Chief of Staff
Organization: Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA)
Location: Remote full-time (non-exempt)
Reports To: CEO
Job Summary:
Reporting directly to the CEO at a moment of rapid growth for JCPA, the Chief of Staff will
oversee the day-to-day strategy and operations of JCPA, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness,
and alignment with the organization’s mission and goals. This role requires strategic
leadership, operational expertise, strong communications and public affairs instincts, and a
commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration.
About JCPA:
Since its founding 80 years ago, JCPA has served as the national convener of Jewish coalitions
working to build a just and inclusive democracy—bringing together national and local partners
to address the issues that most deeply affect our community and advance our most essential values.
Today, JCPA is mobilizing the robust community relations network and its partners in pursuit of
a more just and democratic society for all, rooted in an abiding belief that Jewish security here
and abroad is tied to the health of our democracy and strong relationships between communities.
Only by building bridges across lines of difference and fostering solidarity between communities
can we advance an inclusive future in which Jews – and all people – are safe and free.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategy & Operations
- Oversee organizational strategy, operations, and culture, serving as a thought partner and sounding board to the CEO to ensure maximum organizational impact and growth while creating a healthy culture in which staff can thrive.
- Establish effective, well-articulated systems for decision-making and approvals, event and partnership management, internal communications, and more.
- Track organizational goals, metrics, and stakeholder engagement, regularly evaluating progress and improving systems and programs as needed.
- In partnership with the CFO, analyze the current technology infrastructure (including the current IT consultant) and identify the best path forward to support organizational growth.
- Directly supervise staff, including the Administrative Coordinator and Development Manager.
Development & Fundraising
- In collaboration with the CEO, CFO, Development Manager, outside consultants, and board fundraising committee, oversee development of fundraising goals and strategy, including foundation and individual giving, events, and development communications and collateral.
- Supervise the Development Manager.
Partnerships & Programming
- In coordination with the communications and public affairs teams, create and implement strategic processes for managing partnerships, events, advocacy, and other programming.
- Represent the organization in select meetings, coalitions, and events, and maintain relationships with key partners and stakeholders.
Personnel
- Manage organizational culture, including leading team meetings and gatherings, and identifying opportunities for professional development and team building.
- In collaboration with staff, build out work plans and a performance management and evaluation process to measure progress.
- Manage hiring and onboarding processes.
- In partnership with the CFO, review and update the JCPA personnel handbook.
- Support a culture of collaboration, modeling and encouraging clear communication among staff (particularly important in the hybrid environment).
- Manage HR issues.
Board Relations
- Cultivate relationships with the Board of Directors and work closely with Board leadership, the CEO, and outside consultants to support Board management and development.
- Serve as staff liaison to relevant board committees.
- Attend Board meetings and deliver updates as assigned.
Qualifications:
- At least eight to ten years’ experience in politics, nonprofit advocacy, government, and/or development, including significant direct management experience.
- A deep understanding of government and politics, as well as the Jewish communal landscape.
- Strong leadership, 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.
- Experience in a fast-paced nonprofit advocacy/political environment.
- Innovative thinker with a focus on solutions and impact.
- 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, events, and programming.
- The compensation range for this role is $150,000–$175,000 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.
