Job Description

Description:

The Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest is looking to hire a  Director of Media Relations and Academic Affairs for their growing Chicago team. The Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest is the official representative of Israel in the Midwest, with jurisdiction over Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

In the U.S., the State of Israel is represented by eight Consulates and the Embassy in Washington, D.C. The mission of the Chicago-based Consulate is to enhance the ties between Israel and states in the Midwest. This work to advance and deepen diplomatic relations engages diverse communities across various sectors of society – from politics and economics to academia, culture, civil society, and media – to create meaningful and lasting partnerships with Israel.

You will work alongside the Directors in the fields of Interfaith and Community Affairs, Jewish Community Affairs, Political Affairs, Commercial Affairs, and New Media to plan, execute, and support their events and projects, which will regularly involve the following central tasks: coordinating all media facilitation for consulate events, and establishing plans and expectations for academic engagement with institutions of higher education.

The Role:

• Reporting to the Deputy Consul General, the individual will play a critical role in enhancing existing academic and legacy media ties between the Midwest and Israel.
• Creating and executing strategy for academic and media engagement, including facilitating all TV, radio, newspaper interviews, broadcasts, studio visits, and press releases.
• Develop relationships and work with media outlets, university administrators, faculty, staff, and students.
• Identify, incubate, and facilitate ongoing and new partnerships between United States academic institutions and Israel in the fields, including but not limited to: academic research, student and faculty exchange, and study abroad programs.
• Craft seminars and conferences for relevant students and media personalities.
• Able to maneuver in a constantly changing environment and maintain multiple relationships and events simultaneously.
• Act as day-to-day liaison between media outlets, students, faculty, and administrators, and the Consulate.
• Responding to crises or challenging situations quickly and professionally.
• Plan and execute visits of Israeli dignitaries and experts on campuses.
• Advise the diplomatic staff on academic affairs and media – broadcast, print, and radio.

Qualifications:

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree. 
• Understanding of the Midwest media scene and cycles. 
• Applicants with a background in crisis communications, media relations, or with previous media training are  highly  preferred.
• Understanding of the American higher education system.
• Must feel comfortable engaging with: students, professors, administrators, journalists, editors, and news directors.
• Highly skilled in written and oral communication.
• Eagerness to interact proactively with stakeholders and comfort with cold approaching new ones. 
• Works well as part of a team, but can self-motivate and work independently.
• Proficient multi-tasker.
• Comfortable with rapid change.
• Familiarity with Israel is an advantage.

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