Director of Advocacy & Political Affairs

Reports To: Chief Campaigns Officer

Location: Washington, DC

Classifications: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $115,000 - $130,000

Projected Start: April 1, 2025

About the Position

The Director of Advocacy & Political Affairs represents Bend the Arc to decision-makers in Washington, DC, including members of Congress and their staff, Administration officials, and state and national coalitions. This person brings their wealth of political and electoral knowledge and relationships, and their prowess in understanding and navigating antisemitism and anti-Black racism to develop and implement the federal, state, and local advocacy strategies that are part of Bend the Arc’s national campaigns, the Political Action Committee as well as coalition campaigns and advocacy priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervises Assistant Director of Advocacy & Political Affairs, and collaborates with the Advocacy & Political Affairs Strategist (consultant) and stewards the design, implementation and compliance parameters of the organizational electoral work at the leadership level, including oversight of the Bend the Arc Jewish Action PAC
• Represents the organization on Capitol Hill and to other government officials, at political events, and public events to help build our power and influence among elected decision-makers
• Serves in organizational leadership, including as a co-lead of the Campaign Team and on other organization-wide leadership bodies as needed, to inform and support the overall strategic direction of the organization
• Builds and drives advocacy and lobbying strategy and partnerships, in collaboration with Advocacy & Political Affairs Strategist and Campaign Team
• Tracks how key issues are playing out in Washington, politically, and in the media, keeps the rest of the staff abreast of developments, and, in collaboration with Advocacy & Political Affairs Strategist and Assistant Director of Advocacy & Political Affairs recommends, and helps design and implement strategic projects and interventions that support our goals
• Oversees the development and supports the implementation of advocacy training and education efforts among Bend the Arc stakeholders (i.e., our leaders, broader base, Board, staff and partners)
• Represents the organization in coalition spaces related to our policy issues and within the Jewish ecosystem, incorporates our goals and plans, and supports the growth and strengthening of our analysis, relationships and active partnerships within those arenas
• Speaks publicly on behalf of the organization, including to the press, and works within the Campaign and with Communications staff to develop and implement an effective advocacy communications strategy to inform and shape our public voice
• Contributes to organizational and PAC fundraising by engaging with donors and supporting foundation relations, as needed

Required Skills and Qualifications

Position Specific:

• 8-10+ years in the fields of politics, advocacy, and/or government, including lobbying and/or Capitol Hill experience and/or other relevant government experience and knowledge of the political ecosystem in Washington
• Familiarity with the Jewish organizational ecosystem and the political and cultural terrain regarding antisemitism
• Understanding of political dynamics around antisemitism as well as the political usage of accusations of antisemitism, experience with policy considerations around legislation that aims to counter antisemitism
• Experience with coalition work, particularly issues-based and progressive coalitions, and exemplary relationship builder, knowledge of public policy on immigration, community safety, and other progressive policy issues is a plus
• Exemplary verbal and written communicator, including being an excellent public speaker; fluency with the press including experience in speaking on the record to journalists
• Strong and experienced manager, with experience supporting the growth and development of direct reports through clear communication of expectations, frequent, timely, and actionable feedback, and building of trusting relationships grounded in an understanding of power. Thrives in collaborative work environments and is also able to work independently
• Organized and detail-oriented

Staff Wide:

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to justice and equity and grounding in pro-Black values and practices; familiarity and alignment with Bend the Arc’s mission and vision
• Developed racial equity praxis (analysis and skill) that can be applied to day to day work
• Resilience and self-awareness to navigate power, responsibility, and experience mindfully
• Values and is open to giving and receiving feedback
• Communicates effectively, honestly, and considerately
• Works collaboratively and considerately with colleagues, within and across teams, to achieve goals and objectives
• Completes administrative responsibilities in a timely manner

About Bend the Arc

Bend the Arc is building a multiracial, multiethnic, intergenerational movement of Jews and allies across the country who are rising up to build an American future free from white supremacy, antisemitism, and racism. We’re investing in systems that keep our communities safe and divesting from systems that uphold white supremacy. We organize, advocate, tell stories, and develop the leaders that we need to finally build a true multiracial democracy in America. And we’re fighting for the joyful future we deserve: one where Black liberation is realized and where all of us — within and beyond our Jewish community — are safe and thriving.

The Bend the Arc family of organizations consists of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, our 501(c)(4) organizing and advocacy arm; Bend the Arc Jewish Action PAC, the first and only Jewish PAC to advocate exclusively for progressive policies in the U.S.; and Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice, our 501(c)(3) education and leadership arm. We are proud to be a Union shop and have recently finalized a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Headquartered in New York City, we have remote staff nationwide with clusters in Los Angeles and Washington DC, along with a network of staffed chapters, volunteer-led local groups, and affiliates organizing across the country.

Compensation, Benefits, and Work Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt position. The work schedule will include some evenings and weekends when needed. The annual salary range is $115,000-$130,000 commensurate with experience. Statistics show that women and candidates from marginalized identities are less likely to negotiate salary and benefits, so to maintain equity, Bend the Arc has moved away from the culture of negotiation. When we make an offer, we offer the highest salary within the salary range that we assess matches the individual’s qualifications and fit for the role.

Our employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package:

• Medical, dental and vision benefits effective your first day (100% of employee coverage paid by employer, 80% of dependent/family);
• Flexible scheduling policy and generous paid time off for full-time employees including 20 Vacation days, 24 Sick and Safe days, 2 Floating Holidays, 32 office closures, 14 paid weeks for Parental Leave, 12 paid weeks for Family, Medical and Emergency Leave, and 12 paid weeks for Sabbatical after 7 years of employment;
• Monthly utilities stipend: $50 per month towards wifi, cell phone, electricity;
• Funding for professional development and home office equipment;
• 401(k) eligibility on first day; 2% employer contribution after one year;
• FSA, HSA, DCFSA, and Adoption Assistance;
• Life Insurance, Long Term and Short Term Disability benefits fully paid for by Bend the Arc;
• Voluntary Accident and Injury Insurance;
• Employee Assistance Program provides access to resources, counseling, and discounted programs to support your mental, physical, and financial wellbeing;
• Commuter Benefits: option to allocate pre-tax income for public transit/parking.

Working Conditions

Bend the Arc is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and interview process and to perform essential job functions. Please advise in writing of any needs at the time of application by emailing hr@bendthearc.us.

Must be able to operate a computer, video platforms, and other office machinery throughout working hours. Must be able to identify, discern, and communicate across different platforms (chat, email, phone, and video conferencing), and collect and analyze information in databases and spreadsheets. Must occasionally travel by air and ground transportation and move about to attend conferences, events, and an annual staff retreat in accordance with organizational guidelines on travel due to COVID. Any work related travel would be paid for by Bend the Arc.