Director of Defense Policy

The Director of Defense Policy will serve as AIPAC’s primary lobbyist on matters related to the U.S.-Israel defense relationship. The individual will oversee AIPAC’s work on annual Defense appropriations legislation and the National Defense Authorization Act. The individual will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships on Capitol Hill and with the broader defense policy community, including Pentagon officials and the defense industry. Significant prior experience on Capitol Hill or in the executive branch is strongly preferred. The position will report to the Director of Policy and Government Affairs.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify, craft, execute and oversee policy campaigns to strengthen the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship with a focus on cooperative defense programs.
• Oversee AIPAC’s work on the Defense appropriations bill and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for House and Senate Armed Services Committees and Defense Appropriations Subcommittees.
• Build and maintain relationships with members of Congress, congressional staff, and other policy professionals in Washington, D.C., to support and promote AIPAC’s comprehensive legislative agenda.
• Represent the AIPAC PAC at political events as required.
• Draft written materials for use with internal and external audiences to support AIPAC's policy agenda.
• Public speaking as required
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum twelve (12) years of policy, government relations, military, advocacy, or other relevant experience; Capitol Hill experience is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of U.S.-Israel cooperative defense programs preferred.
• Experience developing and implementing legislative campaigns and advocating policy positions to internal and external audiences.
• Passion for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.
• Strong analytic and communications skills, articulate complex concepts concisely and compellingly.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced, team environment with tight deadlines; and
• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience.

AIPAC offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package contributing to employees' total compensation package. We currently work remotely two days a week and in our offices the other three. AIPAC is an equal opportunity employer.

Posting Instructions

• Please provide a cover letter with a resume to be considered. Incomplete applications with missing documentation will not be considered.
• If applying for more than one position, please use the 'Attachment' function to attach a position-specific cover letter.
• Please use your legal names when completing the employment application (No nicknames).