Vice President, Strategic Communications and Engagement

A nationally respected, mission-driven educational and research institution is seeking a Vice President of Strategic Communications and Engagement to shape, elevate, and steward its voice at a pivotal moment of growth and expansion.

This is a newly created, senior leadership role designed for a sophisticated strategist and compelling storyteller—someone who can bring a “bird’s-eye view” to brand, narrative, and engagement, while also partnering closely with leadership to execute thoughtfully and effectively across a complex organization.

The Vice President will guide how the organization tells its story, amplifies its ideas, engages stakeholders, and positions itself in a rapidly evolving Jewish communal and public landscape. Reporting directly to the CEO, this leader will work across programs, development, marketing, digital, and research to ensure a cohesive, resonant, and values-driven narrative.

This role is open to both Jewish and non-Jewish candidates, provided they bring a deep understanding of the Jewish communal ecosystem, credibility within it, and a genuine alignment with the organization’s mission and values.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Narrative Stewardship

• Define and evolve the organization’s overarching narrative and brand strategy, reflecting its growth, impact, and future vision
• Identify opportunities to elevate storytelling, sharpen messaging, and strengthen public engagement across platforms and audiences
• Bring strategic insight and constructive challenge to senior leadership—knowing when to push, when to pause, and how to bring others along

Communications, Marketing & Engagement

• Lead and integrate all communications and marketing functions, including PR, digital, social media, email, web, and publications
• Ensure communications strategies advance organizational priorities, educational goals, and stakeholder engagement
• Oversee brand reputation management, including crisis communications, with sound judgment and emotional intelligence

Team & Cross-Organizational Leadership

• Manage and mentor a high-performing, distributed communications team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and excellence
• Partner closely with program, development, digital, and research teams to ensure alignment and shared success
• Work effectively with CEO-level leadership, Board members, and major donors with confidence, discretion, and gravitas

Public Voice & Thought Leadership

• Amplify the organization’s ideas through strategic media relationships, public programming, digital products, and written content
• Guide dissemination strategies that expand reach, influence, and impact across North America and beyond

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will bring:

• 15+ years of experience in strategic communications, marketing, or brand leadership within complex organizations
• Proven success defining and implementing organizational narrative and brand strategy
• Deep understanding of the issues facing Jewish leaders today, including the North American Jewish community and Israel-related discourse
• Exceptional emotional intelligence, judgment, and relationship-building skills
• Confidence and credibility to engage senior executives, boards, donors, and external partners
• A balance of strategic vision and hands-on leadership—willing to build, refine, and execute alongside the team
• A collaborative, innovative mindset with the maturity to know when innovation is needed and when stability matters
• Excellent writing, editing, speaking, and storytelling abilities
• Experience managing budgets, consultants, and external vendors
• A sense of humor and a grounded, “right-sized” ego

Education & Logistics

• MA or equivalent required
• Hybrid role, with a strong preference for candidates local to the New York City area (open to exceptional non-local candidates)
• Willingness to travel, including stays of 7 to 10 day (potentially more) in Jerusalem twice per year