About JCRC
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Boston is a dynamic coalition of organizations and leaders that advances the values, interests, and public policy priorities of the organized Jewish community across Greater Boston. Through high-impact advocacy, strategic partnerships, and community engagement, we:
- Strengthen Jewish communal life locally and globally
- Advocate for a safe, secure, Jewish, and democratic State of Israel
- Promote a democratic, pluralistic, and just American society
Position Overview
JCRC seeks a strategic, relationship-driven, and impact-oriented leader to serve as its next Director of Government Affairs. This leadership role is ideal for a seasoned policy professional with deep experience navigating legislative environments and building coalitions to drive meaningful change.
The Director serves as JCRC’s primary strategist and trusted advisor on public policy matters within Massachusetts’ state and municipal arenas. This individual will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s policy agenda, elevating the Jewish community’s voice at the State House, and advancing core priorities through effective advocacy and partnerships.
The Director oversees a comprehensive government affairs portfolio—including legislative strategy, direct lobbying, coalition engagement, civic partnerships, and leadership mobilization—and works closely with senior leadership to ensure that JCRC’s policy efforts reflect community priorities and deliver measurable impact.
Reports To: Chief of Staff
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Organizational Impact
- Serve as a senior strategic advisor to the CEO and executive leadership on public policy, political dynamics, and government affairs priorities.
- Drive a forward-looking, results-oriented advocacy strategy aligned with JCRC’s mission and evolving community needs.
- Ensure effective execution, accountability, and alignment across initiatives.
Legislative Affairs & Policy Advocacy
- Act as JCRC’s primary representative and trusted voice at the Massachusetts State House, cultivating strong, bipartisan relationships with legislators, staff, and agency leaders.
- Lead and execute high-impact lobbying strategies, including direct advocacy, testimony, and policy negotiations.
- Shape and advance a proactive legislative agenda, identifying opportunities and mitigating risks across a complex policy landscape.
- Manage external lobbyists and coordinate multi-layered advocacy campaigns that mobilize stakeholders and amplify impact.
- Oversee development of clear, persuasive policy materials (testimony, briefings, talking points, and analyses) to influence decision-making.
- Ensure disciplined, strategic messaging across all public policy communications.
Coalition Building & External Partnerships
- Represent JCRC in high-level coalitions and cross-sector partnerships, advancing shared policy goals on issues such as combating antisemitism, civil rights, education, immigrant support, and democratic resilience.
- Build and sustain strong, trusted relationships with elected officials, Jewish communal organizations, advocacy groups, and civic leaders statewide.
- Lead initiatives that mobilize community stakeholders, including briefings, advocacy days, and leadership convenings.
- Oversee statewide coordination through the Massachusetts Association of Jewish Federations, aligning advocacy efforts and communications.
Community Engagement & Public Leadership
- Serve as a visible and compelling public ambassador for JCRC across policymaking, civic, and community forums.
- Partner across teams to integrate public policy into broader community relations, organizing, and engagement strategies.
- Equip and inspire community leaders and partners to effectively advance JCRC’s advocacy priorities.
Qualifications
We are seeking a candidate who combines policy expertise, political acumen, and exceptional relationship-building skills, along with a passion for mission-driven work.
- 5-8+ years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public policy, legislative advocacy, or public affairs (Master’s degree preferred).
- Demonstrated track record of successful lobbying, legislative strategy, and policy impact.
- Deep understanding of the Massachusetts political landscape and legislative process, with established networks strongly preferred.
- Proven ability to build coalitions, influence stakeholders, and drive consensus across diverse groups.
- Strong familiarity with Jewish communal institutions, values, and issues of importance (or demonstrated ability to quickly build this expertise).
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex policy into compelling narratives.
- Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and managing external partners.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment requiring strategic judgment, adaptability, and collaboration.
- Willingness to work occasionally evenings and weekends, with regional travel as needed.
An Opportunity to Lead and Shape Change
- This is a rare opportunity to help shape public policy on issues that matter deeply to the Jewish community and to the broader civic life of Massachusetts.
- In this highly visible leadership role, you will work directly with senior policymakers, elected officials, coalition partners, and community leaders to advance meaningful, tangible change.
- You will join a collaborative, mission-driven organization with a strong regional presence, a respected voice, and a long history of civic leadership.
- Most importantly, you will have the chance to build and lead a modern, strategic government relations function at a moment when this work has never been more urgent or more consequential.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary range: $95,000-$110,000, commensurate with experience.
- This job is hybrid: in office Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday required
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plan, generous paid time off, and professional development support.
Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston 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.