Director of Education Advocacy, New York

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 Education Advocacy, New York will oversee the ongoing creation and implementation of AJC’s strategy for all of AJC’s K-12 school engagement in New York City and environs, focusing specifically (but not solely) on the independent school space. This person will cultivate and manage relationships with heads of school, divisional principals, and DEI heads, as well as Jewish parent affinity groups in New York City independent schools with the goal of addressing antisemitism and other issues of concern to Jewish students and families.

The Director of Education Advocacy, New York does all of this while adhering to AJC’s core values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Accountability.

Position Responsibilities:

• Educational Initiatives: Develop and provide educational programming and materials on Jewish identity, Israel, and antisemitism tailored for parents, students, faculty, and administration in independent school spaces.
• Relationship Building with Independent School Administrators: Act as the primary point of contact with school administrators on matters relevant to Jewish students and families, including antisemitism education, discourse on Israel, and integrating the Jewish experience into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) spaces. Offer strategic guidance tailored to the specifics of each school environment about how to address the concerns of Jewish families in the school community.
• Parent Empowerment and Engagement: Support and advise New York independent school parents in advocating for Jewish issues in their children’s school spaces. Empower parents to advocate effectively for their children by providing information, resources, and training. Teach “Empowered Parents” mini courses to develop parents’ advocacy skills and knowledge of Jewish identity, antisemitism, and Israel. Work with the regional staff in NY, Westchester, and Long Island regions to refine and implement AJC's parent engagement strategy.
• Student Support: Serve as a resource for independent and public high school students in the greater New York area facing antisemitism or anti-Israel incidents. Collaborate with AJC’s Director of High School Affairs to ensure alignment with AJC's broader student strategy.
• Collaboration with Local Organizations: Work collaboratively with New York City and greater New York area Jewish organizations that are involved in Jewish advocacy in K-12 school spaces to effectively advocate for change in school spaces and to create programs aimed at educating administrators, faculty, parents, and students about Jews, antisemitism and Israel.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree; Master’s or higher degree, particularly in the education field, preferred; 5-7 years of work experience in the field of advocacy, Jewish education, or Israel-related programming. Strong preference for candidates with teaching and/or administrative experience in an independent school.
• Self-starter who collaborates seamlessly with colleagues both inside and outside AJC.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Alignment with AJC’s mission and diplomatic style, with knowledge and passion for the organization’s key issues (including Israel, world Jewry, human rights, international relations, foreign policy, and democratic institutions).
• Strong background and understanding of issues related to Jewish identity, Israel, and antisemitism.
• Ability to build and inspire trust on the part of interlocutors
• Ability to multi-task and work on many projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with staff and lay leadership.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, make difficult decisions, and follow through on agreed-upon initiatives.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
• An entrepreneurial mindset; able to identify and pursue opportunities.

Benefits:

Comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 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

AJC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The salary range for this position is $115,000 to $135,000, depending on relevant experience.

Please submit your application to: https://ajchr.wufoo.com/forms/w18tlz270x1udpi/