Political Director

The American Committee for Middle East Rights (ACMER) is seeking a Political Director to lead the organization’s political activities as it works to advance a human rights-centered U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East. Qualified candidates will have a strong background in U.S. electoral campaigns and politics and experience managing teams in fast-paced political settings.

About ACMER: The American Committee for Middle East Rights (ACMER) is a 501(c)(4) organization established in 2022 to advance a human rights-centered U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East. ACMER believes that the American values of human rights must be a central pillar in U.S. policy toward the MENA region, and aims to be the political machine supporting human rights policy and advocacy communities working on U.S. MENA policy.

Based in Washington, D.C., and with extensive outreach and engagement with communities of interested and concerned Americans across the United States, ACMER is proactively positioned to engage in political advocacy, educational and leadership initiatives, independent expenditures, and cultivating strategic partnerships. ACMER’s goal is to transform U.S. policy and establish a strong power base that supports bipartisan, human rights-centered U.S. policy toward the Middle East and North Africa.

ACMER aims to guide and align policymakers’ values and their political incentives by serving as a vehicle to advance policies toward the Middle East and North Africa centered on human rights. Our model combines grassroots organizing, data‑driven campaigning and political activity, and high‑level policy engagement to shift the Overton window in Washington. In this tumultuous and rapidly evolving period for U.S. foreign policy, ACMER represents a new opportunity for present-day impact while also shaping the future of U.S. policy toward the Middle East and human rights.

To achieve this transformation of U.S. politics and policy toward the Middle East, ACMER’s programs and activities work to:

• Increase and mainstream discussion by U.S. elected officials of human rights objectives in the Middle East and relevant U.S. policy issues;
• Organize, empower, and support diaspora and other stakeholder community leaders, members, and allies to increase their participation in the political process and engage policymakers on U.S. policy toward the Middle East, including through communications and outreach, regular events held across the United States, and a membership program of interested stakeholders;
• Build, place, and support a talent pipeline of likeminded policy professionals and future policy leaders;
• Develop and nurture communities across the United States of influential stakeholders focused on human rights in the Middle East; and
• Participate in political engagements through foreign policy discussions, independent polling and research, and additional activities.

Key Responsibilities: The Political Director will be responsible for leading ACMER’s political workstreams, reporting to the Executive Director and overseeing a team of political analysts. The Political Director will:

• Serve as ACMER’s key political strategist, providing strategic guidance to the Executive Director and other ACMER colleagues and ensuring ACMER’s political strategies and activities align with the organization’s overall mission and strategy;
• Develop, articulate, and oversee implementation of ACMER’s political, grassroots, and electoral strategies, by building influence and advocating for the organization’s policy positions;
• Set strategic priorities for and oversee implementation of candidate endorsements and other political activities;
• Plan and oversee execution of grassroots events, conferences, workshops, public panels, and other organizing events;
• Lead efforts to educate elected officials and candidates on issues related to human rights in the MENA region, developing and executing comprehensive strategies for engagement;
• Manage an agile, high-performing, growing team of political analysts, ensuring comprehensive analysis, tracking, and organization of ACMER’s political activities, strategies, and implementation;
• Support reporting about ACMER’s activities and impact for stakeholder communities, funders, and other key actors; and
• Build deep relationships with elected officials and candidates of both parties as well as key policymakers and staff.

Qualifications: ACMER is seeking a Political Director who combines skill and knowledge about impactful engagement in U.S. electoral politics, with experience in political campaigns and advocacy. The Political Director must be a trusted, well-connected political operator with the sharpest analytic mind, the ability to formulate political strategies and translate them into impact, strong networks and relationships, and an effective communicator and advocate who is inspired by, not intimidated by, the steep challenge of ACMER’s mission. A successful candidate for the Political Director role will possess:

• A deep interest in, passion for, and experience working on U.S. foreign policy, especially Middle East and human rights policy;
• 8+ years experience leading or managing political campaigns, election-related activities, and/or political organizing;
• 5+ years experience leading and managing teams, especially in political, campaign, or organizing settings;
• Top-notch skills at political and electoral analysis, communications, and coordination;
• A strong network of relationships in key political circles, in Washington and ideally in other U.S. communities;
• A proactive self-starter capable of taking initiative and thriving in a startup environment, and comfortable with a fast-paced tempo, multiple simultaneous active projects, complex political challenges, and short deadlines;
• A track record of community outreach and engagement with external stakeholders including grassroots organizing or political fundraising; and
• Persuasive communications skills and experience engaging new and legacy media, influencers, and other key political players.

Salary and Benefits: The anticipated annual salary for this position is between $125,000 - $145,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, although there may be salary flexibility for exceptionally qualified candidates. Non-salary benefits include generous paid vacation and sick leave, health and dental insurance, retirement options, and a technology allowance.

To apply: Please submit a CV as well as a cover letter that demonstrates how you meet the above-listed qualifications, drawing particular attention to experience working in or with Congressional campaigns and experience engaging and activating communities and other stakeholders.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $125,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person