National Council of Jewish Women

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The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.

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Careers

Roles we are currently hiring:

Director of Development

About the Opportunity:

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) seeks a dynamic Director of Development to develop and implement a fundraising growth strategy with the goal doubling its philanthropic revenue over the next few years, lead a growing development team, and empower an energetic lay leadership to complement and enhance its work. Following the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade, this is a unique opportunity for an experienced development professional to drive growth during this pivotal time for our country.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, Sheila Katz, the Director of Development will serve as an organizational leader responsible for setting and articulating a compelling fundraising strategy and overseeing the day-to-day management of the organization’s fundraising activities. The Director of Development will oversee individual, foundation, corporate, and legacy giving, and will partner with the CEO to reinvigorate NCJW’s culture of philanthropy.

This professional serves as a key member of the senior management team and is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing a comprehensive development strategy for increasing the organization’s revenue in an efficient and sustainable manner.

A successful candidate will need to blend flexibility with disciplined execution, strong self-awareness, and confidence in creating change and operating through informal channels as well as established organizational structures. As a key cultural leader, this person will promote an organizational culture that emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Primary Responsibilities:

Lead all fundraising activities to support NCJW’s growth, which includes but is not limited to the following:
  • Develop cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies for major donors, including six- and seven-figure giving to achieve annual major gifts goals.
  • Define a plan to strengthen relationships and develop productive contact with a personal portfolio of current and potential major donors to further their commitment to NCJW.
  • Enhance cross-functional fundraising across NCJW departments, including partnering effectively with the Marketing and Communications team to share consistent messaging to all donors and stakeholders.
  • Leverage the diverse talents of NCJW professionals, and the extensive philanthropic contacts of the Board of Directors and other key volunteers.
  • Foster a culture stewardship and donor gratitude across the organization.
  • Oversee the Direct Response program and develop a comprehensive strategy for donor appeals and ensure that all solicitations incorporate consistent and compelling messaging.
  • Develop strategy and implementation plan to support the joint fundraising efforts of NCJW Sections.
  • Expand and enhance NCJW’s planned giving program.
Team Leadership
  • Develop clear roles, responsibilities, and reporting structures for development team members to maintain a strong, high performing organizational culture.
  • Set department goals and create and implement realistic and actionable departmental work-plan and team calendar in coordination with other NCJW departments.
  • Serve as expert advisor to the CEO and senior management team, and mentor to all NCJW colleagues on fundraising matters.
  • Cultivate and promote a culture of collaboration, transparency, accountability, and empowerment.
  • Guide department’s role in fundraising for NCJW’s national meetings, including overseeing fundraising events at triennial gatherings.
Board Relations
  • Serve as staff liaison to NCJW’s Development Committee.
  • Train and prepare development committee to support NCJW fundraising goals and set meetings with appropriate funding prospects.
  • Cultivate board members as donors and networkers, including setting individual commitments or fundraising strategies.

About the Successful Candidate:

The Director of Development will be a hands-on leader within the organization who is excited to apply their fundraising and donor engagement skill set to an organization that drives social justice for women, children, families across the world. The successful candidate will be a changemaker, unafraid of bold and ambitious goals, and a willingness to make six-and-seven figure asks. They will be values-driven, agile, curious, and approachable executive who fosters an environment of joy and collaboration. Preference to candidates based in Washington D.C. All candidates must be willing to travel and take in-person solicitation meetings.

Education and Qualifications:

  • Strong commitment to and passion for the mission of NCJW and the ability to articulate the importance of the organization’s work to prospective and current funders.
  • At least 8 years of increasing responsibility in development within a nonprofit environment.
  • Proven track record of increasing an organization’s fundraising revenue.
  • Successful track record in soliciting major gifts from existing and new prospects
  • Demonstrated ability to develop, foster, and sustain donor relationships.
  • Ability to rapidly transition from the highly innovative and strategic to the tactical.
  • Significant experience in securing funding from individuals, foundations, and/or corporations.
  • Ability to work successfully with individuals at all levels within the organization, including board members, donors, Section leaders and volunteers.
  • Strong communicator, oral and written, with excellent presentation skills.
  • Effective and inspirational manager with experience managing teams of people to the successful completion of ambitious goals.
  • Strong organizational, time, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, short-term needs, and long-term planning.
  • Ability and willingness to travel.
  • Strong attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, and receptivity to feedback.
  • A commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and passion for social justice and the organization’s greater mission.

Salary and Benefits:

  • $150,000-$175,000. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience.

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.

Interested Candidates:

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Director of Communications

About the Opportunity:

The Director of Communications is responsible for developing and implementing NCJW’s communication strategy, including a broad range of communication activities relative to the strategic direction and positioning of the organization, as well as the larger issue areas in which we work. The Director is responsible for the success of NCJW’s communications department, supervises a team of digital and communications professionals (as well as relevant consultants and vendors) and serves as the communications expert on the leadership team.

The Director of Communications leads a team of four, (1) Associate Director, (2) Managers, and (1) Associate, and manages a department budget. For the first year, this role will report to the Chief Executive Officer. Starting the following year, this role will report to the Chief Policy Officer.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Strategy
  • Drive the organization forward through informed strategy and deeply collaborative work.
  • Create large-scale communications plans and strategies with the lens of the audiences always in mind.
  • Translate institutional priorities to audience-focused core messaging and talking points.
  • Partner with NCJW departments to understand upcoming priorities and initiatives and provide strategic direction to help the organization effectively communicate to the community.
  • Build and execute on strategic and project-level communication plans that support NCJW’s strategic priorities, and vision.
  • Use qualitative and quantitative results to measure communication quality, engagement, and satisfaction, and use data to inform future actions.
Press
  • Drive the creation and evolution of NCJW’s media messaging strategy. Find stories and angles that meet current trending issues of national importance.
  • Create ambitious press coverage goals and clear plans to achieve them.
  • Oversee press relations, creating clear goals and expectations for each member of the NCJW team around responding (or not responding) to press.
  • Assign press relationship management and implementation of strategies and tactics to the Communications team members and coach them on achieving those goals.
Operations
  • Develop and manage communications budget and approve spending; obtain and manage team resources.
  • Own and manage contractor/vendor relationships
Administrative
  • Set department strategy, adjust as needed
  • Develop, motivate, and lead team; set team goals and evaluate performance
  • Own and manage department budget; provide input on NCJW, Inc. Budget
  • Own partner organization relationships, as appropriate for communications.
  • Engage board members and lead board committees
  • Ensure alignment of projects within the department and across the organization.
  • Other duties as assigned

Preferences:

  • 7+ years preferred of experience working directly with senior-level executives to develop and drive engagement and impact through strategic communications to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
  • 5+ years preferred of experience developing talent
  • 5+ years preferred of managing a complex budget
  • DC-based professional strongly preferred

Requirements:

  • Demonstrated experience in creating, directing and managing content for various multimedia platforms, including website, social media, print, newsletter and email.
  • 3+ years required of experience working directly with senior-level executives to develop and drive engagement and impact through strategic communications to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
  • 3+ years required of experience developing talent
  • 2+ years required of managing a complex budget
  • Detail-oriented and organized.
  • Ability to manage time and priorities with competing responsibilities and multiple stakeholders.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must be very comfortable with public speaking and being in front of large rooms of people.
  • Well-developed public relations skills to respond to situations with political appropriateness and sensitivity
  • Ability and willingness to step in when necessary and create NCJW content, including email content, op-eds, press releases, and speeches.
  • Up to date COVID vaccinations, as defined by CDC

Salary and Benefits:

  • $110,000-$150,000. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience.

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.

Interested Candidates:

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Director of Engagement and Leadership

About the Opportunity:

The Director of Engagement and Leadership works in deep relationship with key leaders in the field of NCJW’s national work-supporting, developing and inspiring leaders with the training and resources they need to create a better world for women and children.

Our next Director of Engagement and Leadership has both the capacity to think big and the chops to implement on the ground, setting both the vision and overseeing the plan for field growth and engagement.

This role serves as the bridge between our field and national office, and will both engage our existing advocates and grow our overall movement, and provide both technical and strategic support to the field, training the pipeline of new leaders, managing external event planners who plan and execute national events, and serving as a key resource to our local affiliates. Director of Engagement and Leadership leads a team of three, (1) Associate Director,(1) Manager, and (1) Associate, and manages a department budget. This role reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Vision Setting and Relationship Building
  • Set, manage, and adjust vision and strategy for national engagement and leadership as needed.
  • Engage in organizational design and backwards design planning for department.
  • Inspire growth in field leaders and deepen their relationships with NCJW.
  • Determine proactive strategic visit schedule to support the field and increase engagement and leadership.
  • Ensure strategic alignment and communication between field and national staff.
Filed Support and Governance
  • Develop a plan for trainings, thought partnership, curriculum development, and resource sharing
  • Identify, codify, and share best practices; offer support as needed to enhance field operations
  • Proactively create opportunities for stakeholders to meet in person on topics of interest
  • Ensure that regulatory requirements and key metrics are met
  • Assess field needs and determine differentiated support model
Leadership Program and Event Management (National and Regional)
  • Oversee leadership programs including retreats for key field leaders and cohorts for executive directors, section presidents, and more
  • Create a schedule for events and conferences; update and engage departments as needed
  • Manage conference planners who plan and lead national conferences and large events
Administrative Duties
  • Set department strategy, adjust as needed
  • Develop, motivate, and lead team; set team goals and evaluate performance
  • Own and manage department budget; provide input on NCJW Budget
  • Engage board members and lead board committees
  • Ensure alignment of projects within the department and across the organization
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

  • Prior experience managing a federated model within a national organization or leading a non-profit organization
  • Experience inspiring and training leaders to lead impact
  • Minimum of five years of prior experience with field building and leadership development
  • Minimum of seven years experience managing teams
  • Experience developing and executing a department and or/organization wide strategy
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Keen judgment and professional demeanor
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain confidential and privileged information with discretion
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Self-starter with ability to work independently and creatively
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skillsAbility to work with and steward volunteer

Salary and Benefits:

  • $110,000-$150,000. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience.

