Are you looking for a mission-driven non-profit where your skills can help people in need around the world? At the Jewish United Fund (JUF), we take pride in our mission and in having a work culture that fosters a sense of belonging and feels rewarding, supportive, and inclusive. We have a hybrid schedule and offer generous benefits including a 401(k) match, 22 days of paid time off, 11 sick days, and up to 21 paid holidays. The salary range for this role is $65,000-$75,000.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a strategic storyteller and digital strategist who amplifies the voice and impact of JUF’s Government and Public Affairs work. Collaborating closely across departments—including Communications, Campus Affairs, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), and the Israel Education Center—this role ensures cohesive, compelling messaging that advances JUF’s mission in the civic and public sphere.

A key part of this role will be to relaunch and enhance JUF’s Public Affairs Newsletter, a key platform to highlight the successes and challenges of JUF’s Public Affairs, Campus, and Israel Education Center initiatives. The newsletter will serve as a tool to deepen community understanding, inspire involvement, and galvanize support for Israel and the fight against antisemitism.

In this role, you will:

• Set the tone and direction for all departmental communications,
• Develop and execute digital strategies to expand grassroots advocacy and civic engagement,
• Strengthen JUF’s social media presence to mobilize action and build bridges across communities,
• Create traditional media strategies, including writing articles and leveraging press credentials—to combat antisemitism and promote shared values, and
• Research and report on antisemitic and anti-Israel activity in the Chicago area to inform strategic responses.

This is a dynamic, high-impact position for a mission-driven communicator who thrives at the intersection of advocacy, digital engagement, and community relations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Social Media Strategy & Execution
  • Expand JUF’s presence across platforms, focusing on Israel advocacy, civic engagement, and antisemitism awareness.
  • Integrate Public Affairs, Hillels of Illinois, and the Israel Education Center into relevant social channels.
  • Develop long-term content calendars and collaborate with Marketing & Communications to grow audience engagement.
  • Identify and implement grassroots mobilization tools.
• Internal & External Communications
  • Relaunch and manage the Public Affairs newsletter (“LINK”).
  • Coordinate cross-department messaging for consistency and impact.
  • Contribute to JUF publications including Jewish Chicago through articles and op-eds.
  • Secure press credentials and represent JUF at key events and government meetings.
• Advocacy & Impact
  • Manage the SPARK advocacy app.
  • Monitor and report on antisemitic and anti-Israel activity in metro Chicago and on campuses.
  • Exercise discretion and independent judgment in all aspects of the role.
• Campaign Support
  • Participate in and support JUF’s Campaign and related activities.

What you need to succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science, history, Middle Eastern studies, or related social sciences
• 3-5+ years professional work experience, including at least 2 years of experience in communications, advocacy, political campaigns, journalism, or other related fields
• Comfort with and experience in leveraging social media platforms and expanding follower-base
• Passion for and knowledge of Israel and Jewish issues. Familiarity with Jewish communal engagement.
• Proficiency in standard Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Comfort with researching, vetting, and experimenting with new software applications and tools
• Experience conducting research and reporting out results is preferred
• Excellent interpersonal, presenting, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail, critical-thinker, and problem-solver
• Team player who enjoys collaboration, while also being a self-starter who achieves results fast, can work under pressure, juggle multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines
• A great attitude, a desire to affect change, and successful working at a stimulating pace

What you’ll love about us:

At JUF, you can be part of one of the largest non-profit social welfare institutions in Illinois. We provide food, refuge, healthcare, education, emergency assistance, and essential services to 500,000 Chicagoans of all faiths and millions of Jews around the world. We offer medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with base contribution and match, additional health and wellness benefits, financial benefits, professional training, tuition reimbursement, paid family leave, and much more. We have a flexible schedule with core hours and the ability to work from home / remote a few days per week (for most positions) on a hybrid basis.