Communications and Digital Engagement Manager

Are you looking for a mission-driven non-profit where your skills can help people in need around the world? At the Jewish United Fund (JUF), we take pride in our mission and in having a work culture that fosters a sense of belonging and feels rewarding, supportive, and inclusive. We have a hybrid schedule and offer generous benefits including a 401(k) match, 22 days of paid time off, 11 sick days, and up to 21 paid holidays. The salary range for this role is $65,000-$75,000.

What you’ll be responsible for:

You will be responsible for relaunching and improving JUF’s Public Affairs newsletter. The purpose of the newsletter is to showcase JUF Public Affairs, Campus and Israel Education Center successes and challenges and encourage community involvement, especially in supporting Israel and fighting antisemitism. You will aim to boost grassroots advocacy through mobilization tools and strategies and a stronger social media presence. The role also involves helping to create traditional media strategies to combat antisemitism, promote civic engagement, and advocate for Israel, including writing articles and using press credentials. Additionally, you’ll research and report on antisemitic and anti-Israel groups in Chicago.

What you’ll be doing:

1. Standardize, improve, and relaunch JUF’s Public Affairs newsletter, formerly named, “LINK”. The newsletter should be compelling and useful. Some highlights may include:
   1. JUF wins
   2. Communal challenges and wins
   3. Ways for people to engage as citizen advocates on behalf of, but not limited to, our key issues of supporting Israel and combatting antisemitism.
2. Make grassroots advocacy and mobilization a more deliberate and effective part of Public Affairs’ operations on and off campus.
   1. Identify and deploy mobilization tools for grassroots activations.
   2. Increase presence on social media focused on Israel advocacy, civic engagement, and combatting antisemitism. Add platforms beyond JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Council) Twitter.
3. Take primary ownership of JCRC’s and Campus Affairs (not individual campuses’) social media platforms.
   1. Start with JCRC twitter and then expand.
   2. Bring JUF Public Affairs and Hillels of Illinois and Israel Education Center to other relevant social media platforms.
4. Develop and implement new and traditional media strategies to combat antisemitism, promote civic engagement, and advocate for Israel.
   1. Develop social media strategies and content in coordination with JUF’s Marketing and Communications department to grow the audience and best showcase JUF’s Public Affairs and Campus Affairs work in compelling ways
   2. Help write and research articles and op-eds and manage Public Affairs and Campus Affairs regular contributions to JUF’s Magazine, Jewish Chicago, and other publications
   3. Obtain press credentials so that JUF can attend press conferences, government meetings, etc. to ensure that the Jewish community’s questions are being asked and answered.
   4. Work with JUF’s Marketing and Communications department on relevant initiatives.
5. Research, track, and follow antisemitic and anti-Israel groups and leaders operating in the metro-Chicago area, on and off campus. Create reports showing the challenges they pose.
6. Requires discretion and independent judgement in performing all aspects of the position.

What you need to succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science, history, Middle Eastern studies, or related social sciences
• 3-5 years professional work experience, including at least 2 years of experience in communications, advocacy, political campaigns, journalism, or other related fields
• Comfort with and experience in leveraging social media platforms and expanding follower-base
• Passion for and knowledge of Israel and Jewish issues. Familiarity with Jewish communal engagement
• Proficiency in standard Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Comfort with researching, vetting, and experimenting with new software applications and tools
• Experience conducting research and reporting out results is preferred
• Excellent interpersonal, presenting, and written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail, critical-thinker, and problem-solver
• Team player who enjoys collaboration, while also being a self-starter who achieves results fast, can work under pressure, juggle multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines
• A great attitude, a desire to affect change, and successful working at a stimulating pace

What you’ll love about us:

At JUF, you can be part of one of the largest non-profit social welfare institutions in Illinois. We provide food, refuge, healthcare, education, emergency assistance, and essential services to 500,000 Chicagoans of all faiths and millions of Jews around the world. We offer medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with base contribution and match, additional health and wellness benefits, financial benefits, professional training, tuition reimbursement, paid family leave, and much more. We have a flexible schedule with core hours and the ability to work from home / remote a few days per week (for most positions) on a hybrid basis.

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000