Type: Full-Time
Salary: $70,000-90,000 annually, with generous benefits
Reports to: Executive Director
To apply: Please email a detailed cover letter and resume to hiring@jfrej.org, using the subject "Political Director." We will begin reviewing applications on March 6th and we strongly recommend submitting your application by that time to be considered early on. We will continue reviewing until the position is filled, with the aim of starting the position by April. We will be in touch with all applicants we are choosing to interview.
Position Description
JFREJ is seeking a full-time Political Director to lead JFREJ’s political power-building strategy. The Political Director will be the primary lead on The Jewish Vote, JFREJ’s ground-breaking electoral arm, continuing our work to elect a major voting block in the City Council and state legislature that enthusiastically co-governs and actively works to pass transformational policies. They will build campaign leadership teams and work closely with movement allies to set short and long-term goals, develop strategy, lead endorsement processes, and spearhead implementation of electoral campaigns. They will also build and maintain high-level relationships with New York City & State’s political leadership as well as candidates for office.
This is a senior-level role for someone with demonstrated experience in organizing and political strategy, with an appetite for building hard-hitting campaigns. The ideal candidates will have a proven ability to get things done and coordinate among interdependent and complex teams and programs. The person in this role must be a true believer in the transformative power of real progressive co-governance for the sake of lasting social change.
Job Responsibilities
The Political Director will be responsible for the following:
Leading the The Jewish Vote (TJV), JFREJ’s ground-breaking electoral arm, and supporting TJV’s Steering Committee to develop strategy, set goals, and implement campaigns.
Partnering with the Executive Director, Campaigns Director, Organizing Director, and other senior leaders to develop and execute high level strategic goals and priorities
Partnering with the members and staff to develop and implement the electoral and political aspects of our organization’s power-building strategy, including participatory candidate endorsements, political campaigns, and strategic communications.
Partnering with the development department to cultivate relationships with major donors; owning a portfolio of major donors who are invested in JFREJ's political work.
Developing the skills and leadership of TJV-endorsed candidates and elected officials, especially as it relates to inside/outside strategy and Jewish community issues.
Partnering with progressive elected officials and allies in the social movement left to build our movement’s capacity for progressive local policy-making and radical co-governance.
Serving as the primary point of contact for candidates, elected officials, and key coalitions; serving as an important public face for JFREJ in New York’s political and organizing ecosystem.
Qualifications
Jews For Racial & Economic Justice seeks candidates who are high impact, low ego. We’re looking for someone results-oriented who excels at building relationships, and has demonstrated success managing complicated projects. The ideal candidate for Political Director will have:
Alignment with JFREJ’s mission and values;
At least 5 years’ experience in electoral, civic engagement, or political campaigns, with some relevant connection to community, labor, or other non-candidate politics;
Knowledge and understanding of how to build grassroots and political power through base-building, campaigns, and movement building.
Experience managing political or voter engagement campaigns;
Experience developing or managing candidate endorsement processes;
Experience with using or a strong willingness to learn how to use EveryAction (CRM) and Slack;
Strong emotional intelligence and trustworthiness.
A sense of humor and ability to be nimble in an ever-shifting political landscape.
Commitment to, and experience with, collaborative team structures and work environments;
Experience building and leading in multiracial organizations and coalitions, and a strong demonstrated ability to organize for racial and economic justice with integrity.