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Position Title: Sr. Director, Press Relations

Reports to: AVP, External Communications

Start Date: Immediate

The Jewish Federations of North America ("JFNA")

The Jewish Federations of North America ("JFNA") consist of 146 Jewish Federations and dozens of Network communities which collectively raise and distribute more than $3 billion annually to support flourishing Jewish life and the needs of the Jewish people in their home communities and around the world. The Jewish Federation system, among the top 10 charities on the continent, leads the largest network of volunteer and professional leaders who build and sustain Jewish communities that are healthy, safe, caring, welcoming and inclusive, educated and engaged, involved in the broader community, and deeply connected to Israel and the global Jewish people.

Background

The External Communications team at JFNA is responsible for setting and executing the organization’s communications strategy and messaging objectives. It creates content for assets such as JewishFederations.org and various social media platforms, as well as interfacing with the press. In addition, it serves as both a resource and sounding board to federation professionals across the country.

The Jewish Federations of North America seek a Sr. Director, Press Relations, to work closely with the AVP, External Communications on developing and implementing the organization’s messaging and press strategy, and directly supervise an additional member of the team, the Manager, Press Relations. The Sr. Director, Press Relations, has a working knowledge of Jewish communal life, an affinity for government policy, understands new cycles in both the U.S. and Israel, has an eye for identifying compelling stories, and is able to use data to track and evaluate progress.

The Sr. Director, Press Relations, understands how to develop and maintain strong messaging across the organization for both external and internal audiences. They have experience navigating crisis communications, and are comfortable providing advice both internally and to local Jewish Federations navigating crises.

The position is based in Jewish Federations’ Public Affairs office in the heart of Washington, DC. They will be expected to work in the office, in person, four days a week (Monday-Thursday).

The Sr. Director, Press Relations, knows how to develop creative storylines and pitch to reporters with the tenacity required to secure media placement, as well as write stories, draft op-eds, talking points and issue-focused memos for internal use. They are a strategic thinker and project manager who can help shape the organization’s messaging, building out systematic means of developing and codifying messaging documents. This position will require significant interaction across Jewish Federations of North America and the Federation system to develop stories, work with stakeholders to identify and prepare every element of these stories, and compel media to cover them, as well as develop messaging and respond to crisis situations.

Responsibilities

• Promoting Jewish Federations of North America as the central address of the organized North American Jewish community
• Working with the team to advance the organization’s PR strategy and annual work plan in accordance with organizational priorities
• Developing the organization’s messaging, including building out systematic means of developing and codifying messaging documents and talking points
• Working closely with our Public Affairs team in the Washington, DC office
• Identifying, cultivating and maintaining relationships with key media contacts, in print, digital, and broadcast
• Identifying and developing story ideas throughout the various fields of work in the organization and pitching them to reporters
• Drafting and distributing press releases, talking points, and background information on a range of topics
• Conducting interview prep with senior leadership ahead of interviews
• Monitoring media coverage and preparing regular, data-driven evaluation reports
• Fielding press inquiries on deadline
• Drafting and editing op-eds, articles, and blog posts for publication both within Federations and in press
• Setting up and monitoring press interviews
• Maintaining ongoing communications across the organization to stay up to date on new developments and initiatives that could be developed into PR opportunities
• Collaborating on evaluating and updating messaging goals and strategy
• Supporting media professionals across the Jewish Federations system with tools, training, and resources

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of relevant experience working on public relations
• Experienced supervisor
• The ability to manage and advance numerous projects at once
• Familiarity with organized Jewish life in the US, Canada and Israel
• A strong understanding of messaging
• Excellent writing skills
• Excellent relationship management skills
• Storytelling savvy
• The ability to work well with teams
• The ability to curate, interpret, and analyze PR-related data

To apply

Please send a résumé, cover letter, and a writing sample to Niv.Elis@jewishfederations.org with the subject line “Sr. Director, Press Relations.”

Compensation and Benefits:

JFNA offers a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, FSA), including a defined contribution plan, generous vacation policy, paid legal and Jewish holidays, life insurance, generous parental leave policies and flexible remote work practices. Our compensation philosophy strives to be externally competitive and internally fair. Additionally, we offer voluntary learning programs throughout the year in subjects of interest to our staff.

Salary Range: $110,000 - $125,000

FEDERATION APPLICANTS:

JFNA is committed to supporting local Jewish Federations and to identifying the best talent for the system. If a current Federation employee is hired for this role, we will work with the local Federation to ensure an appropriate timeline and communications strategy. We welcome initial confidential inquiries to learn more about the role; however, current Federation employees who move to a finalist round of interviews will be asked to communicate with the Federation about their candidacy.

As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, JFNA celebrates and welcomes people of all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.