Associate Director, Strategic Communications

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview  

The Jewish Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington helps individuals and families turn their charitable goals into lasting impact through philanthropic guidance, strategic giving, and stewardship. 

The Associate Director, Foundation Communications serves as the Foundation's dedicated, embedded communications partner, working closely with Foundation leadership to lead Foundation communications that help donors, fundholders, professional advisors, and community partners understand how the Foundation provides philanthropic guidance, stewards charitable assets, connects people and resources, and creates lasting community impact. 

This role translates Foundation priorities into compelling messaging, strategic campaigns, and engaging content while ensuring Foundation communications align with Federation's broader mission, brand, and organizational priorities. 

This is an opportunity for a strategic communicator who enjoys partnering with senior leaders, shaping organizational narratives, and connecting philanthropy to meaningful community impact.

Key Responsibilities  

Lead Foundation Communications  

• Develop and execute the Foundation's communications strategy to strengthen awareness, engagement, and understanding of the Foundation's role and services 

• Partner with Foundation leadership to identify emerging opportunities to elevate the Foundation's visibility, strengthen its positioning, and deepen understanding of its role within the community 

• Lead communications initiatives, campaigns, and thought leadership that advance Foundation priorities and elevate the Foundation's visibility 

• Advise Foundation leadership on communications strategy, messaging, positioning, and communications opportunities that support organizational priorities 

• Ensure consistent messaging, positioning, and brand alignment across Foundation communications 

• Measure communications performance, share key insights, and recommend improvements based on audience engagement, performance data, and emerging opportunities 

Engage Donors Through Strategic Communications  

• Develop communications that engage and steward fundholders, philanthropic families, professional advisors, and other key audiences 

• Translate complex philanthropic concepts into clear, accessible, and compelling communications 

• Create stories and educational content that demonstrate community impact, inspire philanthropy, and strengthen donor engagement 

• Develop and manage an editorial calendar aligned with Foundation priorities and coordinated with Federation campaigns

Partner Across the Organization  

• Serve as the primary communications liaison between Foundation leadership and the Communications team 

• Ensure Foundation communications reinforce Federation's mission, strategic priorities, campaigns, and communications standards while clearly articulating the Foundation's unique role 

• Partner across Foundation and Federation teams to develop coordinated communications that advance shared priorities and strengthen organizational alignment 

• Collaborate with Communications colleagues on digital strategy, campaigns, content, design, and production 

• Identify opportunities to integrate the Foundation into broader Federation communications, campaigns, events, and thought leadership efforts 

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure communications are coordinated, timely, and effective 

Success Looks Like  

• Donors, fundholders, professional advisors, and community partners have a stronger understanding of the Foundation's role and increasingly view it as a trusted resource and hub for Jewish philanthropy in Greater Washington 

• Foundation communications consistently strengthen awareness, engagement, and trust 

• The Foundation's brand is represented clearly and consistently while reinforcing its connection to Federation and its position as the leading philanthropic resource in the region 

• Foundation leaders are recognized as trusted voices on philanthropy and community impact 

• Foundation communications are strategically aligned, well-coordinated, and measurably advance Foundation priorities and long-term visibility goals 

Qualifications  

• 5+ years of experience in strategic communications, marketing, public relations, or content strategy 
  
• Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated communications strategies and campaigns
  
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex ideas into compelling communications 
  
• Strong project management, organizational, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills
• Experience collaborating with senior leaders and cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in philanthropy, nonprofit organization, financial services, or another mission-driven organization preferred
• Familiarity with Jewish customs, traditions, and community life, or a willingness to learn
• Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Greater Washington (DC, MD, and Northern VA) region. This is a hybrid position, with 3 days a week required in our headquarters 
  

About The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington  

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington brings people together, mobilizes resources, and drives impact to strengthen Jewish life across Greater Washington and beyond. 

We serve as a strategic leader, convener, and catalyst, working across organizations, leaders, and communities to identify priorities, align efforts, and respond to evolving needs. By connecting people, resources, and ideas, we help drive coordinated action and build a vibrant Jewish future. Learn more at shalomdc.org. 

How We Work  

Across roles, our work is grounded in: 

• Clear priorities and shared goals

• Accountability for outcomes, not just activity

• Collaboration across teams and stakeholders

• Consistent, aligned execution

• A focus on impact and community need 

How We Support You  

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

• Retirement plan with employer contribution

• Generous paid time off, including Jewish holidays

• Up to 6 weeks of paid parental leave (after one year)

• Commuter bonus

• Hybrid work environment

• Ongoing professional development opportunities