Director of Communications

Overview

Stephen Wise Free Synagogue (SWFS), a vibrant Reform congregation on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Communications to lead the synagogue’s storytelling, marketing, and public-relations efforts.

Reporting to the Senior Rabbi, in coordination with the Executive Director and with oversight and mentorship from the Deputy Executive Director, the Director of Communications will oversee all internal and external communications channels, manage departmental staff and vendors, and ensure the consistency, creativity, and impact of the synagogue’s voice across all platforms.

This full-time, in-person role is ideal for a communications leader who combines strong management and writing skills with digital savvy, collaborative instincts, and a passion for Jewish community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement an annual communications and marketing plan that advances SWFS’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Balance three primary audiences and objectives:
  1. Internal communications and member marketing — driving participation in worship, programs, and events.
  2. External marketing — attracting prospective members and promoting the synagogue’s Early Childhood Center and Religious School.
  3. Public relations — positioning SWFS and its Amplify Israel initiative as national thought leaders.
• Serve as the primary communications advisor to clergy and senior staff, ensuring alignment across all institutional messaging.
• Work with lay leadership and relevant committees.
• Collaborate closely with the synagogue’s publicist to coordinate PR strategy, media outreach, and social-media integration.

Marketing & Digital Strategy

• Evaluate and understand target market including through competitive/landscape analysis, convening focus groups, conducting surveys.
• Develop and execute targeted campaigns for membership growth and school enrollment, integrating email, web, earned media, and paid digital advertising.
• Measure campaign performance through analytics and adjust tactics for maximum effectiveness.
• Support and guide internal stakeholders on communications best practices, data management, and branding.
• Collaborate with the Amplify Israel team on conference and program marketing.
• Prepare to assume responsibility for podcast production (currently managed by the Deputy Executive Director) as the role expands.

Department Management

• Supervise two full-time staff members:
  • Marketing & Communications Coordinator (formerly Marketing Copywriter & Coordinator) — responsible for day-to-day execution of marketing tasks, internal campaign coordination, and email/social scheduling.
  • A/V and Technology Specialist — responsible for livestreaming, video production, and technology support.
• Manage freelancers and vendors including graphic designers, photographers, videographers, web developers, and consultants.
• Oversee departmental budget, timelines, and production schedules.
• Establish clear workflows for marketing requests, approvals, and analytics reporting.

Communications & Content Creation

• Oversee all written, visual, and digital communications: email newsletters, website, direct mail, annual magazine, and social media, among other channels.
• Ensure consistent tone, style, and branding across all channels.
• Write and edit marketing copy, press materials, and web content as needed.
• Manage the production calendar and coordinate assets for synagogue events, holidays, and campaigns.
• Maintain the website and oversee content updates with support from staff and external developers.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Partner with clergy and program staff to promote worship, learning, and community events.
• Coordinate with the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director and Director of Member Engagement on fundraising and donor communications.
• Support administrative and operations staff with event registration and High Holy Days ticketing and communications.
• Participate in monthly senior staff meetings and attend/staff synagogue events as needed.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in marketing, communications, or public relations; nonprofit or Jewish-communal experience preferred.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with an eye for design and detail.
• Demonstrated success managing staff and coordinating complex, multi-channel campaigns.
• Proficiency in digital tools: WordPress CMS, Constant Contact/Mailchimp, Meta Suite, Google Ads and Analytics, Salesforce CRM (preferred), and Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Understanding of media relations, social media strategy, and digital advertising.
• Strong organizational skills, the ability to manage competing priorities, and a collaborative, hands-on approach.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue and to Reform Zionism.
• Contextual knowledge of Jewish culture and religious traditions, and an understanding of the Jewish organizational and media landscape

Compensation and Benefits

Salary commensurate with experience, expected range $125,000–$150,000 annually.
Excellent benefits include generous paid vacation/sick/personal leave; employer-paid medical insurance; optional dental/vision; flexible-spending and transit accounts; and 403(b) retirement plan participation.

A vibrant Reform congregation on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue has served as a catalyst for progressive Jewish thought, committed social action in the local community and beyond, and support for Israel for more than 118 years. To learn more, visit www.swfs.org.