Advocacy Communications Officer, American Jewish World Service (AJWS)

Advocacy Communications Officer

American Jewish World Service (AJWS)

Location flexible; must be available between 8-10 a.m. eastern up to 4 times per month, due to collaboration with international partners. – (Part-Time—20 hours/week)

Full job description is here

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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.

Job Summary

The Advocacy Communications Officer (part time-20 hours/week) will be a key member of AJWS’s Communications, Programs and Research teams, serving as the lead writer and editor of publications and other content that communicate AJWS’s advocacy priorities and research in order to influence global advocacy targets and institutional funders, and advance the field of human rights. The Officer’s primary role will be to act as a thought partner to program staff and take program insights and research and translate that into advocacy messages to influence advocacy targets. They will oversee production of content in support of AJWS’s global advocacy strategy to advance adolescent sexual health and rights and address CEFMU (child, early and forced marriage and unions), as well as occasional work on other topics. Products include reports, policy briefs, talking points, op-eds and other outreach materials related to online and in-person advocacy events and conferences, and other pieces to support different modes of engagement with advocacy targets.

The Officer must be an excellent writer and strong analytical thinker skilled at translating complex research and policy language into clear communications for policymakers, funders and other influencers. We are looking for a writer who has a deep understanding of the policy landscape in the human rights field, particularly related to gender equality and the sexual health and rights of adolescents and young people, and experience advancing a grassroots social change agenda.

The Officer will report to the Communications Division, while being embedded in the everyday workings of AJWS’s advocacy and research teams, functioning as an integral thought partner for advancing AJWS’s advocacy goals.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Project Management: In close collaboration with advocacy staff, oversee the development and support dissemination of advocacy communications products for AJWS’s international advocacy portfolio on gender equality, adolescent sexual health and rights and child marriage, with occasional assignments on other topics. Serve as the liaison between AJWS’s Programs and Research divisions and the Communications Division, and ensure that projects are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Policy Writing: Develop advocacy messaging and policy documents based on emerging research and other material that conveys the work and perspective of our grantee partners and other feminist grassroots organizations, which will be used to influence domestic and global advocacy targets.
• Editing: Conduct thorough “developmental edits” of research summaries, policy briefs, and other products drafted by other members of the team and/or coalition partners—shaping the content to ensure that it is clear, flows logically and conveys the message powerfully and effectively. The Officer will also copy edit and proofread materials.
• Event Promotion and Product Development: Create and facilitate the development of event invitations, PowerPoint presentations and other assets for webinars and conferences, working collaboratively with AJWS’s graphic designers, as necessary. On occasion, help prepare AJWS’s international grassroots partners for these speaking events, supporting them to bring their expertise and advocacy messages into global spaces.
• Meeting participation: Attend select internal team meetings and advocacy coalition meetings in order to stay abreast of substantive and strategic thinking and contribute to communications strategies; attend advocacy events.
• Grants management: Periodically edit important grant-related materials, including grant reports/proposals, strategies and updates.
• Social media, networking and email:  Post on social media in relation to specific advocacy moments,  develop and coordinate social media content for AJWS and its advocacy coalition partners, and disseminate advocacy products, event invitations and other material via email, social media and other avenues. Support upkeep of advocacy target contact list.
• Op-eds and thought pieces: Occasionally write or support the production of thought leadership content (op-eds, peer-reviewed articles), in consultation with the Media Director.
• Web content: Maintain the content on the gender equality research section of the AJWS website, collaborating with our web developers to populate the site with updated research products.
• Supervise consultants: As needed, employ and manage freelance editors or consultants to assist with the above activities.
• Facilitate translation and interpretation: Coordinate translation of advocacy products and arrange for interpreters at advocacy events and meetings.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a research or policy writer with a master’s degree or equivalent experience
• Excellent writer and strong analytical thinker adept at and passionate about synthesizing complex quantitative and qualitative research and other technical writing into materials that are clear and easy to understand. Respect for grassroots-generated qualitative data and knowledge is a must.
• Experience communicating with expert/technical audiences, policymakers and institutional funders in the human rights field, ideally including experience working at a feminist INGO and/or policy advocacy organization, and familiarity with international human rights foundations and the UN system
• Experience centering marginalized people in analysis and communication of research and public policy
• Strong organizational, project management and time-management skills, including attention to detail
• Team player with excellent interpersonal, presentation and communication skills
• Ability to be the “last eyes” on a product; meticulous editor and proofreader.
• A passion for human rights and social justice

Other skills that are desirable but not required:

• Background specifically in gender advocacy
• Understanding of and affinity for AJWS’s feminist approach to advancing gender equality and ending child, early and forced marriage and unions
• Visual media skills, such as graphic design
• International work experience
• Knowledge of French, Spanish or Hindi

Compensation and benefits information:

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and the market;
• Paid Time Off: 15-21 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 U.S. is required.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted with the following to be considered:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Two samples of writing that reflect your experience communicating with expert/technical audiences, policymakers and/or institutional funders in the human rights field.