Communications Director
Joel (at) jwj.org
(202) 393-1044 x108
Joel Mendelson is responsible for the development and execution of organizational and campaign communications strategies, monitoring news and editorial coverage of core issues, seeking out new and emerging communications tools, and drafting written, digital, and other content for campaigns, research publications, and various projects. Joel joined Jobs With Justice in November 2016 as a Communications Strategist, and has also held the roles Senior Communications Strategist and Interim Communications Director. He was named Communications Director in September 2021. Before joining the team at Jobs With Justice, Joel served as a researcher for American Bridge 21st Century and has also worked on issue campaigns with groups like Better Georgia and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. Joel spent nearly a decade working on a variety of political campaigns, with a variety of responsibilities, including campaign management, communications, field operations, and research. Joel also served as a legislative aide in the Georgia General Assembly for three years.
Joel holds a master’s degree in political science from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Kennesaw State University. During his time as an undergraduate and graduate student, Joel drafted more than 90 op-eds for two student newspapers and hosted a talk radio show while an undergraduate at Kennesaw State.
Originally from Tampa, Florida, Joel’s lived throughout the south, growing up mostly in the Atlanta suburbs. Joel and his wife Ansley have lived in the Washington, D.C. area since early 2016.
