Director, Public Affairs

POSITION TITLE: Director, Public Affairs

REPORTS TO: Senior Director, Public Affairs and Special Initiatives

SUPERVISION: May take on future supervision responsibilities

LOCATION: Anywhere ADL has offices

Grade/Class: Grade H, Exempt, PSA Eligible

ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913 to protect the Jewish people, ADL works to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment to all. In the face of rising antisemitism and extremism, we protect, advocate, and educate, through a mix of programs and services using the latest innovations and technology, and seek to create a world without hate. More at www.adl.org. 

The Director, Public Affairs (Director) supports and advances ADL's work to address antisemitism across the American political landscape, through high-impact advocacy campaigns and sustained engagement. This role combines campaign execution and coordination across government and advocacy, persuasive public affairs work and public education and volunteer leader engagement, all related to issues central to ADL’s mission. The role will also help drive proactive responses to political and policy developments designed to advance ADL's efforts to address antisemitism within major coalitions and affiliated networks.

The Director will help ADL navigate its engagement with key political and public officials. This role requires deep familiarity with the organizations, networks, media figures, and influencers that shape our current political environment.

• Help lead ADL's engagement strategy across the political ecosystems, with a focus on elected officials, party organizations, political infrastructure, advocacy networks, etc.
• Build and maintain a network of validators, allies and other partners inside political and civic ecosystems who share ADL's interest in pushing back against extremism.
• Lead and implement priority and special issue campaigns, including key municipal engagements, strategic political outreach and advocacy involving political stakeholders and institutions.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts with ADL's Communications, Center on Extremism, Research and Assessment, Legal and Regional teams to ensure integrated strategy and execution.
• Support rapid-response and sustained cross-departmental engagement related to incidents involving those in our political ecosystem, policy developments and emerging issues.
• Track political, media and policy developments relevant to ADL's mission and convert these into timely, actionable efforts.

This job description provides a general overview of the role and its key responsibilities. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, and ADL reserves the right to assign additional tasks as needed

• Solid knowledge of either progressive or conservative political ecosystems, including party organizations, advocacy networks and media.
• Direct professional experience inside or alongside these ecosystems preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication; strong public speaking and persuasive writing.
• Creative, entrepreneurial problem-solver with a bias for action and urgency.
• Strong understanding of antisemitism and anti-Zionism, including how they manifest in political discourse, institutional settings and public life. This is not optional.
• Professional experience working within or in sustained engagement within a political ecosystem, which may include campaigns, legislative offices, advocacy organizations, media operations, policy or research organizations, or comparable environments.
• Clear understanding of 501(c)(3) parameters around political activity.

• Energized by ADL's mission and work.
• Decisive and results-oriented; a problem-solver, not a problem-identifier.
• High tolerance for ambiguity and comfort operating in dynamic, evolving environments.
• Collaborative team-player committed to contributing to a culture where everyone thrives.
• Able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• The ideal candidate has significant experience in political campaigns, issue advocacy or public-policy work, with a demonstrable track record of advancing organizational goals in political environments.
• Track record leading cross-functional teams and delivering complex projects on ambitious deadlines.

• Bachelor's degree required, or equivalent experience; advanced degree in public policy, law, political science, or related field preferred.

• ADL is a hybrid environment; this role will require 3 days in the office.

Compensation: 

• This position has a salary range of $150,000 to $160,000. This salary range is reflective of a position based in New York, New York. Please note that actual salaries are commensurate with experience and reflect the budget for a given position, and since ADL has a location-based compensation structure, there may be a different range for candidates in other locations. For an overview of our total rewards package, please visit https://www.adl.org/about/careers. 

ADL aims to create a working environment where every employee can thrive professionally.  Our mission-driven work is best accomplished in an environment that supports belonging. ADL values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages people of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply. ADL is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, promotions and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment shall be maintained in a manner which does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or military status, or in violation of any applicable Federal, state or local laws.      

ADL will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation to support the interview process, please contact the People & Culture department at [email protected].      

ADL will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable State, Local, and Federal laws.   

The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job, nor is it to be interpreted as a contract for employment.