Executive Director, National Association of Jewish Legislators - JFNA

The Jewish Federations of North America, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Association of Jewish Legislators (NAJL), part of The Jewish Federations of North America, Inc., seeks an Executive Director to guide NAJL through its next growth phase. Located in Washington, DC (preferred), the role reports to NAJL Board Chair and JFNA CEO, and focuses on strengthening relationships with Jewish state legislators, expanding programming, and increasing national visibility.

Key duties include strategic leadership, fundraising, program development, and stakeholder

Qualifications

• Fundraising and donor cultivation experience.
• Strategic partnerships development.
• Leadership and nonprofit governance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Experience working with legislators or legislative organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead NAJL's strategic plan and long-term growth.
• Oversee programs, events, and international missions.
• Expand member engagement and fundraising goals.
• Collaborate with the Board and JFNA leadership.
• Represent NAJL publicly and build partnerships.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor cultivation

Strategic partnerships

Leadership

Communication skills

Travel

Relationship building

Nonprofit governance

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

Job description

Title: National Association of Jewish Legislators (“NAJL”) Executive Director

Status: Full-Time

Reports To: NAJL Board Chair and CEO of Jewish Federations of North America

Location: Washington, DC preferred

About JFNA:

The Jewish Federations of North America (“JFNA”) consist of 141 Jewish Federations and dozens of Network communities which collectively raise and distribute more than $3 billion annually to support flourishing Jewish life and the needs of the Jewish people in their home communities and around the world. The Jewish Federation system, among the top 10 charities on the continent, leads the largest network of volunteer and professional leaders who build and sustain Jewish communities that are healthy, safe, caring, welcoming and inclusive, educated and engaged, involved in the broader community, and deeply connected to Israel and the global Jewish people.

About The National Association of Jewish Legislators (“NAJL”)

NAJL is the nonpartisan professional organization of Jewish state legislators from across the United States. NAJL strengthens relationships among Jewish elected officials, promotes leadership development, advances educational programming, combats antisemitism, fosters engagement with Jewish communities, supports democratic values, and serves as the leading forum for collaboration, learning, and leadership among Jewish state legislators.

Position Overview

NAJL seeks a dynamic, visionary, and relationship-driven Executive Director to lead the organization through its next phase of growth, influence, and impact. Working closely with the Board of Directors and Leadership Council, the Executive Director will strengthen NAJL’s position as the leading nonpartisan organization representing Jewish state legislators while expanding legislator relationships, fundraising, strategic partnerships, and programming. The Executive Director of NAJL is part of the professional team of the Jewish Federations of North America and will report jointly to the Chair of the Board of Directors of NAJL and the CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership

• Work with the Board of Directors to develop and implement NAJL’s strategic plan and long-term vision.
• Establish annual organizational priorities, goals, and key performance indicators.
• Develop and execute strategies that position NAJL for long-term organizational growth, increased national visibility, and deeper member engagement.
• Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan with measurable revenue goals.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to achieve fundraising goals.
• Create fundraising materials, including grant proposals and donor stewardship communications.
• Develop and implement strategies to recruit and involve Jewish legislators.
• Strengthen engagement among legislators while cultivating meaningful relationships with alumni and former legislators.
• Foster meaningful relationships with legislators through regular outreach, communications, and engagement.
• Support leadership development within the organization and cultivate future leaders.
• Expand legislator participation in NAJL programs, committees, and leadership opportunities.

Programs & Events

Lead the planning and execution of NAJL programming, including but not limited to

• Annual meetings, conferences and national convenings
• Leadership retreats
• International missions, including Israel
• Programs held in conjunction with organizations such as the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Council of State Governments (CSG), and other partners

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience as a state legislator, legislative staff member, or elected official
• Experience working with elected officials or legislative organizations.
• Leadership experience in a nonprofit association, governmental, legislative advocacy or public policy organization or corporate public affairs team.
• Proven success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and strategic partnership development.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally, including Israel missions.
• Knowledge of Jewish community and its communal organizations
• Experience organizing conferences, leadership programs, or international delegations.
• Familiarity with nonprofit governance and association management.

Core Competencies

• Proven commitment to the Jewish Community
• Visionary and strategic leader
• Exceptional relationship builder