COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Founded in 1993, NECHAMA: Jewish Response to Disaster is the only national Jewish organization that provides  sustained direct recovery services in the United States, responding to damage caused by hurricanes, tornados, floods, and other natural disasters. Rooted and guided by Jewish values, NECHAMA has three priorities:  humanizing Jews and representing Jewish ideals in communities shattered by disaster (which includes combating antisemitism); providing a platform for volunteers of all faiths to explore their identities and purpose; and spreading comfort and hope to people and communities in desperate need of assistance. For more information about NECHAMA, please visit www.nechama.org. 

Job Parameters: Full time remote position. Work may be performed anywhere in the United States.  

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Supervises: Volunteer Coordinator 

Job Description:  NECHAMA is seeking a full-time Communications Director to lead and execute a comprehensive communication and brand strategy. The Director will advance NECHAMA’s strategic priorities to become nationally recognized and to clearly establish the connection between “Jewish” and “Disaster Relief” across communities and audiences. The Director is a core member of NECHAMA’s fundraising team, integrating communications strategy with development goals and leading external-facing engagement efforts, while serving as a strategic advisor to the CEO on organizational messaging, positioning, and external communications strategy.    

Responsibilities: 

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy that raises NECHAMA’s visibility, deepens stakeholder connectivity, and engages new audiences.

• Steward NECHAMA’s brand, including the development and implementation of a communications protocol and annual communications calendar.  

• Collaborate with Operations and Program staff to develop and distribute high-quality written and visual content, including impact stories, field updates, public statements, and press releases that elevate NECHAMA’s public profile.

• Lead the development and ongoing and management of NECHAMA’s website, including content development, updates and ongoing optimization.  

• Manage NECHAMA’s digital presence across platforms including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and other media, using performance metrics to refine strategy and drive growth.  

• Provide strategic oversight of volunteer engagement efforts in partnership with program leadership, supervise NECHAMA’s Volunteer Coordinator, and manage organization’s CRM platform. 

• Serve as a primary point of contact for external communications, including responding to inquiries from stakeholders, partners, and the press.

• Lead the planning and execution of  in-person and virtual briefings about NECHAMA. 

• Build and strengthen relationships and Jewish communal, climate change, and disaster relief organizations.

• Gather data, outcomes, and impact stories from clients, volunteers, and other stakeholders.

• Lead NECHAMA’s earned media strategy, building relationships with journalists and media outlets and drafting op-eds and stories for Jewish and non-Jewish press.

• Lead the development of annual impact report to highlight progress toward strategic goals. 

• Represent NECHAMA at Jewish communal events.   

• Lead communications strategy and execution for special events, including the growth and expansion of NECHAMA’s signature fundraiser, Real Estate Rockers in Relief. 

• Support cultivation of relationships with corporate partners and funders through strategic communications and engagement.

• Plan and execute targeted fundraising campaigns, including crowdfunding, engagement strategies, and year-end appeals.

• Advance donor cultivation through communications, events and engagement strategies.  

• Create engagement and fundraising toolkits for b’nai mitzvah and other Jewish lifecycle events.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:  While no one person will embody all the qualities below, the ideal candidate will possess most of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes and experiences:

• Passion for and commitment to NECHAMA’s mission.

• 5+ years of experience in the nonprofit social impact or mission-driven sector.  

• Bachelor’s degree required and a relevant advanced degree (such as certification in communications, marketing, public relations or Jewish communal service) is preferred.

• 3+ years progressively responsible communication and/or marketing experience.  

• Deep knowledge of and strong connection to the organized Jewish community.

• Experience creating and managing digital platforms, email marketing tools, and social media required; web design, website management, producing video content skills preferred.

• Ability to build and maintain relationships with partners, stakeholders, and donors.

• Strong organizational, project management, and Customer Relationship Management skills (particularly with Salesforce) and the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.

• Detail and team-oriented with excellent communications, interpersonal, leadership, and problem-solving/analytical skills.

• Track record in delivering strategic and high-quality work with integrity, good judgment, kindness, positivity, and self-direction.

• Commitment to racial equity and ability to effectively collaborate across lines of race, class, and religion.

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

• Experience working in fully remote environments.

Eligible candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States, will not now, or in the future, require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States, and are willing to provide employment verification as required.  

NECHAMA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, sex, age, gender identity or expression, or other status protected by applicable law. NECHAMA is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

Salary range: $80,000 - $90,000 depending on experience.

Benefits:

• Health insurance

• Workers compensation, disability, life, and dental insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Access to a 401(k)

• 15 vacation days and 10 sick days annually

• Most federal and Jewish holidays

How to apply: Email the following to jobs@nechama.org:  

• cover letter addressing interest and qualifications

• resume

• 3 references 

• salary expectations