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.

Interested Candidates:

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Associate Director of Individual Giving and Engagement

About the Opportunity:

NCJW seeks an Associate Director of Individual Giving and Engagement who is responsible for defining NCJW’s individual giving programs, engaging and retaining existing donors, compelling new donors to join a committed community of supporters, and deepening donor commitment over time.

The position can work under a hybrid working model, generally expected to report to the DC office weekly (with some exceptions).

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Build on NCJW’s current foundation of committed individual donors and leverage a highly engaged Board of Directors to identify and cultivate a portfolio of individual donors.
  • Identify, cultivate, and build a pipeline of new donors and oversee research and networking to drive pipeline creation.
  • Engage in independent donor cultivation and solicitations as well as work with the Director Development, CEO, and others to engage in this work. This will include engagement with members of NCJW’s Board of Directors and other existing donors and stakeholders to leverage their networks.
  • Create tailored pitches based on deep understanding of our donors, including verbal presentations and materials focused on NCJW’s work and impact.
  • Oversee NCJW’s direct response program, including direct mail and online fundraising program to maximize donor entry points.
  • Work with the Director of Development and NCJW’s Marketing and Communications team to revitalize NCJW’s Legacy Program.
  • Work with NCJW’s Marketing and Communications team to create a regular cadence of high-quality funder and prospect engagement and communications that aligns with and leverages other external communications and engagement with NCJW’s stakeholders.
  • Contribute content and participate as needed in Board of Directors and Development Committee meetings.
  • Ability to travel an average of 30% of the time as required for purpose of attending donor meetings, events and related business needs.

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated major gifts experience within a nonprofit organization, educational institution, or other environment of similar complexity
  • A track record of successfully building a major gifts strategy and growing major gifts revenue or proven comparable skills
  • Experience managing a large donor portfolio
  • Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing a donor engagement strategy
  • Strong interpersonal skills, both in person and over the phone
  • Strong organizational skills

About the Successful Candidate:

This individual must be an excellent relationship builder and fundraiser with a proven track record of soliciting, closing, and stewarding large multi-year gifts. The individual must be a team player with a willingness to adapt to new and evolving organizational and funding priorities Ability to travel an average of 30% of the time as required for purpose of attending donor meetings, events and related business needs. Possess the commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and passion for social justice and the organization’s greater mission.

Salary and Benefits:

  • Salary range is $80,000 – $110,000. Comprehensive benefits package includes health and dental insurance and a generous vacation and holiday schedule.

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.

Interested Candidates:

We thank you for your interest in career opportunities with NCJW. Due to high volume, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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Government Relations & Advocacy Intern/Fellow
(Summer 2023)

About the Opportunity:

For over a century, the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) has been at the forefront of social change, championing the needs of women, children, and families while taking a progressive stance on such issues as reproductive rights and justice, voter engagement, the federal courts, and civil rights.

NCJW’s Government Relations and Advocacy Department is pleased to offer internships to rising college juniors and seniors as well as graduate students. This is a great opportunity to learn first-hand about advocacy and the legislative process. Applicants should possess a commitment to progressive change, racial justice, and working in a diverse environment.

Please note that internships/fellowships can be entirely remote or in-person and that applicants from across the country are encouraged to apply.

Opportunities & Responsibilities:

  • Learn about public policy and the legislative process by assisting staff and attending legislative hearings, briefings, national coalition meetings, rallies, and press conferences. 
  • Assist with issue portfolios, such as reproductive rights, the federal courts, voting rights, economic justice, LGBTQ equality, religious liberty, and immigration. 
  • Draft and edit advocacy materials, including points, regulatory comments, letters, op-eds, policy updates, etc.  
  • Plan and execute a lobby day by meeting with congressional staff to discuss NCJW priority issues. 
  • Gain an understanding of NCJW and what it’s like to work for a non-profit, volunteer-led organization.

Qualifications:

Strong writing and communication skills, ability to learn quickly, and a commitment to social justice issues. No previous professional experience necessary, just a willingness to learn and get involved. Two years of higher education or commensurate experience strongly preferred.

Hours:

Flexible, part-time (minimum 2 days per week; 180 maximum hours in Spring and 350 maximum hours in Summer). Positions available by semester; must commit to the entire academic semester or term (January through May, May through August).

Compensation:

  • $16.10/hour and/or academic credit

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.

To Apply:

Please email a cover letter that includes your availability for the internship, as well as a resume and short writing sample (3-5 pages max). Please title each using the following format: Your Name_Document Type (for example, Faith Williams_Resume).  Send to Faith Williams, Associate Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, by email at fwilliams@ncjw.org.

Applications are considered on a rolling basis.