supervisory experience;
Excellent communication skills required, including writing, editing, proofreading, and grammar;
Top-notch organizational skills with an ability to execute time-sensitive tasks efficiently and independently;
High level of professionalism and discretion, ability to withhold and protect confidential and sensitive information;
Demonstrated maturity and situational awareness;
Ability to travel and work late hours and on weekends when necessary;
Commitment to and understanding of AJC’s global mission and familiarity with the Jewish community and global Jewish issues;
Experience working with the media that covers Israel, antisemitism, and Jewish advocacy a plus;
Understanding of Jewish issues, foreign affairs, domestic policy, and global challenges;
Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Writing, or a related field;
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google applications;
The salary range for this position is $105K to $120K, depending on relevant experience and location.
AJC requires all staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID 19, unless one has a legally recognized reason for exemption.
