AJC Transatlantic Institute
Director
To Apply
TAI has retained the services of Harris Rand Lusk to conduct this search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to:
Jack Lusk, Managing Partner
Harris Rand Lusk Executive Search
New York, NY 10016
When emailing your resume and cover letter describing your interest in the role, please write “TAI” in the subject line.
Background: The AJC Transatlantic Institute (TAI) was founded in 2004 and is the American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) Brussels-based EU office. TAI engages with EU institutions, Parliamentarians, NATO, think tanks and civil society to strengthen transatlantic relations, enhance EU-Israel ties, and address critical global issues such as antisemitism, extremism, and challenges posed by Iran and other illiberal and autocratic forces. TAI also houses Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI), a bipartisan, interparliamentary network uniting European and North American lawmakers to promote democratic values, Israel’s strategic importance, and transatlantic cooperation.
As part of AJC’s global advocacy mission, TAI serves as the EU advocacy hub for the AJC. It is uniquely positioned to engage EU officials, European members of Parliament, and NATO representatives and promote polices that bolster transatlantic ties, counter antisemitism, and support Israel’s security and legitimacy.
Position: The Transatlantic Institute’s Director has stepped down after 14 years of great success in solidifying the TAI’s status as leading voice for transatlantic relations, Israel policy, and Middle East affairs in Europe. TAI is looking for a visionary thought leader skilled in strategic advocacy and coalition-building to fill the Director role, build upon past success and expand the footprint and impact of the organization. The Director will do this by fostering partnerships with key stakeholders, ensuring AJC’s global mission is effectively represented and executed in the region.
Reporting to the Director of AJC Europe, the ideal candidate will be a bold leader and strong manager able to lead TAI’s strategic operations, including staff management, public outreach, and expansion of Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI). As the face of TAI, the Director will possess the presence to advocate successfully and passionately for TAI to a wide range of global leaders in the private and public sectors. He will be non-partisan and diplomatic with expertise in the wide range of issues that TAI addresses, including European policy and geopolitics.
Responsibilities
Diplomatic Outreach
- Build and maintain strong relationships with senior EU officials, parliamentarians, and diplomats, as well as with member state diplomats, NATO representatives, Jewish leaders and policymakers.
- Represent AJC and TAI in high-level meetings, advocating policies that advance TAI’s goals and AJC’s mission.
- Serve as AJC’s EU expert, providing analysis and updates on political developments affecting AJC’s interests.
Administration and Management
- Manage TAI staff and interns, ensuring effective operations and alignment with AJC policies.
- Oversee TAI’s board, fostering engagement to advance the institute’s mission and raise funds.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations governing TAI’s activities.
- Collaborate with AJC Europe Director and other European staff and global teams on shared strategies and goals.
Policy Advocacy and Expertise
- Monitor EU policies relevant to Israel, transatlantic relations, and the Middle East.
- Advocate for policies that address antisemitism, counter extremism and Israel’s enemies, and support Israel’s security and regional stability.
- Expand and strengthen Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI) chapters across Europe.
- Publish thought leadership materials, including blogs, opinion pieces, and policy analyses, to enhance TAI’s visibility.
Public Outreach
- Represent TAI at public events, conferences, and seminars to advance its mission and influence.
- Develop and enhance media and social media strategy to promote TAI’s initiatives and advocacy work.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, including leadership roles
- Expertise in EU institutions, transatlantic relations, and Middle East geopolitics
- Proven collaborative leader skilled at inspiring diverse teams and a management philosophy centered around respect, integrity, excellence and accountability
- Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills that are clear, concise, structured, articulate and persuasive and will enhance organizational visibility and positioning
- Proficiency in diplomacy, protocol and public speaking with the ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders who have diverse backgrounds, professional skills, and perspectives
- Ability to successfully partner with AJC’s fundraising team to engage current and prospective American donors; skilled at helping lay stakeholders understand the global challenges that TAI addresses
- Organized and pro-active with ability to manage complex, long-term projects
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize and set and meet deadlines; strong follow-through and attention to detail a must
- Commitment to and passion for AJC’s mission and values
- Comfort with and basic proficiency in most major social media platforms; proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
- Sound judgment, credibility, and integrity
Location: This role is based in Brussels, Belgium. International travel as required to accomplish tasks and represent AJC.
Compensation: Salary in the range of 160€ to 170€ based on experience.
For more information on the Transatlantic Institute, please visit transatlanticinstitute.org