Director of Public Relations-World Jewish Congress 

Location:
New York

Organization:
The World Jewish Congress is a globally renowned organization that promotes the interests and needs of Jews and Jewish communities around the world.

Founded in Geneva in 1936 to unite the Jewish people and mobilize the world against the Nazi onslaught, the WJC is the representative body of Jewish communities and organizations in 100 countries from Argentina to Zimbabwe, across six continents. It seeks to safeguard Jewish security, support Israel and advance Middle East peace, advocate on issues of universal concern, promote positive interreligious and interethnic relations and strengthen the bonds of world Jewry.

Towards these ends, the World Jewish Congress works in coordination with governmental, intergovernmental and other international authorities on matters concerning the Jewish people; and in close cooperation with the democratically elected representatives of the Jewish communities in the 100 countries in which they serve.

Membership in the WJC is open to all representative Jewish groups or communities, irrespective of the social, political or economic ideology of the community’s host country.

The World Jewish Congress is supported by individual donors who identify with WJC’s mission.

The WJC maintains offices in New York, Brussels, Geneva and Jerusalem.

Position Description:
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Public Relations is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive, strategic and targeted media relations program to build awareness for the organization’s mission, strengthen and broaden donor relations, enhance fundraising activities, increase visibility for WJC, and position and promote WJC President Ronald Lauder before a wide range of media audiences. This professional will communicate WJC’s agenda, while building and clarifying a cohesive and compelling WJC narrative that will be shared with global media.

The Director of Public Relations will establish effective public relations policies and procedures and produce and manage public relations resources, including organizational pamphlets and brochures, promotional videos, website content, direct mail and social media. The Director will also provide ongoing executive communication support to WJC President Ronald Lauder.

The successful candidate is a superior writer and communicator, creative thinker and skilled diplomat with extensive media contacts and experience developing strategic media relations plans and implementing programs in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a public relations strategy for WJC to promote and increase visibility of the WJC’s mission and WJC President Ronald Lauder.
• Spearhead the creation of a distinctive and effective WJC public image; seek out and identify opportunities to position WJC President Ronald Lauder within key public platforms. Create news releases, talking points, speeches, white-papers, letters-to-the editor, op-eds and various promotional materials with this strategy in mind.
• Develop and maintain a working relationship with key reporters, publications and other media outlets. Organize and implement select media campaigns including press conferences and appropriate interview opportunities for WJC President Ronald Lauder in both print and broadcast media.
• Produce website content and oversee its strategic direction. Create and implement WJC’s social media presence.
• Manage advertising campaigns, including direct mail, email blasts and video production.
• Partner with Director of Campaign Relations and Communications and other internal constituents to broaden WJC’s donor base, enhance fundraising activities and ensure consistency of message across all channels.
• Interact regularly and closely with WJC President Ronald Lauder and other leadership to provide communications counsel.
• Identify causes, connect them to WJC’s work, and tell the story in the national and international media.

Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience and bachelor’s degree.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Proactive approach, energy and assertiveness to develop and direct public relations for WJC and collaborate effectively across the organization.
• Hands-on media relations experience and established media relationships.
• Top-notch interpersonal skills; ability to advise senior leaders.
• Outstanding personal communications ability with the stature and presence to represent WJC externally and act as spokesperson.
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should contact:
Jenn Wilson, Associate
Heyman Associates
jwilson@heymanassociates.com
212-784-2711