Chief of Staff

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) is the national convener of Jewish coalitions working to build a just and inclusive American democracy. For 80 years, JCPA has brought together national and local organizations and built bridges across communities to address the most pressing issues of the day and set strategies for advocacy and mobilization.

JCPA recently announced its new strategic focus, building on its long legacy and recognizing that Jewish safety is inextricably linked with the safety of other communities and a strong, inclusive, and pluralistic democracy. This work is more urgent than ever in the face of an unprecedented crisis of antisemitism and broader hate and extremism, including direct attacks on our democracy.

Reporting directly to the CEO at a moment of rapid growth for JCPA, the Chief is Staff is a critical senior role responsible for leading internal operations, building and implementing systems and efficiencies, and helping lead organizational strategy and direction.

The Chief of Staff will work closely with the CEO and other senior leadership to set and advance JCPA’s priorities and strategy, including building out the JCPA Action Networks focused on Protecting Democracy and Countering Hate & Bigotry; strengthening partnerships with key organizations in the Jewish, interfaith, civil rights, labor, and democracy fields; developing a grasstops public affairs program; and expanding the strategic community relations program that supports Jewish Community Relations Councils and other local communal partners.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing internal systems to manage fundraising and development, events and programming, advocacy and public affairs, communications, finance, information technology, and more, in partnership with the CEO and other senior leadership.
• Serving as a key thought partner and advisor to the CEO on organizational strategy and growth.
• Representing the organization in certain meetings, coalitions, and events, and holding relationships with key organizational partners and stakeholders.
• Managing organizational culture and workflow, including leading team meetings and gatherings, identifying opportunities for professional development and team-building, and more.
• Directly supervising and managing a growing team of professionals and consultants whose responsibilities include administration, development, communications, and advocacy.
• Managing board relations, including coordinating board and committee meetings, board development and recruitment, and effective governance.
• Drafting grant proposals, reports, and other development materials.
• Tracking organizational goals, metrics, and stakeholder engagement, regularly evaluating progress, and improving systems and programs as needed.

Skills and Qualifications:

• At least eight to ten years’ experience in government, politics, advocacy, nonprofit, and/or development, including significant direct management experience.
• A real understanding of government and politics, as well as the Jewish communal landscape.
• Strong strategic communications and writing skills.
• An organized self-starter who can collaborate, problem solve, and effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines – including supporting both the principal and the broader team at the same time.
• Passionate about the values and priorities at the core of JCPA’s work, including democracy and pluralism.

Compensation and Other Details

• This position will be based in New York City or Washington, DC and report directly to the CEO. It will require some travel and limited evening and weekend work dependent on breaking news and events and programming.
• The compensation range for this role is $130,000 to $160,000 commensurate with experience, plus full benefits that include health, dental, and life insurance and a retirement plan.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter with the subject line “Chief of Staff” to careers@thejcpa.org.

JCPA is passionate about building an inclusive and equitable working environment, and deeply values the diversity of insight, perspective, and experience of a diverse workforce. This includes Black, Latinx, and Asian people, Black Jews, Jews of Color, Sephardi and Mizrachi Jews, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and gender non-conforming people, and people with disabilities. We also welcome applications from people of diverse religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds.

JCPA is an equal opportunity employer, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, national origin, disability condition, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by federal, state, or local law.