Location: Remote with Local Engagement (Buffalo, NY Area)

Buffalo, New York, is a city alive with possibility — a place where passion for community and commitment to change are driving a true renaissance. Buffalo is known as the "City of Good Neighbors," where community engagement isn’t just encouraged, it’s a way of life. Living in Buffalo is remarkably affordable, allowing individuals to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while pursuing meaningful work. Beyond the professional sphere, the city offers rich cultural experiences, historic architecture, beautiful parks, and easy access to natural wonders like Niagara Falls and Lake Erie. Buffalo is a place where you can truly make a difference while enjoying an exceptional quality of life.

Position Summary

Are you a strategic communicator with a passion for storytelling and brand management? We are seeking a Director of Communications to develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that enhances our public image, raises awareness of our mission, and supports fundraising and events. This role oversees brand consistency across all communication channels, leads public relations efforts to secure media coverage for key initiatives, and collaborates with various departments to create engaging content and drive stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Communications:

• Communications Strategy Development & Execution: Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy for the Buffalo Jewish Federation, encompassing print and digital collateral, calendar planning, and key deliverables. Collaborate with the CEO and senior professional and volunteer leadership to ensure consistent and impactful agency messaging.
• Brand Management: Oversee and maintain the organization’s brand identity, as well as program-specific branding. Ensure consistency across all print and digital communications, including website content, email marketing, social media, newsletters, articles, and promotional materials.
• Public Relations & Media Outreach: Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets to generate press coverage for major events, programs, and community initiatives. Manage media requests and efforts to enhance the organization’s visibility and reputation.
• Collaboration with Organizational Verticals: Oversee the production of print and digital collateral to effectively reach and engage target audiences and support various departments, including community relations, development, LiNK and HERO.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with key stakeholders, including partner organizations, and community leaders, to advance the organization’s communications goals and objectives and overall knowledge to advocate.
• Team Management: Supervise and mentor the Assistant Director of Communications, providing guidance and support in their role and professional development.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned by the CEO to support the success of the department and organization.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a similar field; or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of marketing leadership experience, with a proven track record of driving brand growth, engagement, and impact.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strategic Planning & Brand Positioning: Expertise in creating and executing strategic marketing plans within nonprofit or philanthropic settings.
• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, manage, and mentor team effectively.
• Digital Marketing & Content Strategy: Strong proficiency in digital marketing, SEO, content strategy, and social media innovation. Experience managing campaigns across digital, print, social, and traditional media.
• Data Analysis & Strategy Development: Ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable marketing strategies.
• Storytelling & Communication: Exceptional writing, storytelling, and communication skills tailored to diverse audiences.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, Constant Contact, Canva, and mainstream social media platforms.
• Cultural Knowledge: Comfort with Jewish culture, customs, and Hebrew.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building: Skilled in working with internal teams, external partners, and volunteer leadership.
• Organization & Time Management: Highly organized with excellent time management skills.
• Proactive Attitude & Problem-Solving: Positive, solution-oriented approach with a “make it happen” mindset.
• Remote Work & Deadline Management: Ability to work remotely while meeting deadlines and managing projects independently and as part of a team.
• Organizational Expectations:
• Understands and is committed to the Buffalo Jewish Federation’s Mission & Vision.
• Willing to take ownership and do what is necessary to get the job done, on time, and with exceptional quality.
• Be a team player who exhibits generosity, humility, and Jewish values.
• Put our motto into action: “This work is not about us but is dependent upon us.”

Working Conditions

• Work from home; meet with partners, colleagues, volunteers and attend events as needed.
• Regularly works outside normal work hours including weekends and evenings as needed to meet organization needs.
• Valid NYS driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Light physical activities and effort required working in an office environment and at events.

About Us

For 120 years, the Buffalo Jewish Federation has been at the center of building the Jewish community in Western New York, and today we are a vibrant hub that ensures a thriving and connected 21st Century Jewish Buffalo. With a deep commitment to strengthening our organizational and agency partners, creating space for innovation and experimentation, developing and growing sources of funding, and nurturing human capital, Federation inspires individuals to access Jewish tradition in powerful and transformative ways, rousing collective energy and action throughout our network of communities.

Disclaimer

The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job. Employee may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Buffalo Jewish Federation is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered regardless of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, citizenship, veteran status, gender expression and/or identity, or any other class protected by federal, state, or local laws.