About JQY

JQY (Jewish Queer Youth) is a nonprofit organization supporting and empowering LGBTQ youth in the Jewish community, with a special focus on teens and young adults from Orthodox, Chasidic, and Sephardi/Mizrahi homes. JQY fights to ensure the emotional and physical health and safety of this population. Our goal is for all these individuals to know: You are a valued member of the Jewish community and you are not alone.

About JQY Culture

We prioritize creativity, and experimenting with new ideas along with making sure that we have the time, energy, and resources to execute on them. At this pivotal time in JQY's evolution, we are looking for a stellar team member to lead our organization’s communication strategy and implementation. Though specializing in working with an at-risk population and dealing with heavy topics daily, we are a place of joy and celebration. As a small nonprofit, we are all team players who support each other to get work across the finish line. JQY offices are closed on federal holidays and chagim.

About You

You respect the gravity of the unique risks facing our participants while helping to de-catastrophize their lives through lightheartedness and joy. You love creating systems to make things work better and you connect with the mission of JQY. You are decisive and have an intuitive sense about when you need to seek guidance and when you should make the call yourself. You are confident in your skillset but always eager to learn. You take the work seriously, but you don’t take yourself too seriously.

To ensure success, you should exude approachability and cultural sensitivity at all appropriate opportunities and collaborate well with staff and volunteers. The Communications Manager should continuously endeavor to stretch JQY’s visibility, reach, and impact.

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate and dynamic individual to lead our organization's communication strategy and efforts. The Communications Manager will play a key role in developing and implementing communication strategies to raise awareness of our mission, engage stakeholders, and support fundraising efforts. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and strategic communicator to make a meaningful impact.

The Communications Manager is a full-time position with flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, to accommodate program schedules and availability. The position is based in NYC with a hybrid work schedule. They will report to the Executive Director and will work closely with JQY’s communications strategy consultants.

The Communications Manager will supervise the part-time Content Creator and will work closely with them on content strategy.

Core Areas of Responsibility

Developing Communication Strategies

• Maintain, implement, and assist in developing comprehensive communication strategies aligned with JQY’s goals and target audiences
  • Identify key messaging, communication channels, and tactics to effectively reach stakeholders
• Develop crisis communication plans and protocols to effectively respond to emergencies, controversies, or publicity

Content Creation

• Supervise and collaborate with a part time Content Creator
• Oversee the creation of various types of content, including press releases, app posts, articles, social media posts, website content, marketing materials, and internal communications
• Ensure that content is accurate, engaging, and consistent with the JQY’s brand voice and messaging

Digital Communication

• Manage the JQY’s digital communication channels, such as social media accounts, the JQY App, email newsletters, and website content
• Develop content calendars, monitor engagement, respond to inquiries and comments from followers, and leverage digital tools to enhance outreach and engagement
• Respond to requests to promote events on any of JQY’s digital platforms.

Internal Communication

• Facilitate internal communication to ensure that staff, volunteers, and board members are informed, engaged, and aligned
  • May involve organizing staff meetings, creating and disseminating organizational updates, and fostering a positive organizational culture

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with various stakeholders, including supporters, donors, volunteers, and participants through events, outreach campaigns, and online engagement initiatives
• Manage intake process for the JQY App and JQY’s teen chat, Queer Shmear
• May include organizing events, supporting volunteer efforts, and cultivating relationships to foster a sense of belonging and loyalty

Fundraising Support

• Create compelling campaigns (email, crowdfunding, other) and develop donor communications
• Collaborate with development staff to create fundraising materials and implement donor stewardship strategies both online and in-person

Communications Analysis

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and initiatives
• Track and analyze audience engagement metrics, media coverage, website traffic, social media & app metrics, and use feedback to inform future communication efforts

Brand Management

• Play a critical role in managing and enhancing the organization's brand reputation and identity
• Ensure brand consistency across all communication channels, enforce brand guidelines, and develop messaging that reflects JQY’s values and impact
• By maintaining a cohesive and compelling brand presence, help cultivate trust, credibility, and support among donors, volunteers, beneficiaries, and the broader community

Media Relations

• Work closely with our communications strategy consultants to build and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, bloggers, and influencers to generate positive media coverage and raise awareness about JQY’s work
• May involve writing press releases, pitching stories, and coordinating interviews

Continuous Learning and Development

• Stay informed about trends and best practices in nonprofit communication, media, and marketing
• May attend training workshops, conferences, and networking events to enhance skills and knowledge

Organizational Culture

• As a small nonprofit, we are all team players who support each other to get work across the finish line
  • Serve as an active contributor in all aspects of JQY’s work. This can include onboarding team members, the attitude you bring to our organizational culture, and beyond
  • Contribute with a vibrant, entrepreneurial spirit, and a positive, roll-up-your-sleeves attitude

Core Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or related roles
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messaging for diverse audiences
• Strong understanding of digital communication channels, including social media, website management, and email marketing
• Design-oriented with proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Canva strongly preferred
• Basic knowledge of AI or willingness to learn
• Demonstrated experience in media relations
• Familiarity with fundraising principles and experience supporting fundraising campaigns and donor communications
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, prioritize tasks, and work independently with attention to detail
• Proficiency in using communication tools and software, such as social media management platforms, content management systems, and email marketing tools
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, able to leverage data and insights to drive decision-making and optimize communication efforts
• Flexibility to work remotely and accommodate evening and weekend commitments as needed
• Cultural competence and familiarity with both Jewish Orthodox and LGBTQ sensitivities and norms
• Ability to hold multiple and sometimes conflicting viewpoints at once. See JQY Eilu V’Eilu philosophy
• Excitement about being on the ground floor of a growing organization
• Kindness, consideration, collaboration, integrity, and a sense of humor

We recognize that no candidate will possess all the ideal qualifications described, and we encourage you to apply if you feel you would be a good fit!

Salary and Benefits

• Salary for this position is $70,000-$80,000 depending on experience
• Competitive health insurance and benefits package
• Unlimited PTO
• Access to all WeWork offices worldwide

Equal Employment Opportunity

JQY provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, national origin, disability condition, marital status or any other protected characteristic as established by law. In addition, the organization affirmatively seeks to advance the principles of equal employment opportunity as it applies to all policies and procedures relating to recruitment and hiring, compensation, benefits, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

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