Title: National Association of Jewish Legislators (“NAJL”) Executive Director
Status: Full-Time
Reports To: NAJL Board Chair and CEO of Jewish Federations of North America
Location: Washington, DC preferred
About JFNA:
The Jewish Federations of North America (“JFNA”) consist of 141 Jewish Federations and dozens of Network communities which collectively raise and distribute more than $3 billion annually to support flourishing Jewish life and the needs of the Jewish people in their home communities and around the world. The Jewish Federation system, among the top 10 charities on the continent, leads the largest network of volunteer and professional leaders who build and sustain Jewish communities that are healthy, safe, caring, welcoming and inclusive, educated and engaged, involved in the broader community, and deeply connected to Israel and the global Jewish people.
About The National Association of Jewish Legislators (“NAJL”)
NAJL is the nonpartisan professional organization of Jewish state legislators from across the United States. NAJL strengthens relationships among Jewish elected officials, promotes leadership development, advances educational programming, combats antisemitism, fosters engagement with Jewish communities, supports democratic values, and serves as the leading forum for collaboration, learning, and leadership among Jewish state legislators.
Position Overview
NAJL seeks a dynamic, visionary, and relationship-driven Executive Director to lead the organization through its next phase of growth, influence, and impact. Working closely with the Board of Directors and Leadership Council, the Executive Director will strengthen NAJL’s position as the leading nonpartisan organization representing Jewish state legislators while expanding legislator relationships, fundraising, strategic partnerships, and programming. The Executive Director of NAJL is part of the professional team of the Jewish Federations of North America and will report jointly to the Chair of the Board of Directors of NAJL and the CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Strategic Leadership
- Work with the Board of Directors to develop and implement NAJL’s strategic plan and long-term vision.
- Establish annual organizational priorities, goals, and key performance indicators.
- Develop and execute strategies that position NAJL for long-term organizational growth, increased national visibility, and deeper member engagement.
Development & Fundraising
- Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan with measurable revenue goals.
- Work closely with the Board of Directors to achieve fundraising goals.
- Create fundraising materials, including grant proposals and donor stewardship communications.
Legislator & Leadership Development
- Develop and implement strategies to recruit and involve Jewish legislators.
- Strengthen engagement among legislators while cultivating meaningful relationships with alumni and former legislators.
- Foster meaningful relationships with legislators through regular outreach, communications, and engagement.
- Support leadership development within the organization and cultivate future leaders.
- Expand legislator participation in NAJL programs, committees, and leadership opportunities.
Programs & Events
Lead the planning and execution of NAJL programming, including but not limited to
- Annual meetings, conferences and national convenings
- Legislative education programs
- Leadership retreats
- International missions, including Israel
- Programs held in conjunction with organizations such as the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Council of State Governments (CSG), and other partners
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Experience as a state legislator, legislative staff member, or elected official
- Experience working with elected officials or legislative organizations.
- Leadership experience in a nonprofit association, governmental, legislative advocacy or public policy organization or corporate public affairs team.
- Proven success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and strategic partnership development.
- Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to travel nationally and internationally, including Israel missions.
- Knowledge of Jewish community and its communal organizations
- Experience organizing conferences, leadership programs, or international delegations.
- Familiarity with nonprofit governance and association management.
Core Competencies
- Proven commitment to the Jewish Community
- Visionary and strategic leader
- Exceptional relationship builder
- Strong fundraiser
- Collaborative and nonpartisan
- Politically astute and diplomatic
- Outstanding communicator and public representative
Compensation and Benefits:
JFNA offers a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, FSA), including a defined contribution plan, generous vacation policy, paid legal and Jewish holidays, life insurance, generous parental leave policies and flexible remote work practices. Our compensation philosophy strives to be externally competitive and internally fair. Additionally, we offer voluntary learning programs throughout the year in subjects of interest to our staff.
Salary range: $130,000–$150,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus a competitive benefits package.
As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, JFNA celebrates and welcomes people of all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Federations Applicants:
JFNA is committed to supporting local Jewish Federations and to identifying the best talent for the system. If a current Federation employee is hired for this role, we will work with the local Federation to ensure an appropriate timeline and communications strategy. We welcome initial confidential inquiries to learn more about the role; however, current Federation employees who move to a finalist round of interviews will be asked to communicate with the Federation about their candidacy.