Director of Communications

Position Overview

In 2024, Federation adopted a new communications strategy to more powerfully articulate Federation’s stories, key priorities, and achievements. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer (CCO), the Director of Communications – an important new role for Federation – will champion and implement this strategy.

A creative thinker, passionate storyteller, and agile leader, the Director will leverage their writing, editing, and project management skills to ensure that our communications showcase Federation’s work and impact to captivate donors and stakeholders.

As an essential member of our leadership team, the Director will work cross-functionally to develop and execute strategic communications plans and projects, and to help every member of our professional team see themselves as a communicator.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape a newly redesigned team and lead high priority communications work for a renowned institution. Read on to learn more and apply!

Role and Responsibilities:

People Management & Collaboration

• Supervise growth, training, and development of Communications team members, including the Web & Digital Communications Manager and Events Director, with support of CCO.
• Collaborate with Financial Resource Development and Impact department colleagues to develop Federation’s Case for Giving and implement key messages across multiple channels, including communications for high-level donors and prospects.
• Work with Digital Communications Manager and Director of MarComm Operations to develop and support Federation’s digital communications strategy, including providing direction for email calendar, online posting, and timely updates to digital landscape.
• Collaborate with Director of MarComm Operations to develop project task deadlines and ensure all those accountable meet them.
• Direct Federation public relations partners to reinforce Federation brand and impact throughout high-visibility coverage in relevant media outlets.

Project Management & Implementation

• Develop annual and crisis communications strategies in partnership with the CCO. Refines and implements messaging and plans for high-visibility and consistent communications marketing, events, and advertising.
• Write and edit succinct and long-form messages, including CEO weekly updates, talking points, scripts, newsletters, social media, press releases, ad copy, and more that reflect the familial voice of the organization. Direct creative for print and online media outlets.
• Identify success metrics and evaluates communications project/campaign effectiveness; leverages data to enhance stories and other communications. Source information from published resources and internal subject matter experts and translate it into messaging that resonates across audiences and platforms.
• Implement individual project plans and timelines; may be asked to serve as project manager, specifically focusing on collaborating with multiple stakeholders and accomplishing set goals.

Qualifications and Success Factors

• Bachelor’s degree required and 7-10 years’ experience in communications role(s) in a nonprofit or other dynamic organization or equivalent combination of relevant education, experience, and skills required.
• Outstanding written and oral communications skills; editing, proofreading, organizational skills, and excellent time management required.
• Ability to blend technical writing skills with a conversational tone, voice, and personality, and to adapt writing style to target audiences.
• Experience with cross-functional project management. Media and/or video production skills a plus.
• Strong knowledge of basic office computing, including MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), Zoom, and basic database skills required.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and operate effectively in a culture of rapid change.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills; comfort with learning and adapting to new technologies.
• Ability to thrive in a professional, fast-paced, and team-oriented work environment while comfortable working independently as needed.
• Capacity to infuse Jewish culture, values, traditions, and history, including relating to Israel, into daily work.
• Must be able to work off-shift hours including nights and weekends, as needed.

Organizational Vision, Mission, and Function

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington envisions an open, connected, and vibrant Jewish community that cares for each other, fosters Jewish learning and journeys, embraces Jewish peoplehood and Israel, and acts as a force for good in the world. As a mission-driven non-profit organization, we work to inspire, build, and sustain vibrant Jewish life in a changing world by mobilizing our community in common purpose, intentional innovation, and effective action. Learn more at shalomdc.org.

A People-Friendly Workplace

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is an equal opportunity employer offering a people-friendly environment, including:

• Excellent health care, retirement, and parental leave benefits
• Generous time off
• Hybrid work schedule
• Opportunities and an annual stipend for continued professional development
• Access to the JPRO Network, which connects, educates, inspires, and empowers professionals working in the Jewish nonprofit sector

Candidates should be located in or willing to relocate to the Greater Washington (DC, MD, and Northern VA) region. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, with three (3) days a week required in our North Bethesda, MD headquarters.

Interested?

In building our professional team, The Jewish Federation strives to model our vision of an inclusive community and vibrant future. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite and encourage applications from all candidates of all backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to women, Jews of color, Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews, people with disabilities, immigrants, LGBTQIA people, and people who come from low-income backgrounds. We know that no applicant's experience will align 100% with the listed qualifications. Don't let that hold you back! We encourage you to apply and look forward to meeting you.