Senior Director, Public Affairs and Special Initiatives

POSITION TITLE: Senior Director, Public Affairs and Special Initiatives

REPORTS TO: SVP, National Affairs

SUPERVISION: Possibility for Direct Reports

LOCATION: New York City or Washington, D.C.

Grade/Class: Grade I, Exempt, PSA Eligible

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: 

ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all.

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The Senior Director, Public Affairs and Special Initiatives (Senior Director) is responsible for advancing ADL’s government priorities through high-impact advocacy campaigns and projects. This role blends strategic coordination for cross-functional government and issue campaigning, and persuasive public affairs and communications. The Senior Director serves as ADL’s primary local government liaison and leads multi-stakeholder campaigns that shape policy, strengthen accountability, and counter antisemitism, including its contemporary expressions (e.g., anti-Zionism within political movements). The scope includes leading proactive responses to government and policy dynamics and countering antisemitism within movements.

Primary:

• Lead priority and special issue campaigns, including key municipal engagements, strategic political engagement, and outreach and advocacy before movements;
• Design and drive multi-stakeholder campaigns that influence policy and counter antisemitism. Develop persuasive policy strategies, campaigns, tactics, and narratives;
• Orchestrate cross-functional efforts with the communications team, the Center on Extremism, Rating and Assessments Institute, Legal, Law Enforcement, divisional and regional teams, and other colleagues at ADL;
• Ensure special government initiatives are integrated across departments and reflected in programming, research, and education;
• Establish rapid-response, cross-departmental engagement, and sustained campaigns to political incidents and developments.

Secondary:

• Partner with Development to identify and support donor engagement opportunities tied to local initiatives;
• Collaborate with Leadership on program themes, speakers, and content for ADL’s Summit and key events.

This job description provides a general overview of the role and its key responsibilities. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, and ADL reserves the right to assign additional tasks as needed.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of political parties, political organizing, and campaign operations.
• Media-savvy; experience developing narratives, engaging press, and managing public messaging preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication; strong public speaking and persuasive writing;
• Deep alignment with ADL’s mission; strong grasp of antisemitism, extremism, and civil rights frameworks;
• Strategic planner who can build and execute work plans with minimal supervision;
• Creative, entrepreneurial problem-solver with a bias for action and urgency;
• Decisive, results-oriented; comfortable making tough calls under time pressure;
• High tolerance for ambiguity.

Attributes: 

• Committed to contributing to a culture where everyone thrives;
• Collaborative team-player;
• Creative and innovative; takes initiative; 
• Results-oriented – a problem solver (versus a problem identifier);
• Excels in dynamic environments that require adaptability;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously;
• Energized by ADL’s mission and work.

Work Experience:

• Significant experience in political campaigns, government relations, or municipal governance (large municipal experience a plus) with demonstrable success in public-policy advocacy and strategic-initiative leadership, including direct lobbying or senior service on an elected official’s staff.
• Track record leading cross-functional teams and delivering complex projects on ambitious deadlines.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required, or equivalent work experience; advanced degree in public policy, law, political science, or related field preferred.

Work Environment: 

• ADL is a hybrid environment; this role may require 3 days in the office.

Compensation: 

• This position has a salary range of $160,000 to $175,000. This salary range is reflective of a position based in New York, New York. Please note that actual salaries are commensurate with experience and reflect the budget for a given position, and since ADL has a location-based compensation structure, there may be a different range for candidates in other locations. For an overview of our total rewards package, please visit https://www.adl.org/about/careers.

ADL aims to create a working environment where every employee can thrive professionally.  Our mission-driven work is best accomplished in an environment that supports belonging. ADL values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages people of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply. ADL is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, promotions and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment shall be maintained in a manner which does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or military status, or in violation of any applicable Federal, state or local laws.    

ADL will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation to support the interview process, please contact the People & Culture department at talentacquisition@adl.org.    

ADL will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable State, Local, and Federal laws. 

The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job, nor is it to be interpreted as a contract for employment.