Director, Lay Engagement, Leadership & Board Engagement (LDBE) New York City or Washington, D.C.

About AJC

American Jewish Committee (AJC) is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. From world capitals to college campuses, AJC works with leaders across society to stand up for Israel; confront antisemitism, no matter the source; and uphold the democratic values that unite us. In the wake of Hamas’ October 7 attack—the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust—AJC has mobilized its global network to tackle the unprecedented threats facing world Jewry. Join us. Together, we can shape a new future for Israel and the Jewish people.

Your Department

The Department of Leadership Development and Board Engagement (LDBE) functions as the liaison to the national Board of Governors, managing Board experiences and fostering meaningful engagement for committed lay leaders. Our team manages leadership development programs, working closely with partner AJC departments to identify, educate, and steward leaders through the national pipeline.

Your Impact

This position will, together with departmental leadership, oversee and guide current and prospective lay leader engagement with AJC, with the goal of stewarding a robust pipeline of lay leaders engaged with AJC’s work. The outcome of lay involvement is that AJC’s advocacy work and business operations have increasing impact, and AJC is well positioned to accomplish its short- and long-term goals.

This position makes an impact at AJC by planning, overseeing, and developing work with significant impact on the organization's mission and goals. Works with significant latitude to solve moderately complex problems and make strategically important decisions impacting the department.

This position is responsible for implementing a comprehensive framework for lay advocacy opportunities at both the national and regional levels. This role oversees the standardization of lay engagement structures, including national committees, task forces, and advisory bodies thereby strengthening lay engagement with, commitment to, and impact in supporting AJC’s mission.

Your Role

The Director leads key initiatives such as the Women’s Global Leadership Network and serves as a liaison for LDBE to major national events, including but not limited to Global Forum and National Leadership Council Fly In.

• Serve as an integral connection and lead collaborator cross-departmentally to implement AJC’s overarching vision and guiding principles for lay engagement as part of a One AJC strategy.
• Contribute to the development and execution of the department's strategy, goals, objectives, and action plans
• Develop best practices and standard operating procedures for new initiatives related to lay engagement
• Implement framework for developing and accessing engaging lay advocacy opportunities
• Implement framework for standardized lay engagement structure nationally and regionally, including committees, task forces, and advisory groups
• Develop, introduce and run a cultivation strategy for next gen leaders (40s-50s), in close partnership with ACCESS, Development, and Regional Offices; and serve as ongoing liaison to ACCESS for LDBE
• Serve as a clearing house and coordinator for lay engagement opportunities across the organization as they arise.
• Support and staff major “all hands-on deck” LDBE initiatives and events
• Build relationships with lay leaders in the national leadership pipeline for the purpose of stewarding them through their leadership paths with AJC
• Actively participate in departmental and cross departmental collaboration, information-sharing, and communications—serve as a role model for collaboration.
• Create electronic collateral for staff and lay leaders on the developed structures and guideposts of lay engagement and act as a resource for reinforcement and training to embed those structures into the organization.
• This position will play a critical role in the long-term implementation of the lay engagement vision of AJC’s 2025, 5–year strategic plan.
• The incumbent will need to be a builder and convener and be comfortable meeting goals in an evolving environment.

Supervisory Role

Small office/team of 1-3

Education, Training, and Experience

• Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred)
• Minimum of 10+ years of related work experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Passion for the mission, goals, and objectives of AJC
• Committed to AJC’s core values: respect, teamwork, integrity, excellence, and accountability
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently
• Demonstrates professionalism and highest ethical standards of conduct
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Excellent influencing skills Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and listening)
• Strong organization and time management skills, including the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
• Excellent attention to detail and follow-through
• Capacity to multitask and work in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Commitment to continuous learning and growth
• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information with discretion and to the highest ethical standards.
• Proficient with Microsoft suite, and technologically savvy in use of emerging technologies for relationship management.

Physical Demands

Office employees:

Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers

Communicating with others to exchange information

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another

Disclaimers

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute a contract between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

Compensation

The salary for this position is $120,000 to $140,000 depending on relevant experience and location.

Benefits

Regular Full-time employee benefits:

• 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
• Competitive Paid Parental Leave

*After applicable waiting or probationary periods have been met

Ready to apply?

Please submit your application to: https://ajchr.wufoo.com/forms/p1u9qc0707azefj/

AJC is an equal opportunity employer.