The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
Director of Communications
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States, 20900
Position Overview
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington seeks a creative, strategic, and mission-driven storyteller to serve as its Director of Communications-a pivotal role that will elevate Federation's voice and inspire connection across the Greater Washington Jewish community and beyond.
Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Director will champion and implement Federation's new communications strategy, leading messaging, storytelling, and public engagement that demonstrate our collective impact and mobilize support for vibrant Jewish life.
This is a hands-on leadership role-ideal for a strong writer, strategic thinker, and collaborative partner who can translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives while managing people, processes, and content across a fast-moving organization.
The Director will work closely with all staff to ensure all messaging, storytelling, and written content align with Federation's narrative strategy. The Director provides strategic direction, framing, and editorial oversight; the Manager produces high-quality content that brings those strategies to life.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning
Translate organizational priorities into clear, integrated communications strategies that reach, engage, and inspire donors, partners, and the broader Jewish community. Serve as both strategist and lead communicator-personally crafting and editing content across channels while building scalable systems and team capacity. Partner closely with Financial Resource Development, Impact, and Foundation teams to align storytelling and messaging around philanthropy, impact, and community needs. Develop and maintain a consistent narrative framework that connects all communications to Federation's mission, values, and unique voice. Collaborate with the CCO on crisis communications strategy, ensuring timely, accurate, and sensitive responses to unfolding events. Champion change management efforts related to communications systems, processes, and organizational initiatives, building staff understanding and buy-in. Content Strategy & Storytelling
Lead Federation's editorial calendar, story collection, and message development across campaigns, digital channels, and donor communications. Manage day-to-day editorial workflow and coordinate content production across marketing, events, and development teams, ensuring on-time, high-quality delivery. Launch and oversee Federation's centralized story bank-sourcing and curating stories from colleagues, programs, partners, and grantees. Guide storytelling integration into donor journeys, direct marketing, impact reporting, and public relations. Uphold editorial standards for accuracy, tone, clarity, and voice across all content. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership
Collaborate with the senior staff within the Communications Department to ensure consistent messaging, cohesive visuals, and shared planning across the organization. Work closely with digital and data teams to improve communications targeting, tracking, and reporting. Partner with the Development team to build compelling stewardship and solicitation materials that demonstrate impact and gratitude. Serve as communications liaison for governance, crisis, and Israel-related initiatives requiring organizational coordination and sensitivity. Direct PR and media partners to amplify Federation's visibility and reinforce brand consistency across platforms. Team Management & Development
Partner with CCO to assess staffing needs and design a future team structure that balances strategic leadership with tactical capability. Provide clear direction, feedback, and professional development to build writing, storytelling, and strategic communications capacity. Foster collaboration between Communications Department staff and internal partners to strengthen messaging alignment across departments. Cultivate an environment that values creativity, inclusivity, and accountability. Performance & Accountability
Establish key performance metrics and leverage data to refine content strategy, assess impact, and inform decision-making. Build and maintain dashboards and reports that track communications effectiveness and engagement trends. Continuously evaluate and improve communications processes, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and evolving organizational needs. Qualifications
8-10 years of progressive experience in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field, ideally in a mission-driven or philanthropic environment. Exceptional writing and editing skills, with proven ability to craft messages for varied audiences and platforms and within various author voices. Experience leading communications strategy and managing cross-functional teams or projects. Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to balance multiple priorities under tight deadlines. Proficiency in digital communications tools and analytics; comfort working with CRM or marketing automation platforms. Deep curiosity about Jewish life and values; familiarity with the Jewish communal landscape a plus but not required. Comfort operating both strategically and tactically; able to shift between developing vision and executing details. Demonstrated ability to build or refine systems, processes, and teams within an evolving department. Demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and learning. Success Factors
A unified, confident Federation voice across all communications. Strong alignment between storytelling, donor engagement, and organizational strategy. Efficient, transparent communications processes and documentation. A high-functioning, empowered team producing bold, meaningful work. A People-Friendly Workplace
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is a dynamic and collaborative workplace offering a people-friendly environment, including:
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance Retirement plan with employer contribution Generous vacation and sick leave and Jewish holiday schedule 6 weeks paid Parental Leave after 1 year Commuter bonus Hybrid work schedule Professional development opportunities Access to the JPRO Network, which connects, educates, inspires, and empowers professionals working in the Jewish nonprofit sector
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.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington seeks a creative, strategic, and mission-driven storyteller to serve as its Director of Communications-a pivotal role that will elevate Federation's voice and inspire connection across the Greater Washington Jewish community and beyond.
Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Director will champion and implement Federation's new communications strategy, leading messaging, storytelling, and public engagement that demonstrate our collective impact and mobilize support for vibrant Jewish life.
This is a hands-on leadership role-ideal for a strong writer, strategic thinker, and collaborative partner who can translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives while managing people, processes, and content across a fast-moving organization.
The Director will work closely with all staff to ensure all messaging, storytelling, and written content align with Federation's narrative strategy. The Director provides strategic direction, framing, and editorial oversight; the Manager produces high-quality content that brings those strategies to life.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning
Translate organizational priorities into clear, integrated communications strategies that reach, engage, and inspire donors, partners, and the broader Jewish community. Serve as both strategist and lead communicator-personally crafting and editing content across channels while building scalable systems and team capacity. Partner closely with Financial Resource Development, Impact, and Foundation teams to align storytelling and messaging around philanthropy, impact, and community needs. Develop and maintain a consistent narrative framework that connects all communications to Federation's mission, values, and unique voice. Collaborate with the CCO on crisis communications strategy, ensuring timely, accurate, and sensitive responses to unfolding events. Champion change management efforts related to communications systems, processes, and organizational initiatives, building staff understanding and buy-in. Content Strategy & Storytelling
Lead Federation's editorial calendar, story collection, and message development across campaigns, digital channels, and donor communications. Manage day-to-day editorial workflow and coordinate content production across marketing, events, and development teams, ensuring on-time, high-quality delivery. Launch and oversee Federation's centralized story bank-sourcing and curating stories from colleagues, programs, partners, and grantees. Guide storytelling integration into donor journeys, direct marketing, impact reporting, and public relations. Uphold editorial standards for accuracy, tone, clarity, and voice across all content. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership
Collaborate with the senior staff within the Communications Department to ensure consistent messaging, cohesive visuals, and shared planning across the organization. Work closely with digital and data teams to improve communications targeting, tracking, and reporting. Partner with the Development team to build compelling stewardship and solicitation materials that demonstrate impact and gratitude. Serve as communications liaison for governance, crisis, and Israel-related initiatives requiring organizational coordination and sensitivity. Direct PR and media partners to amplify Federation's visibility and reinforce brand consistency across platforms. Team Management & Development
Partner with CCO to assess staffing needs and design a future team structure that balances strategic leadership with tactical capability. Provide clear direction, feedback, and professional development to build writing, storytelling, and strategic communications capacity. Foster collaboration between Communications Department staff and internal partners to strengthen messaging alignment across departments. Cultivate an environment that values creativity, inclusivity, and accountability. Performance & Accountability
Establish key performance metrics and leverage data to refine content strategy, assess impact, and inform decision-making. Build and maintain dashboards and reports that track communications effectiveness and engagement trends. Continuously evaluate and improve communications processes, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and evolving organizational needs. Qualifications
8-10 years of progressive experience in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field, ideally in a mission-driven or philanthropic environment. Exceptional writing and editing skills, with proven ability to craft messages for varied audiences and platforms and within various author voices. Experience leading communications strategy and managing cross-functional teams or projects. Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to balance multiple priorities under tight deadlines. Proficiency in digital communications tools and analytics; comfort working with CRM or marketing automation platforms. Deep curiosity about Jewish life and values; familiarity with the Jewish communal landscape a plus but not required. Comfort operating both strategically and tactically; able to shift between developing vision and executing details. Demonstrated ability to build or refine systems, processes, and teams within an evolving department. Demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and learning. Success Factors
A unified, confident Federation voice across all communications. Strong alignment between storytelling, donor engagement, and organizational strategy. Efficient, transparent communications processes and documentation. A high-functioning, empowered team producing bold, meaningful work. A People-Friendly Workplace
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is a dynamic and collaborative workplace offering a people-friendly environment, including:
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance Retirement plan with employer contribution Generous vacation and sick leave and Jewish holiday schedule 6 weeks paid Parental Leave after 1 year Commuter bonus Hybrid work schedule Professional development opportunities Access to the JPRO Network, which connects, educates, inspires, and empowers professionals working in the Jewish nonprofit sector
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.