Application Guide

How to Apply for IPF Atid Program Coordinator - Chicago, IL

at Israel Policy Forum

🏢 About Israel Policy Forum

Israel Policy Forum is a nonpartisan organization uniquely focused on shaping U.S. policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through education and leadership development. Working here means contributing to meaningful policy dialogue and building a network of informed community leaders across North America.

About This Role

As IPF Atid Program Coordinator, you will manage young professional chapters in three cities, overseeing programming, recruitment, and leadership development. This role is impactful because it directly builds the next generation of pro-Israel, pro-peace leaders and strengthens grassroots engagement on critical issues.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a check-in with the Deputy Director on national programs, followed by a virtual meeting with the Chicago steering committee to plan an upcoming speaker event. You'll spend time updating the CRM with new contacts, reviewing budgets for a Cleveland program, and drafting a post-event survey for a recent Toronto event. Later, you might attend a local young professional networking event to build partnerships.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Israel Policy Forum

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Israel Policy Forum Is Looking For

  • A seasoned nonprofit professional with 3+ years in community engagement and event management, preferably with experience in Jewish communal or Israeli affairs.
  • Deeply familiar with Israeli politics, Middle East policy, and the American Jewish landscape, able to navigate sensitive topics with nuance.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented, with proven ability to juggle multiple chapter programs, budgets, and logistics simultaneously.
  • A relationship-builder who thrives on recruiting and mentoring volunteers, and can work independently across different time zones.

📝 Tips for Applying to Israel Policy Forum

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific event management and volunteer recruitment metrics (e.g., 'Recruited 50+ young professionals for annual gala').

2

In your cover letter, explicitly name-drop IPF Atid programs or policies you admire to show genuine interest.

3

Demonstrate your knowledge of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by referencing current policy debates (e.g., two-state solution viability).

4

Mention any experience with CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) and event management tools (e.g., Eventbrite) in your application.

5

Include a brief example of how you've developed leadership in others, such as mentoring a committee chair or training volunteers.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for Israel Policy Forum's mission and your understanding of the nonpartisan approach to U.S.-Israel relations.", 'Specific experience managing multi-city or chapter-based programs, including recruitment and leadership development.', 'Your ability to work independently and coordinate with national staff while managing local steering committees.', "Concrete examples of how you've built relationships with young professionals and community partners to expand organizational reach."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review IPF Atid's recent programs and virtual events to understand their programming style and audience.
  • → Read Israel Policy Forum's policy papers and op-eds to grasp their nonpartisan stance and key issues.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the steering committee structure and past leaders in Chicago, Cleveland, and Toronto.
  • → Check the bios of the Deputy Director and other staff to understand team dynamics and priorities.
Visit Israel Policy Forum's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you recruit and retain steering committee members in a city like Chicago?
2 Describe a time you managed a complex event with multiple stakeholders. How did you handle challenges?
3 What is your understanding of the current U.S. policy landscape on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
4 How do you approach leadership development with volunteers who have varying levels of engagement?
5 Tell us about a time you had to navigate a sensitive political discussion in a community setting.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid taking a partisan stance in your application or interview; IPF is nonpartisan and values balanced perspectives.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of event logistics—failing to emphasize your organizational skills can hurt your candidacy.
  • Avoid generic statements about 'passion for Israel' without demonstrating specific knowledge of policy and community dynamics.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Israel Policy Forum!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →