Executive Brief

Director of Advancement & Engagement, Washington D.C.
American Jewish Committee

Overview - American Jewish Committee

AJC combats antisemitism. AJC stands up for Israel. AJC defends democratic values.

American Jewish Committee (AJC) is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. AJC works to shape a brighter future by taking on the toughest challenges and pursuing the most transformative opportunities. Through their unparalleled global network that spans six continents, AJC engages with leaders at the highest levels of government and civil society to counter antisemitism, open new doors for Israel, and advance democratic values.

AJC believes the future is something that can be molded; it gets shaped and transformed through strong relationships and principled advocacy. AJC understands that without meaningful relationships, change cannot happen. That is why, for more than a century, AJC has worked to build the world’s largest global advocacy network for the Jewish people. It’s this unparalleled network that enables the community, as Jews, to move out into the world as effective agents of positive change.

Global Presence:

AJC has 25 U.S. Regional Offices; 15 overseas posts and regional institutes that serve as their advocacy hubs in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East; and 38 partnerships with Jewish communities worldwide.

Access:

AJC maintains high-level relationships with government officials and civic leaders in the U.S. and over 110 other nations.

Reach:

AJC engages more than 3.5 million advocates in multiple languages—including Arabic, French, German, and Spanish—across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

American Jewish Committee is the dean of American Jewish organizations.

The New York Times

American Jewish Committee (AJC) stands up for Israel’s right to exist in peace and security; confronts antisemitism, no matter the source; and upholds the democratic values that unite Jews and our allies.

In the wake of Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack — the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust — AJC has mobilized its unparalleled global network to tackle the unprecedented threats facing world Jewry.
    
From world capitals to college campuses, AJC works with leaders across society to support Israel and combat surging antisemitism, and we leverage strategic communications to educate, counter misinformation, and shape public opinion.

How AJC is Making An Impact - Taking On Issues That Matter:

SHAPE A NEW FUTURE: An Overview of American Jewish Committee | AJC

Defending Israel:

Israel will never stand alone as long as AJC stands alongside her.

AJC has truly become a global player… and a powerful advocate for the Jewish people and the Jewish state.
 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Around the world—from the hallways of the UN in New York, to the corridors of the European Union in Brussels, and to the countries of Asia—American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, advocates for Israel at the highest levels. And when Israel is under assault, whether from the terrorist organizations on her doorstep or the global BDS movement, AJC helps bring the world the truth about Israel.

AJC's Involvement

AJC works proactively around the world to expand Israel’s ties with strategically important countries, strengthening relationships and identifying new areas for cooperation. The organization counters assaults on Israel’s right to exist, whether they arise on campuses, in multinational bodies, or anywhere else. And AJC advances Israeli-Arab peace prospects and strengthen American Jewry’s ties to the Jewish state.

AJC is changing opinions about Israel, forming coalitions, and identifying the next frontier of Israel advocacy.

Project Interchange

For 35 years, AJC has presented a more accurate picture of Israel through Project Interchange, which has brought over 6,000 influential figures—elected officials, UN ambassadors, journalists, university presidents, and civic and religious leaders from all over the world—to Israel, so they can experience the country firsthand.

AJC Jerusalem

AJC’s Jerusalem office engages with top Israeli leaders to forge partnerships throughout Israeli society. AJC Jerusalem is active in diplomacy, interreligious relations, and strengthening bonds between Israelis and American Jews. The Jerusalem office also serves as a base for AJC’s ongoing outreach to diplomatic representatives of key countries posted in Israel.

To learn more about AJC's involvement in defending Israel, click here.

Combating Antisemitism:

AJC builds alliances and pursues policies to confront resurgent hate.

Antisemitism is a global problem that demands a global response. AJC has long been on the frontlines of countering antisemitism – from Europe, to the United States, and beyond. In the aftermath of Hamas’ horrific October 7 massacre of Israelis, with antisemitic hate surging worldwide, AJC is leading the effort to combat anti-Jewish hate. 

With the organization's staunchly nonpartisan approach, global presence, decades of leadership, and strategic relationships and communications, AJC is countering antisemitism at all levels, here in the U.S. and around the world. From college campuses to Congress and throughout society, AJC is vigilant and visionary as it works to beat back antisemitism.

To learn more about AJC's involvement in combating antisemitism, click here.

Countering Iran:

AJC believes the struggle against radicalism is an imminent threat, and a battle we must win.

I know I can count on AJC because we share the same values and the same will to combat those who spread hate and intolerance.
— Former French Prime Minister Manuel Valls

To prevail in the fight against terrorism, AJC fights the spread of extremism in the Middle East, in Europe, and around the world. AJC shines a harsh spotlight on Iran’s role as the world’s foremost state sponsor of terror, promote counter-radicalism programs, and call out nations that subsidize the Palestinian leadership’s money-for-terrorism scheme.

