POSITION: Senior Director of State Advocacy, Government Relations
REPORTS TO: Vice President, Government Relations
LOCATION: Washington, D.C.
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:
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.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Senior Director of State Advocacy will lead and coordinate JFNA’s state advocacy efforts to support and advance the missions of the organization and local Federations. Acting as an advisor and subject matter expert, this role will provide resources to local Jewish Federations on engaging with state governments, legislators, and county representatives. Responsibilities include developing strategic advocacy plans, monitoring state legislation, and representing JFNA in state-level forums. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, possess exceptional networking and communication skills, have a background in state government or lobbying, and be able to travel as needed.
JFNA's primary advocacy focus includes combating antisemitism in all forms and arenas, advocating for Nonprofit Security Grants, and supporting funding and advocacy for local nonprofits. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of Jewish communities, promoting security measures, and enhancing quality of life through comprehensive public policy efforts and community engagement.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and implement comprehensive state advocacy strategies in alignment with JFNA’s mission and goals.
- Identify and prioritize key policy issues and legislative opportunities at the state level.
- Adapt and strategize based on the unique legislative processes and political landscapes of each state.
- Work closely with local Jewish federations, and the National Association of Jewish Legislators (NAJL) to coordinate advocacy efforts and leverage collective influence.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration between JFNA, local federations, NAJL, and other stakeholders.
- Facilitate relationships between local Jewish leaders and their state legislators.
- Track and analyze state legislation and regulatory changes affecting the Jewish community.
- Provide regular updates and analysis to JFNA leadership and member organizations.
- Represent JFNA in state legislative hearings, public forums, and other relevant events.
- Prepare and deliver testimony, position statements, and other advocacy materials.
- Work closely with Federations and Jewish Community Relations Councils (JCRCs) in coordination with the Community Relations team on strategy, trainings, and best practices to move legislation.
- Develop and implement training programs to enhance the advocacy skills of local federations and community leaders.
- Enhance JFNA’s visibility and influence in state legislative processes.
- Prepare content for reports, briefings, toolkits and presentations for internal and external audiences.
- Work with JFNA's public affairs team to implement a communication strategy that will support advocacy efforts nationwide and use the media and other public tools to support state advocacy.
- Partner with JFNA's community relations team on civic engagement initiatives that complement legislative efforts.
- Travel as needed to represent JFNA, build relationships, and support advocacy efforts across various states.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Extensive experience in state government, lobbying, or a related field.
- Proven track record of successful networking and relationship-building.
- Strong understanding of legislative processes and public policy.
- Exceptional communication, writing and interpersonal skills.
- Highly motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Willingness to travel frequently to attend meetings, events, and conferences.
- Demonstrated leadership and management capabilities.
- Commitment to the values and mission of the Jewish Federations of North America
- Knowledge of the organized Jewish community and the Federation system is very helpful.
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and writing sample (up to 4 pages in length) to DCJobs@jfna.org .
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: $140,000 - $160,000
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.
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.
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