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

The Shalom Hartman Institute of North America

Mission and Philosophy

The Shalom Hartman Institute is a leading research and educational center serving Israel and world Jewry. We work to enrich the moral and spiritual life of Israel and the Jewish people, deepen the commitment to pluralism and Israel’s Jewish and democratic character, and rebuild the covenant between Israel and the Jewish world. Through our community of outstanding scholars and educators, the Institute develops innovative responses to the challenges of our time, cultivates a new generation of leaders and change agents, and builds transformational educational initiatives that inspire a better Judaism and a better Israel for the 21st century.

The Center for Judaism, Israel, and Public Policy advances the Institute’s mission within the Washington ecosystem. The Center engages policymakers, thought leaders, and influencers on the most pressing issues facing Jewish life, Israel, and American democracy. Through convenings, fellowships, seminars, and publications, the Center brings Jewish ethical and moral frameworks into public policy conversations—helping to deepen discourse, bridge divides, and strengthen Jewish life in Washington and beyond.

Position Summary

The Program Director will play a central role in shaping and executing the Center’s programmatic work in Washington, DC. Reporting into the Vice President, Educational Initiatives, this role is responsible for designing and implementing high-quality programs, cultivating and managing key relationships, and ensuring that the Center’s work is impactful, well-executed, and aligned with the Institute’s mission and intellectual framework.

The Program Director will work closely with senior leadership and faculty to translate the Center’s vision into compelling educational experiences for policymakers, influencers, and communal leaders. This is an externally facing role that requires strong relationship-building skills, sound judgment, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.

Key Responsibilities

Program Strategy & Execution

• 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

Content Development & Educational Design

• 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

Relationship Management & External Engagement

• 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

Collaboration & Institutional Alignment

• 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

Project Management & Operations

• 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

Qualifications

• 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 deep