To learn more about AJC's involvement in countering radicalism and extremism, click here.

Building Interreligious and Intergroup Alliances:

AJC builds powerful coalitions with religious leaders and their communities worldwide.

No organization I know in this city, in this country, in this world, has done more to improve Christian-Jewish relations than AJC.
— John Cardinal O'Connor (1920-2000)

AJC has a long and successful history of building strong relationships with other ethnic and religious groups. Locally, nationally, and internationally, AJC partners with Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain communities to combat antisemitism and religious extremism. Creating strong coalitions enables AJC to cultivate support for democracy and pluralism, defend Israel’s place in the world, and safeguard freedom of worship for all.

Each of AJC's regional office's intergroup outreach allows them to leverage longstanding relationships with diverse ethnic and religious communities to advance issues of common concern, including representatives and organizations in the Latino, Asian, Black, Christian, and Muslim communities to build bridges of understanding.

To learn more about AJC's involvement in building interreligious alliances, click here.

Protecting Human Rights:

AJC fights to protect human rights and prevent genocide.

I salute JBI for your leadership on holding the perpetrators of war crimes accountable, and for all you have done to aid humanity’s cause.
— Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright

AJC’s Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights (JBI) works to combat religious intolerance, end torture, and oppose all forms of discrimination, issues of central importance to the Jewish community and beyond. AJC protects human rights around the world by engaging with governments, diplomats, the United Nations and other international organizations, and civil society partners.

To learn more about AJC's involvement in protecting human rights, click here.

About the Organization - American Jewish Committee, Washington, D.C. Region

About AJC, Washington, D.C. Region

AJC Washington connects the Washington community with American Jewish Committee’s global advocacy work to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel. AJC D.C.'s access to diplomats, elected officials, and interfaith leaders advances AJC’s broader global priorities: combating antisemitism, promoting Israel’s place in the world, and countering the spread of radicalism and extremism.

AJC, D.C.'s impact extends well beyond the Washington, D.C., community, helping AJC achieve tangible results in the form of government policies, formidable alliances, and hard-hitting legislation that make our world safer and more secure.

AJC, Washington D.C. serves the D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia area. The organization's close proximity to embassies, opinion leaders, and Congress gives the AJC, D.C. office unparalleled opportunities to advance AJC priorities.

AJC, D.C.'s young leadership program, AJC ACCESS D.C., empowers Jewish young professionals to advocate for the Jewish people through legislative advocacy on Capitol Hill, dinners with diplomats, and opportunities to pursue interfaith and intergroup relationships. Learn more about ACCESS D.C.

The organization's high school education and advocacy program, AJC Leaders for Tomorrow, empowers teens to become advocates for Israel and the Jewish people through hands-on leadership workshops, meetings with diplomats and congressional representatives, and advocacy skill-building sessions. Learn more about Leader for Tomorrow.

Leadership Spotlight:

Alan Ronkin - Regional Director of AJC Washington, D.C.

Alan Ronkin
Regional Director of AJC Washington, D.C.


Alan Ronkin, Regional Director of AJC Washington, D.C., is an accomplished advocate and career Jewish professional who has been involved in Jewish community relations for nearly 30 years. In that time, he has worked in Jewish communal institutions in Los Angeles, Cleveland, Seattle, and Boston.

As an advocate, Alan focuses on relationship building and policy development to support a society that reflects the best of Jewish values including, fighting antisemitism, supporting Israel, equity, and appreciation of difference. In his long career he has built relationships with numerous community leaders including elected officials and clergy, led successful campaigns to defeat anti-Israel ballot initiatives, and advocated on behalf of domestic concerns.

In addition to his work in Jewish communal circles, in 2013 Alan served as Policy Adviser and Constituent Manager for former Congressman Joe Kennedy III. In that role he assisted the congressman in enriching his relationships with Jewish constituents and in grappling with issues related to Israel and other Jewish causes.

He is a native of Bridgeport, CT, earned a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a Masters in Jewish Communal Service and a Doctorate (honoris causa) in Jewish Non-Profit Management from Hebrew Union College. Alan also has a B.A. from Yeshiva University. He is married to Elizabeth Sternberg and has a son, David.

About the Opportunity - Director of Advancement & Engagement, Washington, D.C.

AJC - Director of Advancement & Engagement, D.C. - Job Description (PDF Download)

The Department

The Development team strategically plans, organizes, and executes fundraising initiatives to secure financial support for the organization's mission and activities. This includes cultivating strong relationships with donors, executing events, implementing campaigns, and ensuring effective stewardship of contributions. The Development team collaborates with regional offices to support and improve fundraising operations at the local level, expanding the organization's reach and impact.

