Executive Director, Center for Judaism and Public Policy

Executive Director, Center for Judaism and Public Policy

Mission and Philosophy

The Shalom Hartman Institute is a leading research and educational center serving Israel and world Jewry. We work to enrich the moral and spiritual life of Israel and the Jewish people, deepen the commitment to pluralism and Israel’s Jewish and democratic character, and rebuild the covenant between Israel and the Jewish world.

Through our community of outstanding scholars and educators, the Institute develops innovative responses to the challenges of our time, cultivates a new generation of leaders and change agents, and builds transformational educational projects that help inspire a better Judaism and a better Israel for the 21st century.

Position

The Shalom Hartman Institute is seeking an accomplished professional to launch and lead a new center, based in Washington, DC, that will convene and educate policymakers, political influencers, and opinion leaders on major issues facing Jewish life. The Executive Director will partner with senior Hartman leadership and scholars to formulate a strategy, build relationships, and lead educational activities inside the Beltway. These activities will include public conferences and convenings, private study sessions and gatherings, the formation of research groups and seminars, and publications. The Executive Director will report to the Institute’s senior leadership in New York and will work closely with senior colleagues across the organization and in Israel.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategy, development, and execution of educational initiatives aimed at key stakeholders in Washington, DC.
• Develop thought-provoking content for seminars, briefings, and ad hoc study sessions with political and policy leaders, government officials, and Jewish advocacy groups.
• Collaborate with senior scholars from the Shalom Hartman Institute to design and deliver educational programs that reflect the Institute’s ideological vision.
• Establish a long-term educational strategy for influencing policy and public opinion on essential issues facing Jewish and American life.
• Represent the Institute in high-level conversations with key influencers and ensure that the Institute’s perspective is heard and respected in the policy discourse.
• Lead a team to execute this vision, including administrative support and faculty.

Qualifications:

• Proven track record in movement and relationship-building, and strategic partnership development, particularly in a political or communal leadership context.
• Familiarity with the Washington, DC policy landscape and Jewish networks in Washington.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, build trust, and foster collaboration.
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills.
• Strong facilitation experience.
• Strong mission-alignment and understanding of or ability to learn SHI NA’s educational content, key questions, and unique approach.
• Deep knowledge of the Jewish communal landscape and institutions, relationships with local thought-leaders.
• Experience with conceiving of and developing educational programs.
• Proven ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-energy environment.
• Track record of demonstrating sound judgment by making appropriate decisions and knowing when to take initiative in identifying problems and devising solutions.
• Capable of working independently as well as collaboratively.
• Flexible work style with the ability to work under tight deadlines and with shifting priorities.
• Inquisitiveness and an openness to learning, including new software and technologies.
• Ability to travel to Israel and nationally as needed.
• Good sense of humor.

Salary and Benefits: Salary range $200,000 - $225,000, commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package.

To apply

Please send a resume and cover letter in one document below. The cover letter should include descriptions of positions with relevant experience, and demonstration of successful expertise in the core demands of the position. No phone calls please.

We thank you for your interest in career opportunities with The Shalom Hartman Institute of North America. Due to anticipated high volume, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Candidates who will be interviewed can expect a response within 2-3 weeks.

The Shalom Hartman Institute of North America is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.