Posted on June 21, 2012

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Assistant Director, Communications and Advocacy

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. In addition to its New York headquarters and Office of Government and International Affairs in Washington, D.C., AJC has regional offices and affiliates across the U.S. and overseas in addition to a multitude of global partnerships.

Among Jewish organizations, AJC is the preeminent leader in the global arena. With a presence in Belgium, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy and Switzerland, AJC’s network of relationships with, and access to, the key decision makers and thought leaders on every continent is unmatched. AJC is recognized by foreign leaders, the Israeli and U.S. governments as an effective and trusted interlocutor for Jewish issues, human rights and advocacy for democratic values. Today, AJC proactively tackles the greatest concerns of Jewish communities around the globe.

The regional offices maintain the agency’s nationwide presence, attract leaders and donors to AJC, enhance the agency’s influence with key local, national and international decision makers and stakeholders, implement advocacy initiatives at the state/local level, establish and nurture community relationships, and serve as AJC’s eyes and ears on the ground.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Assist the Director in the implementation of strategic goals and objectives in coordination with the regional board by managing all aspects of communication and public policy
2. Assist with the recruitment and development of local and national AJC leadership through communication, advocacy, and developing innovative programming
3. Provide conceptual, logistical, organizational and administrative support for all office programs and activities
4. Position the AJC brand in Los Angeles as a dynamic, vigorous, and visible presence in the community
5. Assist with the implementation of fundraising activities

Communications

Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy to include:

• Maintaining the regional office website
• Cultivating engagement through social media
• Creating and publishing office newsletter
• Improving relationships with journalists & bloggers
• Developing opportunities for media exposure including:
• Drafting press releases
• Writing letters to the editor/op-eds
• Pitching stories, opinion pieces, and experts
• Creating action alerts to engage membership and community
• Enhancing the visibility of the President and Director
• Serving as a liaison to lay Communications Committee
• Training staff in technologies needed to sustain active communications program
• Increase contact database through outreach
• Create and distribute collateral materials, in concert with AJC’s National design and marketing team for event promotion
• Represent AJC as needed at community meetings
• Stay abreast, and keep others informed, of news and analysis on issues of importance to AJC
• Improve internal communications with the local Board and National colleagues
• Develop programs in collaboration with director and lay leadership; implement all aspects of programs independently and collaboratively
• Create and distribute all necessary marketing materials including invitations, flyers, emails, and event program

Advocacy

• Design and implement public policy programming to engage lay leaders in substantive issues and work of the agency, particularly immigration reform, energy security, Israel’s security, and Iran’s nuclear weapons program
• Coordinate advocacy efforts including monitoring legislation, outreach to local, state, and federal officials
• Work in partnership with lay leaders to lead advocacy training and provide issue messaging for private meetings
• Form coalitions with other groups on issues of mutual concern

Leadership Development

• Assist the Director in recruiting and cultivating leaders in the Jewish community for involvement with AJC
• Guide and manage committees of lay leaders
• Raise funds to cover major programming costs

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree preferred
• 3-5 years of pertinent experience
• Expertise in Jewish studies and issues desirable
• Spanish language proficiency desirable
• Understanding of politics and political leadership in LA preferred
• Commitment to AJC’s mission and key issues (including Israel, world Jewry, human rights, immigration, energy, and contemporary Jewish life)
• Excellent writing, critical thinking, and presentation skills
• Broad knowledge and experience with Web 2.0, social media, HTML, and relevant web and communication software
• Ability to solve problems creatively, diplomatically, and pragmatically within the organization and in the community
• 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
• An entrepreneurial mindset; able to identify and pursue opportunities
• Excellent project management skills, including ability to manage data and develop, implement and oversee budget
• Respect for and adherence to confidentiality
• Availability for early morning, evening and weekend meetings, and occasional travel

Application Instructions

Please submit your application on https://ajchr.wufoo.com/forms/assistant-director-communications-advocacy-la/

AJC is an Equal Opportunity Employer