Director of Government Affairs

The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Boston is a coalition of organizations and leaders that advances the values, interests, and priorities of the organized Jewish community across Greater Boston. Through our network, programs, and partnerships, we:

Strengthen Jewish community life locally and globally

Advocate for a safe, secure, Jewish and democratic State of Israel

Promote an American society that is democratic, pluralistic, and just

Position Overview

The Director of Government Affairs serves as JCRC’s primary strategist, advocate, and relationship builder within Massachusetts’ state legislative and municipal government (civic) arenas. This leader is responsible for shaping and advancing JCRC’s government affairs agenda, strengthening the Jewish community’s voice at the State House, and representing JCRC’s values and priorities to elected officials, policymakers, and in statewide coalitions.

The Director manages JCRC’s government affairs portfolio—including legislative strategy, direct lobbying, coalition advocacy, civic partnerships, and leadership mobilization—and works closely with JCRC’s executive leadership to ensure that public policy efforts reflect the priorities of Greater Boston’s Jewish community.

Reports To: Chief of Staff

Shape Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Team Management

Serve as the organization’s senior policy strategist, advising the CEO and executive team on public policy issues and government affairs priorities.

Ensure alignment between JCRC’s advocacy agenda, programmatic work, and community priorities.

Oversee departmental planning, workflows, and implementation of government relations strategies.

Legislative Affairs & Policy Advocacy

Serve as JCRC’s lead advocate at the State House, representing the organization in meetings with legislators, policy staff, agency officials, and statewide stakeholders.

Direct lobbying activities, including relationship-building, policy briefings, and testifying before legislative and regulatory bodies.

Manage contract lobbyists, establish legislative priorities, and track developments across the Massachusetts General Court and relevant agencies.

Develop and execute multilayered advocacy campaigns that mobilize partners, coalitions, and Jewish community leadership.

Produce or supervise policy research, analysis, and written materials including testimony, briefing memos, fact sheets, and talking points.

Lead communications related to public policy, ensuring message consistency and strategic positioning.

Coalition Engagement & Community Partnerships

Represent JCRC in interfaith, civic, and community coalitions working on shared concerns such as combating antisemitism, civil rights, immigrant support, social safety net funding, education, and democratic resilience.

Maintain strong and collaborative relationships with Massachusetts elected officials, Jewish communal institutions, advocacy organizations, and civic leaders across the Commonwealth.

Oversee civic participation and community mobilization initiatives, including public forums, briefings, and speaker series.

Manage the Massachusetts Association of Jewish Federations statewide agenda and communications.

Community Engagement & Public Representation

Represent JCRC at public events, community gatherings, policy roundtables, and with partner organizations.

Work collaboratively with community relations and program staff to integrate policy goals into broader organizing, civic engagement, and community partnership strategies.

Engage community leaders and partner organizations in understanding and advancing JCRC’s government relations agenda.

Shape

Qualifications

Proven experience leading government relations, public policy, legislative advocacy, or public affairs work.

At least 5-8 years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, political advocacy, public policy, or nonprofit/government leadership (Master’s degree preferred).

Demonstrated success in lobbying and legislative strategy.

Hands on experience with coalition building.

Strong understanding of Jewish communal institutions, Jewish values, and the civic and political landscape of Massachusetts.

Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Experience managing cross-functional initiatives.

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment requiring collaboration, strategic thinking, and public engagement.

Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary; regional travel is required.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $85,000-$95,000, commensurate with experience.

Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plan, generous paid time off, and professional development support.

Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.