Assistant Director for Economic and Business Diplomacy, Center for New Middle East (CNME) Washington

Your Impact

The Assistant Director for Economic and Business Diplomacy supports the AJC Center for a New Middle East's (CNME) economic and business diplomacy vertical by helping to develop, manage, and execute high-level programs and strategic initiatives that advance relationships among the United States, Israel, and the Arab world.

Working closely with CNME colleagues in Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi, as well as partners across AJC, the Assistant Director plays a leading role in coordinating major events, cultivating relationships with key stakeholders, and supporting cross-departmental initiatives that promote commercial diplomacy, regional integration, and cross-border cooperation.

In this role, the Assistant Director helps ensure that AJC's programming remains innovative, strategic, and responsive to a rapidly evolving regional landscape. Responsibilities include preparing briefing materials, managing relationships with government, business, and civil society leaders, supporting the development and execution of engagement strategies, and contributing to the planning and implementation of high-profile conferences, delegations, special initiatives, and alumni engagement efforts.

The ideal candidate brings experience from the private sector and is a dynamic, self-motivated, and collaborative professional with strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills. They should be capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously, building relationships across diverse constituencies and cultures, and working effectively with teams, departments, and international regions.
Familiarity with the Middle East and international business, investment, entrepreneurship, or commercial diplomacy is strongly preferred.

Your Role

Contribute to the development and execution of the department's strategy, goals, objectives, and action plans
Manage and facilitate advocacy and outreach programs, projects, initiatives, events, meetings, trainings, and/or missions
Implement new opportunities to expand departmental initiatives beyond existing programs
May participate and support the work of Boards, committees, task forces, or working groups
Leverage resources to help build awareness of and support for the AJC and department initiatives
May assist with development efforts, including participation in fundraising initiatives and plans, donor outreach, providing materials for grant applications and reports, and related activities
Maintain and manage programmatic spending for initiatives they work on
Research, monitor, and report on developments, issues, and trends impacting the department and AJC priorities
Coordinate, attend, and/or lead meetings
Develop relationships with and engage strategic contacts, groups, and organizations
Support the building of coalitions, partnerships, and initiatives with organizations and other external partners to further AJC’s mission
Assist in representing AJC and the department in the community, at functions, and in other public forums
Draft, edit, and disseminate communications resources and materials

Supervisory Role
Individual contributor

Education, Training, and Experience

Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred)
Minimum of 5 years of related work experience and intermediate job skills and knowledge
Experience in international business, investment, entrepreneurship, or commercial diplomacy
Fluency in the language of international business and commerce

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Passion for the mission, goals, and objectives of AJC
Committed to AJC’s core values: respect, accountability, integrity, innovation, and collaboration
Demonstrates professionalism and high standards of conduct
Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds
Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and listening)
Strong organization and project management skills, including the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
Capacity to multitask and work in a fast-paced and changing environment
Willing and able to work outside of standard working hours, including early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook), Google Suite applications, and Zoom
Familiarity with international business, investment, entrepreneurship, or commercial diplomacy

Physical Demands
Office employees:

Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
Communicating with others to exchange information
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another