POSITION TITLE: Policy Associate, Strategic Health Resource Center

DEPARTMENT: Washington, DC Office

REPORTS TO: Senior Director, Strategic Health Resource Center (SHRC)

The Jewish Federations of North America (“JFNA”) consist of 146 Jewish Federations and dozens of Network communities which collectively raise and distribute more than $3 billion annually to support flourishing Jewish life and the needs of the Jewish people in their home communities and around the world. The Jewish Federation system, among the top 10 charities on the continent, leads the largest network of volunteer and professional leaders who build and sustain Jewish communities that are healthy, safe, caring, welcoming and inclusive, educated and engaged, involved in the broader community, and deeply connected to Israel and the global Jewish people.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Policy Associate for the Strategic Health Resource Center will join a public affairs and advocacy team based in Washington, DC, that represents the interests and concerns of the federation system and its partner agencies in health and human services, including affiliated nonprofit hospitals, family and children’s service agencies, long-term care communities, and vocational agencies. The Policy Associate will support the Senior Director in advocating for a diverse portfolio of federal policies related to health, mental health, aging, and disability priorities, as well as related workforce policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Based on direction from the Senior Director, represent Jewish Federations before Congress and the Administration to advance policy related to healthcare, mental health, long-term care, aging and related funding, and other matters critical to our federations and the more than 250 nonprofit partner agencies across the country that serve the needs of millions of patients, including members of vulnerable, low-income, and high-need populations.
• Develop and maintain deep substantive expertise in the issue areas assigned.
• Cultivate and advance relationships with members of Congress, congressional staff, and the administration (with particular focus on the White House, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Administration for Community Living, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).
• Work closely with all Public Affairs staff, as well as communications and marketing.
• Cultivate relationships with federation leaders, federation government affairs professionals, and partner agency representatives.
• Represent Jewish Federations’ Strategic Health Resource Center on coalitions and develop strategic partnerships with other national stakeholders as needed.
• Conduct legislative, regulatory and policy research and analyses, and draft testimony, statements for the record, and regulatory comment letters.
• Support Public Affairs functions as necessary, including LDA registration, organization of materials, and other needs of the department.
• Support relevant lay leadership committees.
• Develop products for advocacy activities and for communication to federation leaders, and government affairs professionals, including but not limited to, webinars, issue briefs, template letters and brief advocacy messages, talking points, memoranda, analyses, and other public affairs products such as newsletter updates, blogs, and letters to the editor.
• Support and take part in programmatic planning for Jewish Federations’ health and disability-related conferences, and periodic conference panels, advocacy missions, and webinars.
• Provide technical assistance to federations, government affairs professionals, and partner agencies across the country.
• Represent Jewish Federations at public events, conferences, webinars, and meetings, including public speaking opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3 to 5 years of relevant experience advocating with policymakers, ideally on health, mental health, aging, and/or disability related issues.
• Strong familiarity with the federal legislative and regulatory processes.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong relationships with congressional offices and federal officials with jurisdiction over health and human services programs.
• Commitment to the Jewish Federation network, its partner agencies, and an understanding of the organized Jewish community.
• Strong knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to quickly learn, policy issues related to health, mental health, and/or long-term care.
• Experience working collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders and coalition partners to advance shared priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to communicate and build trust and credibility with community leaders, government affairs professionals, and other national stakeholders.
• Excellent research, analytical, oral, written, and public speaking communication skills.
• Extremely organized self-starter with demonstrated ability to perform well independently and multi-task while working in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Please send resumes and cover letters to David.Goldfarb@jewishfederations.org.

As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, JFNA celebrates and welcomes people of all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: JFNA offers a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, FSA), including a defined contribution plan, generous vacation policy, paid legal and Jewish holidays, life insurance, generous parental leave policies and flexible remote work practices. Our compensation philosophy strives to be externally competitive and internally fair. Additionally, we offer voluntary learning programs throughout the year in subjects of interest to our staff.

Salary range: $65,000 - $75,000

FEDERATION APPLICANTS: JFNA is committed to supporting local Jewish Federations and to identifying the best talent for the system. If a current Federation employee is hired for this role, we will work with the local Federation to ensure an appropriate timeline and communications strategy. We welcome initial confidential inquiries to learn more about the role; however, current Federation employees who move to a finalist round of interviews will be asked to communicate with the Federation about their candidacy.