Director of Public Affairs

Compensation
We’ll pay you an annual salary of $90,000 to $95,000.

Our great benefits

• We’ll provide a FREE membership to the fitness and aquatics center, and offer you discounts on programs, including personal training.
• We are a learning organization! Our staff have regular opportunities for training and continuing education.
• We offer outstanding medical insurance coverage through Cigna, and we’ll pay over 80% of the premium cost of our base plan on your behalf.
• You will have the option to contribute to our 403(b) with and the opportunity for a company match.
• We provide life and long-term disability insurance, and we pay 100% of the cost for you.
• We will give you lots of paid time off. First-year employees receive: 18 days of paid time off, and more than 15 Jewish and Federal holidays.
• We’ll offer you up to a 50% discount for your kiddos in our amazing early childhood program, as enrollment allows.
• You will have access to our amazing Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• We understand that you need a work/life balance and that you have commitments outside of the workplace, so we’ll do our very best to offer you some flexibility in your work schedule.
• We’ll provide you with the opportunity to make a difference in the Central Texas Jewish community every day.

About the Job
The role of Director of Public Affairs at Shalom Austin encompasses strategic relationship-building, advocacy, and community engagement to advance the interests of the Jewish community. This position serves as the primary liaison between Shalom Austin and key stakeholders, including government officials, religious and secular community leaders, and advocacy groups. Responsibilities include fostering collaborative relationships, setting advocacy priorities, monitoring legislative developments, conducting research, organizing events, and representing the organization at public forums and conferences. The Director of Public Affairs plays a vital role in identifying and implementing advocacy strategies aligned with Shalom Austin’s mission, promoting community engagement, solidarity, and awareness.

You’ll wow us by masterfully performing the following key duties and responsibilities:

• Foster strategic relationships with various groups including religious, business, academic, and policy-making entities.
• Establish effective lines of communication and nurture relationships with elected officials and civic leaders, serving as the primary liaison between Shalom Austin and these key stakeholders.
• Convene and consult with the Shalom Austin Public Affairs Committee, formally known as Community Relations Committee, on establishing priorities aligned with Shalom Austin’s set standards.
• Provide insights and recommendations to inform the organization's advocacy priorities and initiatives.
• Function as a key listening point within the Austin Jewish community, gathering various perspectives from community members.
• Develop and implement advocacy tactics aligned with Shalom Austin’s mission, aimed at advancing Jewish interests across pertinent policy domains.
• Monitor legislative developments that directly or indirectly affect Shalom Austin and the wider community, offering insights and recommendations on relevant policy matters.
• Work with national Jewish organizations and public affairs experts on pertinent issues.
• Conduct in-depth research on topics pertinent to the Jewish community, preparing comprehensive reports for both internal and external dissemination.
• Collaborate with and convene Jewish institutional partners along with broader community partners to address shared concerns and advance common goals. Able to navigate different perspectives in conversations.
• Organize and execute events and initiatives to foster community engagement and solidarity.
• Facilitate internal awareness and education initiatives regarding impact areas.
• Foster cross-organizational collaboration to identify and engage leaders from diverse constituencies within the Jewish community.
• Work closely with both professionals and volunteers to ensure active participation in community relations activities.
• Serve as the organization's representative at conferences and other relevant events in relation to position functions.

Job Requirements
Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree preferred, in a relevant field such as political science, public policy, communications, or Jewish studies.

• 5-7 years of experience with public affairs, government relations, and/or advocacy groups, with proven experience building strong relationships.
• 5-7 years of experience developing and implementing advocacy strategies.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute effective advocacy strategies.
• Experience managing complex projects.
• Understanding of the Austin Jewish community dynamic preferred.
• Understanding of Jewish history, culture, and community issues.
• Knowledge of relevant legislative and regulatory processes.

About Us

• We are Shalom Austin, the hub of Jewish life in Central Texas.
• We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization comprised of the Jewish Community Center (JCC), Jewish Federation, Jewish Family Service (JFS), and the Jewish Foundation.

We are a passionate group of more than 200 staff working on our mission of enhancing the quality of Jewish life in the greater Austin area and around the world through philanthropy, education, social service, culture, spirituality and total wellness.

About You

• You care about UNITY. You recognize the importance of one team that leverages resources, talents and expertise to achieve a common purpose.
• You care about EXCELLENCE. You are committed to continual improvement, and you consistently set new standards for success.
• You care about RESPECT. You nurture your workplace through honesty, sincerity, and responsibility.
• You care about CREATIVITY. You approach both opportunities and obstacles with a spirit of flexibility, thinking critically to achieve innovative solutions.
• You care about INITIATIVE. You are a self-starter, driven to exceed expectations and claim a sense of ownership as you pursue your goals.
• You care about KNOWLEDGE. You engage in continuous learning and actively seek opportunities that provide professional enrichment and personal fulfillment.

How to Apply
You don’t need to call us, just follow the link to apply
We promise we’ll get in touch with you by phone or email.

Please note that successful candidates for this position may be subject to a background check as part of the hiring process. All background checks will be used to assess eligibility for employment. Any discrepancies may result in the withdrawal of the job offer or termination of employment. All information will be handled confidentially and in accordance with applicable laws.

Due to the high volume of applications received, we cannot respond to individual telephone inquiries about whether or not a position has been filled. Only applicants selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted by phone; all other applicants will be notified by email.

Shalom Austin provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion*, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

• Although we are a Jewish organization, we welcome candidates of any or no religious affiliation to apply.

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