Position Summary 

The Director of Advancement & Engagement, Washington D.C. is a key leader on the senior leadership team and makes an impact at AJC by planning, overseeing, and developing work with significant impact on the organization's mission and goals. This position may manage a small team. The Director will work with significant latitude to solve moderately complex problems and make strategically important decisions impacting the department.

The incumbent develops and oversees strategies for enhancing development campaigns, initiatives, and events to secure financial resources to support the agency's mission and activities, within the region of Washington D.C. Working with autonomy, this position is responsible for identifying, researching, cultivating, engaging, soliciting, and stewarding existing donors and new prospects, managing fundraising events, and serving as a Development advisor and subject-matter expert. This position is accountable for expanding the scope and impact of development initiatives.

The Director of Advancement & Engagement does all of this while adhering to AJC’s core values: Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Innovation, and Collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Lead the development and execution of the assigned region's/department's strategy, goals, objectives, and action plans.
     
  • Develop, oversee, and facilitate fundraising campaigns, programs, events, and initiatives.
     
  • Identify, research, cultivate, engage, solicit, and steward existing donors and new prospects.
     
  • Collaborate with and manage the work of boards, committees, task forces, or working groups.
     
  • Manage and mentor the Associate Director of Development.
     
  • Leverage resources to help build awareness of and support for the AJC and Development initiatives.
     
  • Oversee and maintain accurate financial records and budgets for development-related programs and events.
     
  • Create reports and analyze department activities, metrics, and impact.
     
  • Advise, and support assigned Departments or Regional Offices with development strategies, activities, initiatives, and processes.
     
  • Develop relationships with and engage strategic contacts, groups, and organizations.
     
  • Design and disseminate reports and marketing resources to cultivate donor interest and secure funding.
     
  • Manage all aspects of development related programs and events.
     
  • Collaborate with Regional Director on all events and programs.
     
  • Direct, motivate, and develop individuals and/or teams.
     
  • Support the regional director and lay leaders in solicitation and stewardship plans for highest level contributors.
     
  • Collaborate in the DC office with national departments and colleagues on programs, meetings and events to engage donors in advocacy.

Qualifications and Expectations 

Education, Training, and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred).
     
  • Minimum of 10 years of related work experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Passion for the mission, goals, and objectives of AJC.
     
  • Committed to AJC’s core values: respect, teamwork, integrity, excellence, and accountability.
     
  • Fundraising experience.
     
  • Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
     
  • Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and listening).
     
  • Strong organization and project management skills, including the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
     
  • Capacity to multitask and work in a fast-paced and changing environment.
     
  • Demonstrates financial literacy and the ability to contribute to the fiscal health of the organization.
     
  • Willing and able to work outside of standard working hours, including early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends.
     
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Google Suite applications, and Zoom.
     
  • Ability to direct, motivate, and develop individuals and/or teams.

Compensation

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $170,000 dependent on relevant experience.

Benefits:

Regular Full-time employee benefits:

  • Medical, vision, and dental plans.
     
  • Flexible Spending Account options.
     
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) - 15 vacation days per year, that increases with continued employment.
     
  • Paid Holidays (many Federal and major Jewish Holidays).
     
  • Hybrid work schedule.
     
  • 403(b) participation, after one year of employment.
     
  • Transit plan.
     
  • Competitive Paid Parental Leave.

*After applicable waiting or probationary periods have been met

AJC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applications & Nominations

AJC, Washington D.C. has partnered with Boyden Executive Search. For more information about this opportunity or to submit a cover letter and resume, please email:

Wendy Wilsker
Managing Partner, Boston
wwilsker@boyden.com
LinkedIn

Wendy Wilsker has dedicated her entire career to the non-profit sector, serving in leadership roles within charitable organizations and working alongside them as an executive recruiter and consultant. She excels at identifying the unique challenges and opportunities non-profits face, and partners with senior leadership to build successful organizational structures, teams and advancement programs.

Holly Wolk
Senior Associate, Boston
LinkedIn
hwolk@boyden.com

Holly Wolk has nearly 25 years of leadership experience in human resources, recruitment, and talent management. As an executive and public speaker, she has brought transformational practices and strategies to various organizations, including renowned institutions within higher education. Clients benefit greatly from her expertise in talent acquisition and alignment with organizational goals.

Don’t check off all the boxes or meet every single requirement? We have learned that potential candidates hesitate when applying for a job unless they meet every single requirement. If this opportunity excites you, but your background may not be a perfect match, we still encourage you to apply.

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