Press Secretary

Press Secretary

Position Summary

NCJW seeks a Press Secretary to join our team to amplify our voice and expand our reach during a critical time for issues impacting women, children, and families in the United States and Israel.

Our newly revitalized Communications Department shapes the narrative that drives impact and broadens NCJW’s audience. The successful candidate has a strong familiarity with, if not expertise in, digital communications and government affairs and is a dynamic storyteller who can translate complex policy and issues for a diverse national constituency including partners, donors, other stakeholders, and the public. The Press Secretary will develop and execute strategies to enhance NCJW's media presence, craft compelling narratives, and foster relationships with press and media outlets. The ideal candidate will have exceptional communication skills, experience in media relations, speechwriting, and a passion for advancing social justice and gender equity.

Ideally based in Washington, DC, the Press Secretary will serve as a key advisor to NCJW's CEO and play an integral role in shaping the organization's public image and messaging, while elevating critical issues impacting women, children, and families.The ideal candidate will be values-driven, agile, curious, and foster an environment of joy and collaboration while amplifying the voices of change-makers across the country. This role reports to the Chief Growth Officer.

Primary Responsibilities

Media Relations and Outreach

• Develop and execute media strategies to increase NCJW’s visibility and influence in national and local press.
• Establish and nurture relationships with reporters, editors, and media outlets, including traditional and digital platforms.
• Proactively identify opportunities for NCJW to engage in trending news and emerging issues, ensuring swift and thoughtful responses.
• Draft and distribute press releases, op-eds, media advisories, and other materials to communicate NCJW’s positions and initiatives.
• Lead pitching of NCJW staff, including NCJW CEO as well as local leadership as appropriate, to the press.
• Coordinate interviews, media appearances, and press events for the CEO and other organizational leaders.
• Act as the formal spokesperson and media liaison for the organization and CEO, Sheila Katz.

CEO Support and Speechwriting

• Collaborate closely with the CEO, Chief of Staff, and Chief Growth Officer to craft speeches, talking points, remarks, and quotes for public appearances, interviews, events, and press statements.
• Provide media preparation and support for the CEO, ensuring alignment with NCJW’s messaging and priorities.
• Develop thought leadership pieces, such as op-eds and blog posts, that elevate NCJW’s voice on key issues.

Strategic Communications

• As a part of the Communications team, partner with other teammates to align messaging with organizational priorities and advocacy goals, including areas like reproductive justice, voting rights, and civil rights.
• Collaborate with the Government Relations and Advocacy Department to ensure timely and impactful communication on policy developments,regulations, nominations, executive actions and orders, and legislative priorities.
• Contribute to the development of overarching communications strategies that amplify NCJW’s mission and build awareness among diverse audiences.

Content Development

• Create engaging, audience-focused content for various platforms, including social media, blogs, newsletters, and press materials.
• Partner with the Digital Media Manager and Communications team to ensure consistency in branding and messaging across all materials.

Crisis Communications

• Lead rapid-response press efforts during critical moments, providing culturally and politically sensitive guidance.
• Act as a trusted advisor in managing public-facing communications during challenging and high-stakes situations.

Key Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in media relations, communications, or public affairs, preferably in advocacy, nonprofit, or government settings.
• Proven success in establishing and maintaining relationships with media outlets and reporters.
• Exceptional speechwriting, storytelling, and copywriting skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Deep understanding of policy, government, and legislative processes, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages.
• Experience managing high-pressure, fast-paced communications, including crisis response.
• Strong knowledge of digital platforms and the intersection of traditional and digital media strategies.
• Familiarity with Jewish communal organizations is preferred
• A commitment to NCJW’s mission of advancing social justice for women, children, and families.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of work.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain composure under tight deadlines.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: $100,000-$125,000 annually — commensurate with experience

Paid Federal and Jewish Holidays.

NCJW offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package, including 30+ paid Federal and Jewish Holidays each year, plus paid vacation time, sick time, and extensive paid leave. In addition, NCJW offers a retirement savings account with employer match, health insurance, dental, vision, disability insurance, professional development, life insurance, flexible spending account, trans health coverage, transit benefits, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and abortion procedure funding.

NCJW is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At National Council of Jewish Women, we are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and accountability. We honor the wisdom, insights, perspectives, and experiences of diverse viewpoints, and recognize that many critical voices have been underrepresented in Jewish organizational life and nonprofit organizations as a whole for too long. We welcome applications from people of diverse religious, spiritual, and cultural backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer and recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate, and administer all personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, culture, age, creed, disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship status, or any other protected status.

About NCJW

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is the oldest Jewish feminist civil rights organization working for equity and justice for women, children, and families in the United States and Israel. Through the efforts of our 225,000 grassroots advocates and 48 local sections, NCJW combines education, direct service, and advocacy to affect lasting social change at the local, state, and national levels.

We approach our work Jewishly and through the intersections of gender, economic, and racial justice to center those most impacted. NCJW's intersectional work in progressive and Jewish spaces has resulted in deep partnerships with secular and faith-based human rights organizations, BIPOC-led grassroots organizations, and governmental allies. NCJW has lead roles in many civil rights coalitions and legacy networks. Rooted in the Jewish values of justice (tzedek), repairing the world (tikkun olam), and compassion (chesed), NCJW has been a leading voice in advancing social justice for over 130 years.