Program Director, Center for Judaism, Israel, and Public Policy

Nonprofit HR•Washington, DC

3d•$150,000 - $165,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Shalom Hartman Institute is a leading research and educational center serving Israel and world Jewry. The Center for Judaism, Israel, and Public Policy advances the Institute’s mission within the Washington ecosystem by engaging policymakers, thought leaders, and influencers on pressing issues facing Jewish life, Israel, and American democracy. Through various initiatives, the Center integrates Jewish ethical and moral frameworks into public policy conversations to deepen discourse, bridge divides, and strengthen Jewish life. The Program Director will be instrumental in shaping and executing the Center’s programmatic work in Washington, DC. This role, reporting to the Vice President, Educational Initiatives, is responsible for designing and implementing high-quality programs, cultivating key relationships, and ensuring the Center's work is impactful and aligned with the Institute's mission. The Program Director will collaborate with senior leadership and faculty to translate the Center’s vision into educational experiences for policymakers, influencers, and communal leaders. This is an externally facing role requiring strong relationship-building skills, sound judgment, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.

Requirements

12+ years of relevant professional experience in program management, public policy, Jewish communal work, or a related field.
Familiarity with the Washington, DC policy landscape and key stakeholder communities.
Demonstrated experience designing and executing complex programs or initiatives.
Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
Excellent organizational and project management skills, with strong attention to detail.
Ability to think strategically while also executing effectively.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Intellectual curiosity and openness to engaging deeply with Jewish thought and the Institute’s educational approach.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
Flexibility, sound judgment, and the ability to manage shifting priorities.
Willingness to travel domestically and to Israel as needed.
BA/BS or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Design, plan, and execute a robust portfolio of programs, including seminars, briefings, fellowships, and convenings.
Translate strategic priorities into actionable program plans, timelines, and deliverables.
Ensure high-quality execution of all programs, with attention to participant experience, content, and logistics.
Evaluate program effectiveness and iterate to strengthen impact over time.
Partner with faculty and senior colleagues to develop thoughtful, relevant, and engaging program content.
Help shape curricula that bring Jewish ethical perspectives into contemporary policy conversations.
Prepare materials, briefings, and session structures tailored to diverse audiences.
Build and sustain relationships with program participants, advisors, and key stakeholders in the Washington policy and Jewish communal landscape.
Identify and engage prospective participants and partners aligned with the Center’s mission.
Serve as a representative of the Center in meetings, programs, and external engagements.
Work closely with colleagues across North America and Israel to align programmatic work with broader organizational priorities.
Coordinate with development staff on donor engagement related to programs.
Collaborate across teams to ensure consistency in messaging, strategy, and execution.
Oversee program logistics, including scheduling, communications, and coordination with internal and external partners.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
Support administrative processes related to program delivery and reporting.