Manager or Associate Director, Field Communications

NCJW•Washington, DC

29d•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is seeking a Field Communications professional to enhance communication capabilities and amplify the voices of its expanding network of local leaders and advocates nationwide. This role will collaborate with NCJW’s regional directors, acting as a tactical communications partner to provide hands-on support for local and state communications. The position will assist regional directors and local leaders in identifying and sharing impactful stories about their work, translating advocacy priorities into compelling communications, and strengthening local communication efforts. The goal is to ensure that community-based work contributes to a unified and powerful national narrative. Additionally, the role will focus on increasing NCJW’s earned media presence in local and state markets by identifying and pitching stories, fostering relationships with journalists, developing and placing opinion pieces, preparing spokespeople, and strategically responding to news and advocacy opportunities. The ideal candidate is a skilled writer and storyteller, adept in media relations, and a collaborative partner capable of strategic planning and hands-on execution. They should be comfortable coaching local leaders, pitching reporters, drafting op-eds, and developing communication plans. The Field Communications role reports to the Vice President, Strategic Communications. The hiring level (Manager or Associate Director) will depend on the candidate's experience. This position is based in Washington, DC, requiring at least one day per week in the office and additional in-person attendance at events as needed.

Requirements

Manager: 4–7 years of experience in communications, public relations, media relations, advocacy communications, political communications, relational organizing, coalition coordination, or nonprofit communications.
Associate director: 7–9 years of experience in communications, public relations, media relations, advocacy communications, political communications, relational organizing, coalition coordination, or nonprofit communications.
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with demonstrated ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling communications.
Experience developing and executing communications strategies and producing high-quality communications materials across multiple formats.
Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively — and intentionally — with colleagues and partners who are not communications professionals.
Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution and independently move projects from idea to completion.
A deep appreciation for the history and lived practices within Jewish tradition, culture, identities, community, and the issues and diverse communities for which NCJW advocates.
High attention to detail with the ability to deliver projects in dynamic, collaborative, cross-functional teams.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, short-term needs, and long-term planning.
Willingness and ability to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

Work closely with the members of the Communications team and regional directors to develop and execute communications strategies that advance regional, state, and local advocacy priorities and strengthen NCJW’s visibility in communities across the country.
Provide hands-on communications support, including messaging, talking points, press materials, op-eds, letters to the editor, newsletters, toolkits, digital content, and other materials.
Work primarily through regional directors, while building relationships with local councils and other local leaders to understand communications needs and opportunities.
Equip regional directors and local leaders to become stronger communicators through coaching, trainings, templates, tools, and other practical resources.
Partner closely with NCJW’s Engagement and Leadership and Government Relations and Advocacy teams to align field communications with organizing, leadership development, and advocacy priorities.
Build systems and processes that make communications support for NCJW’s growing field structure proactive, strategic, and scalable.
Develop and execute proactive earned media strategies in local and state markets, in coordination with the Vice President, Strategic Communications.
Build relationships with local and regional reporters and identify opportunities to position regional directors, local leaders, advocates, and other NCJW voices as sources and spokespeople.
Pitch stories, draft and place op-eds and letters to the editor, develop press materials, coordinate interviews, and prepare spokespeople for media opportunities.
Monitor regional and local news and identify opportunities for NCJW to respond quickly and strategically to emerging issues.
Identify compelling people, stories, and examples of impact from across NCJW’s field and work with the broader Communications team to elevate them through national media, email, social media, the website, and other channels.
Help connect local stories to NCJW’s broader narrative, demonstrating how local leadership, community engagement, and coordinated advocacy can drive lasting change.
Adapt national messaging and communications resources for regional and local audiences while maintaining a consistent NCJW voice, brand, and values.
Collaborate across the Communications team to integrate field stories and priorities into NCJW’s national communications.
Lead and support communications trainings for regional directors, local councils, and other field leaders on storytelling, media relations, message development, and spokesperson skills.
Foster strong working relationships across NCJW’s national, regional, and local structures and help information, ideas, and communications opportunities flow effectively between them.
Track field communications activity and results, identifying insights and opportunities to continually strengthen NCJW’s approach.