Director of Communications

Director of Communications

Inspired by Jewish values and ideals, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger is a national advocacy organization working to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the United States and Israel.

For nearly 40 years, MAZON has worked to ensure that laws, policies, and regulations governing access to food are available, accessible, and meaningful to those who need them, particularly populations whose unique needs are too often overlooked: veterans, currently serving military families, Indigenous communities, LGBTQ seniors, single mothers, college students, and the people of Puerto Rico and the territories. Our efforts are designed to provide people with the resources they need in a manner that is dignified and without judgment. All people—regardless of circumstance—must have access to adequate, nutritious food while retaining their choice, agency, and dignity.

MAZON is a leading national voice on anti-hunger issues. We work independently and in coalition with partners to protect and strengthen government nutrition programs that help people put food on the table, explore innovative solutions to persistent challenges to food security, and undertake unique strategies to bring such solutions to fruition. We educate communities across the country about the reality of hunger and how they can join us to help end it. We also provide funding to expand advocacy, training, and resources to nonprofit organizations across the United States and Israel, which includes a range of partnerships with local advocacy groups, food banks, legal service organizations, and statewide coalitions.

The Director of Communications will implement a strategic, multi-faceted communications program designed to promote the organization’s priorities, as well as build and strengthen the organization’s role and reputation as a leader and authoritative voice in its field. As a member of the management team, they will foster strategic alignment between communications, public policy, programs, and community engagement. This individual will also ensure consistent communication of MAZON’s image and position, both within the organization and externally to partners, donors, members of the media, other stakeholders, and the general public.

The Director of Communications reports to the Vice President of Public Affairs. Ideally, this position will be based in Washington, DC, or Los Angeles in a hybrid remote/in-office environment, but we will consider applicants from other locations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead efforts to develop overall communication and public relations activities (traditional, digital, and social) to help advance MAZON’s advocacy agenda while building awareness and affinity for the organization.
• Establish and nurture relationships with reporters, editors, and media outlets—traditional and non-traditional; develop and implement media strategy that is informed by those relationships.
• Create high-impact strategic campaigns focused on strong calls to action across both online and offline channels.
• Oversee the development, distribution, and maintenance of all organizational and programmatic content for media—newsletters, web and blog posts, one-pagers, brochures, ads, infographics, videos, and more.
• Identify opportunities to support organizational initiatives and develop communications materials and programs to promote and publicize these activities.
• Build and foster collaborative relationships with other departments within the organization to stay informed and abreast of new and ongoing initiatives.
• Provide strong leadership and strategic direction. Develop and set individual and departmental team performance goals.
• Monitor and remain current on anti-hunger trends, public policies, and political, social, or cultural developments that may present unique opportunities to raise MAZON’s profile.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Advanced degree a plus.
• 10+ years’ experience in communications and/or PR.
• Experience and comfort managing a team of 2-3 staff members.
• Experience working in a nonprofit and/or public affairs organization highly desired. Social justice, anti-hunger, or Jewish community experience a plus.
• Proven track record of conceiving and implementing successful strategic campaigns to advance advocacy and fundraising goals with measurable results.
• Familiarity with creating a test-and-learn culture of experimentation and implementation.
• Pragmatic, creative, and strategic thinker.
• Ability to communicate highly complex information to influence results and achieve strategic goals across multiple projects.
• Experience with media outreach, with a proven track record of establishing and implementing branding, communication, and marketing campaign strategies with measurable results.
• Comfort managing and facilitating relationships with outside vendors and contractors.
• Understanding of Judaism and comfort working within the Jewish community preferred.
• Knowledge of Google Analytics, WordPress, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong sense of vision, sophistication, and a collaborative, creative, and strategic approach.
• Professional demeanor with the capability of working with diverse team members, prioritizing work effectively and meaningfully, and juggling multiple priorities at any given time.
• Keen eye for design and attention to detail.
• Positive, can-do attitude; can seek creative solutions to challenges.
• Experience working collaboratively with colleagues, in coalitions, and among diverse groups.
• Ability to research, analyze, and synthesize data to make informed analyses and recommendations.
• Understands the importance of cultural competence.

Compensation and Benefits

MAZON offers a compensation package with a competitive salary range of $100,000 – $120,000. Employer-paid benefits include comprehensive medical insurance and Life/Disability/AD&D insurance. Other benefits include a 401K plan with an employer match, FSA participation, and dental, vision, and AFLAC insurance at a discounted group rate. MAZON offers a generous vacation, sick time plan, and holiday schedule, including all major Jewish holidays. We close early on Fridays in observance of Shabbat. We have a fun office environment (even virtually!) and a fantastic team dedicated to our meaningful work.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants will be contacted within 4–6 weeks of submission (potentially earlier) if they have been selected for an interview.

Please note: Applicants who meet our minimum application qualifications as outlined in the Job Description may be contacted to submit additional materials required by our hiring committee. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer

MAZON is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including people of color, people with disabilities, people of all gender identities, people of all races and national origins, veterans, and LBGTQIA individuals. We strive for a diverse workforce, and we acknowledge that our diversity also comes from our experiences and perspectives. We want all staff and team members to be treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to ensuring that you can carry out your assigned mission in an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.