Overview of AJWS

American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is the leading Jewish organization working to fight poverty and pursue justice in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. By supporting hundreds of social change organizations in 18 countries, we respond to the most pressing issues of our time—from disasters, genocide and hunger to the persecution of women and minorities worldwide. With Jewish values and a global reach, AJWS is making a difference in millions of lives and bringing a more just and equitable world closer for all.

Overview of Team

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Board Liaison collaborates closely with the President and CEO, Board Chair and Board Officers to execute their work, and also partners regularly with the Executive Leadership Team.

Position Summary

AJWS seeks a skilled Board Liaison to support the work of the AJWS Board of Trustees. The ideal candidate for this position will have a deep commitment to AJWS's mission, a keen mind, high energy and the ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks carefully and quickly. The individual must be comfortable interacting with the AJWS Board of Trustees, donors and senior-level professionals and must have strong interpersonal skills to manage complex situations with good judgment, discretion and tact. The Board Liaison will be highly collaborative and demonstrate excellent writing, editing and critical-thinking skills, and must take initiative to anticipate problems and innovate creative solutions and know when to elevate a concern and how to do so appropriately. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential.

The Board Liaison will be exposed to all aspects of the AJWS Board and will serve as the key point-person between the board and staff and is responsible for corresponding with board members and planning committee meetings and board meetings. Travel is required for Board meetings, Board events and effective relationship building with the Board of Trustees. The Board Liaison will also support board members in the stewarding of major donors. They will have a unique opportunity to be exposed to AJWS’s overarching vision and mission as well as the work of all the organizational divisions: Marketing and Communications, Development, Finance and Administration, Programs and Strategic Learning Research and Evaluation. This position reports to the Chief of Staff.

Job Description

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

·       General responsibility of management of all pieces of board work including but not limited to:

·       Manage all planning and execution of AJWS board meetings, work with board and staff leadership to prepare board meeting agendas, sessions, all board meeting materials, and all meeting logistics;

·       Manage all meetings and material for all Board Committees, as well as task forces and working groups (such as Programs task forces, etc.)

·       Organize special events for the board, such as meetings, dinners, networking events, trainings, and speaking opportunities in conjunction with divisional teams;

·       Support the board chair and board officers in all aspects of their roles;

·       Support fundraising and relationship management efforts for President & CEO, Executive Vice President and the board including pulling data from Salesforce and coordinating donor meetings as needed;

·       Work with the Executive Office to develop a working relationship between Board and staff that is aligned with leadership’s vision for the organization and for the Board;

·       Collaborate closely with Chief of Staff on all aspects of work related to the board, President and CEO, and additional support as needed.

·       Close partnership with the Executive Leadership Team to ensure shared goals are achieved, including information sharing, preparation for meetings and events, and ongoing relationship management;      

·       Support the board and its members in various projects such as onboarding, informal gatherings and others as needed;

·       Edit and draft written materials to the board and manage seamless coordination of all internal board communication systems;

·       Draft and edit written materials to the board including communications from staff to the board, letters of thanks, speeches and acknowledgements to all trustee members;

·       Transcribe, edit and distribute all board and committee meeting minutes and ensure timely follow up from all board meetings and committee meetings;

·       Schedule meetings with and for board members as needed;

·       Develop and maintain systems to maximize board effectiveness, including managing Diligent (AJWS’s board book software);

·       Coordinate with Communications to maintain letterhead and website bios;

·       Assist in preparation of meetings for the President & CEO and Executive Vice President, coordinating logistics, materials preparation, and any necessary follow up; and

·       Transcribe and draft correspondence with internal and external colleagues.

Required Qualifications:

·       BA/BS or equivalent degree required;

·       4+ years experience providing administrative support in a dynamic, high-energy environment;

·       Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills;

·       High emotional intelligence and a pleasant demeanor with exceptional interpersonal skills;

·       Track record of demonstrating sound judgment by making appropriate decisions and knowing when to take initiative;

·       High level of professionalism with the ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information;

·       Exceptionally organized, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple complex tasks;

·       Flexible work style with the ability to work under tight deadlines and with shifting priorities.

·       Creative and conceptual with an ability to “think outside the box”;

·       Excitement about learning and collaborating with a busy executive office;

·       Proficient in Microsoft Office applications;

·       Ability and willingness to work occasional late evenings and weekend work; and

·       Commitment to AJWS’s mission and issues of global social justice.

Preferred Qualifications:

·       Knowledge of Salesforce cloud-based software.

·       Previous NGO/nonprofit-sector experience preferred.

·       Prior facilitation experience.

·       Commitment to values around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

·       Familiarity with Jewish community in United States.

·       Ability to represent the organization in an outward facing role with Trustees, donors, community members, etc.

Compensation and Benefits Information

·       AJWS is committed to a salary framework that aligns with our culture and values. The compensation range reflected is in alignment with our framework and individual pay decisions will vary based on skills and experience while still allowing for growth.

·       Paid Time Off: 15-22 Federal and religious holidays off each year in addition to generous vacation and sick days;

·       Full health benefits coverage with minimal contribution by employees;

·       403(b): 4% company match (safe harbor);

·       Flexible Spending Account and Commuter Benefits;

·       Workplace flexibility and generous leave policy.

Additional Considerations

Black, Indigenous and People of Color; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Intersex, Trans and Gender non-conforming people; women; and differently abled people are encouraged to apply. We also encourage applications from people of diverse religious, spiritual and cultural backgrounds.

As an organization committed to promoting social justice around the world, it is essential that we incorporate a diverse, equitable and inclusive lens into all aspects of our work at AJWS. We encourage applicants with a global perspective and a commitment to values around diversity, equity, and inclusion to apply.

Authorization to work in the US is required.