Director, Government Relations & Strategic Initiatives

Director, Government Relations & Strategic Initiatives

Met Council is America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy. We fight poverty through comprehensive social services and by treating each client with compassion, integrity, and respect. Our programs are staffed by experts who help over 325,000 clients each year and advocate on behalf of all needy New Yorkers. Our services include 100% affordable housing at 21 locations, family violence services, Holocaust survivor assistance, geriatric social work, crisis intervention, and the largest free kosher food distribution program in the world.

Our network of 101 food pantries, affordable housing sites, and JCCs provide services directly in neighborhoods across New York City.

Position Summary:

The Director of Government Relations & Strategic Initiatives is a senior leader charged with advancing Met Council’s mission through high-impact advocacy, policy development, and special projects. The role blends classic government-relations functions—legislative monitoring, relationship-building, and lobbying—with cross-functional initiative management, persuasive communications, and grassroots/donor mobilization. The Director serves as the organization’s primary liaison to city, state, and federal officials while orchestrating multi-stakeholder campaigns that secure public resources, shape policy, and amplify Met Council’s impact on poverty and the Jewish community.

• Proven track record of building coalitions, securing public funding, and moving legislation or budget priorities from concept to adoption.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex projects, and meet ambitious deadlines.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; comfortable drafting briefs, speeches, op-eds, and digital content for diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and negotiating skills; facility with data-driven decision-making and performance metrics.
• Commitment to Met Council’s mission of fighting poverty and strengthening the Jewish community.

Skill and

Education:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, or related field (Master’s/JD a plus).
• Experience:
  
  7+ years in government relations, public-policy advocacy, or strategic-initiative management, including direct experience lobbying or staffing elected officials.
• Existing network of relationships in New York City and State government.
• Familiarity with human-services funding streams and compliance requirements.
• Media-savvy.
• Bilingual or proficiency in Hebrew, Russian, Chinese or Spanish a plus.
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial, and comfortable operating in a fast-moving environment with multiple stakeholders.

Compensation: $105,000 - $120,000 per year.

Benefits: Major medical, dental, vision and life insurance; pre-tax commuter benefits; FSA; 403(b) with employer contribution; plus generous vacation, sick leave and holidays.