Who We Are
Teach Coalition, a project of the Orthodox Union, is the leading advocacy network securing equitable funding, resources, and security for Jewish day schools and yeshivas. With a presence in multiple states and a proven track record of impact, Teach Coalition works at the intersection of policy, education, and community to strengthen Jewish education for generations to come.
The Orthodox Union (OU) is one of the largest Orthodox Jewish organizations in the United States. Founded in 1898, the OU supports a network of synagogues, youth programs, Jewish and Religious Zionist advocacy programs, programs for the disabled, localized religious study programs, and international units. The OU maintains a kosher certification service, whose circled U symbol, ?, is found on the labels of many kosher commercial and consumer food products.
Position Overview
The Political Director will oversee and drive the political and government affairs strategy for Teach NYS, building relationships with elected officials, policymakers, interfaith partners, and community leaders to advance our mission. This role is responsible for ensuring both states’ advocacy priorities are met by developing strong political partnerships, managing lobbying efforts, and coordinating with coalition partners across faith communities.
The Political Director will also work closely with grassroots leaders, lay activists, and professional staff to maximize political engagement, strengthen the coalition’s influence, and deliver tangible results for Jewish day schools, yeshivas, and all nonpublic schools.
Key Responsibilities
Political Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and execute political strategies for Teach NYS in coordination with state director, Policy Director and the National Director.
- Monitor legislative developments and identify opportunities to advance Teach NYS’s policy agenda.
- Provide political analysis, recommendations, and strategic counsel to senior leadership.
Government Relations & Advocacy
- Build and maintain strong relationships with state and local legislators, governor’s office, executive agencies, and local officials in both states.
- Represent Teach NYS in meetings, hearings, and coalition forums.
- Lead lobbying efforts on education funding, security, and federal tax credit priorities.
Community, Grassroots & Interfaith Engagement
- Partner with grassroots organizers to mobilize activists and community leaders in support of legislative priorities.
- Build and strengthen interfaith coalitions to demonstrate broad-based support for policy goals.
- Coordinate political engagement events, advocacy days, and campaign activities across NYS.
- Support lay leadership in building political and interfaith relationships.
Cross-State Coordination
- Ensure alignment of political strategy between NYS and other states.
- Share best practices, resources, and messaging across both states to strengthen impact.
- Collaborate with national staff to integrate state-level work into Teach Coalition’s broader political and advocacy strategy.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in public policy, law, or related field preferred.
- Minimum 5–7 years of experience in government relations or advocacy leadership.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities across two states in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong understanding of New York political landscapes.
- Proven track record of building relationships with elected officials and advancing legislative priorities.
- Experience in coalition building across communities and faith traditions.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to Teach Coalition’s mission and values.
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience working in state government or political movements in NY.
- Familiarity with the Jewish community and day school/yeshiva sector.
- Experience managing cross-functional teams and collaborating across regions.
- Demonstrated success in interfaith or multi-community coalition leadership.
- Ability to develop long-term strategies while delivering short-term wins.