California Education Policy Director

About AJC

American Jewish Committee (AJC) is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. We create trusted partnerships with leaders around the world to ensure Jews and Israel are safe and thriving.

With an unparalleled reach spanning six continents, AJC engages leaders in more than 110 countries through 40 offices and dozens of partnerships with Jewish communities worldwide. Wherever the Jewish people and Israel need us, AJC is there—empowering leaders in government, education, partner communities, and the private sector to counter antisemitism and act as allies.

The challenges we face are global. AJC is leading the global response. Join us.

AJC's Regional Offices connect the local communities with AJC’s global advocacy work to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel. We maintain the agency's nationwide presence by attracting leaders and donors to AJC, enhancing the organization’s influence with key local, national, and international decision makers and stakeholders, implementing advocacy initiatives at the state and local level, and establishing and nurturing community relationships.

The California Education Policy Director will work with the California regional offices on the development and implementation of strategic education policy and legislative/governmental advocacy initiatives to prevent and address antisemitism and anti-Zionism in educational spaces. The role works in close coordination with the Center for Education Advocacy’s Director of Education Policy and the Directors of the San Diego, Los Angeles, and Northern California Regional offices.

• Advance legislative advocacy strategy regarding antisemitism and education policy at the local and state levels in partnership with AJC’s Center for Education Advocacy and Department of Policy and Political Affairs
• Provide expert guidance to California regional staff on education-related legislative advocacy strategy, including on curricular issues such as Ethnic Studies implementation
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government officials and policy experts in the education sector
• Collaborate with the communications team to develop messaging and public-facing materials
• Oversee related research projects with internal and external stakeholders to inform AJC’s work and measure its impact
• Represent AJC to relevant internal and external constituencies

• Bachelor's degree (Master's or Law degree preferred)
• 10+ years experience in education policy, public policy, or related education field

• Commitment to AJC's core values:
  Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, and Accountability
• Passion for the mission, goals, and objectives of AJC
• Robust understanding of the various stakeholders, laws, and systems in the education sphere at a local, state, and federal level with particular knowledge of California
• Legislative or Public Policy expertise related to education
• Track record of successfully executing legislative or public policy advocacy initiatives
• Deep understanding of issues related to antisemitism, inclusion, and education policy
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships
• Ability to travel to San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento as needed

• Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute a contract between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

The salary for this position is $125,000 to $145,000 depending on relevant experience and location.

• Medical, vision, and dental plans
• Flexible Spending Account options
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) - 15 vacation days per year, that increases with continued employment
• Paid Holidays (many Federal and major Jewish Holidays)
• 403(b) participation, after one year of employment

* After applicable waiting or probationary periods have been met

San Diego, CA (preferred), may be based in Los Angeles or Northern CA (San Francisco) office