Chief Communications Officer

The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) is a key member of Federation’s Executive Team responsible for designing and implementing a strategic, unified communications function to elevate Federation’s impact, visibility, and reputation. The CCO will lead a multi-faceted team and oversee all components of communications, including strategic messaging and content creation, media relations, digital strategy, stakeholder engagement, and brand management. This role demands a visionary leader who can craft a cohesive communications strategy aligned with organizational goals, drive effective internal and external messaging, and foster strong relationships with donors, volunteer leaders, media, partners, colleagues, and the community.    

The CCO will lead the communications team in collaborating towards a shared strategy, identifying talent needs, building out the team’s capabilities, and ensuring strong communication across departments. The CCO will partner closely with other departments, especially Financial Resource Development, to ensure ongoing engagement of donors and community leaders with Federation and our work and impact. A proactive and innovative thinker, the CCO will prioritize initiatives based on strategic goals and overall organizational objectives using data-driven insights and industry trends to continuously elevate Federation’s communications, fundraising, and impact.    

Key Areas of Leadership and Responsibility:    

Strategic Communications Leadership:    

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission, vision, and goals.    
• Work closely with the Executive Team and other departments to align communication strategies and initiatives with organizational objectives.    
• Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and leadership team on all communications-related matters.    
• Lead crisis communications efforts, ensuring timely and effective responses.   

Strategic Team Design:    

• Develop a comprehensive vision for the communications team and function that aligns with the organization’s updated goals and mission.    
• Assess current communications capabilities and design an optimal team structure that supports long-term strategic goals.    
• Define clear roles, responsibilities, and competencies needed to build a high-performing communications team.    
• Set priorities for the team to focus on high-impact initiatives and establish metrics to measure success and refine strategy over time.    
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of learning, innovation, and collaboration.    

Content Development and Management:    

• Elevate the organization's impact, brand and public image through effective storytelling, media relations, and digital presence.    
• Drive the development and production of high-quality, impactful content that resonates with target audiences across live events/programs and all digital platforms including social media, web, and email   
• Establish a content calendar and oversee the team’s production of written, visual, and multimedia content that reflects the organization’s mission.   
• Manage relationships with relevant external vendors, including PR agencies, designers, and writers.    
• Ensure all content aligns with the organization's values, tone, and brand guidelines.    
• Design and oversee the organization’s event strategy as part of the overall communication strategy, including content, direction-setting, project management, and metrics of event success.

Data-Driven Communications:    

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of communications initiatives.    
• Use data analytics to refine messaging, target audiences, and improve the overall effectiveness of communication campaigns.    
• Regularly evaluate and refine communications processes, leveraging the latest industry trends and best practices.   
• Report on communications metrics to the leadership team and board of directors, providing insights and recommendations.    

Stakeholder and Community Engagement:    

• Design and implement a stakeholder engagement strategy to build strong relationships with donors, Board members, community members, and other key stakeholder groups.    
• Create mechanisms to engage professional team and lay leadership in the effective implementation of communications strategy.    
• Support team members in identifying strategic partnership opportunities to amplify the organization’s impact.    

Public Relations and Media Engagement:    

• Oversee media outreach efforts to ensure the development and utilization of relationships with key journalists, influencers, and media outlets to enhance visibility and ensure positive coverage of organizational initiatives.    
• Develop proactive and reactive media strategies, including crisis communication plans, to secure coverage and protect and enhance the organization’s reputation.    
• Create thought leadership opportunities for key executives, placing the organization as a leading voice in relevant fields.   

Internal Communications and Organizational Alignment:    

• Collaborate with HR to foster a strong internal communications strategy to keep employees informed and engaged with the organization’s mission, goals, and achievements.    
• Conduct regular communications training sessions to empower team members across departments to represent the organization consistently. 
  Foster a culture of innovation within the team by encouraging experimentation with new platforms, methods, and technologies.    

Budgeting and Resource Management:    

• Develop and manage the communications budget, ensuring resources are allocated to high-priority projects and initiatives.    
• Make data-driven decisions to optimize spending, ensuring a high return on investment in all communications activities.    
• Assess and procure necessary tools, technologies, and platforms to support efficient and effective communication efforts.    

Qualifications and Success Factors:    

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.    
• Minimum of 8-10 years of increasing experience in communications leadership, with at least 5 years serving on a senior leadership team   
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful communications strategies, including team development, in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.    
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives.   
• Strong executive leadership skills with results in talent development, strategic execution, and content development   
• Strong understanding of data analytics and experience in using metrics to drive communications strategies and decisions.    
• Crisis management acumen and a balanced, strategic approach under pressure.    
     

Leading Candidates will have:    

• A strategic mindset with a passion for the nonprofit sector.    
• A creative and innovative approach to communications challenges.    
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire colleagues at all levels of the organization.    
• A high level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to the organization’s mission.    

Organizational Vision, Mission, and Function      

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington envisions an open, connected, and vibrant Jewish community that cares for each other, fosters Jewish learning and journeys, embraces Jewish peoplehood and Israel, and acts as a force for good in the world. As a mission-driven non-profit organization, we work to inspire, build, and sustain vibrant Jewish life in a changing world by mobilizing our community in common purpose, intentional innovation, and effective action. Learn more at shalomdc.org.        

A People-Friendly Workplace      

• The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is an equal opportunity employer offering a people-friendly environment, including:       
• Excellent health care and retirement benefits      
• Generous time off, including six weeks of paid parental leave after one year    
• Hybrid schedule based out of headquarters in North Bethesda, MD  
• Commuter Bonus    
• Opportunities and an annual stipend for continued professional development      
• Access to the JPRO Network, which connects, educates, inspires, and empowers professionals working in the Jewish nonprofit sector