Public Relations Manager
Location: Remote, In-person meetings, as needed
Organization: Union for Reform Judaism
Employment Type: Full Time, Benefits Eligible, Exempt, MNGT
Department: Marketing, Audience Development & Sales
Reporting to: Director, Strategic Communications
Start Date: As soon as possible
Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000 plus competitive benefits package
Level/Salary Grade: Subject Matter Expert (Advanced) / C
The Role
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is seeking an effective and strategic Public Relations Manager to support and execute an inclusive and integrated communications strategy. This role will focus on both proactive and reactive initiatives, enhancing URJ’s visibility while expanding our reach to new and diverse audiences. The Public Relations Manager will work closely with URJ leadership and serve as the communications liaison to URJ Flagship Programs (Acting Together For Justice, Jewish Your Way, Leaders in Action, Camps and Immersives).
What You Will Do
The Public Relations Manager reports to the Director of Strategic Communications and is responsible for the following:
Media Relations
-
Serve as the primary PR contact for URJ, identifying compelling stories and relevant journalists/outlets that reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion, raising awareness, and expanding the reach of URJ’s work across varied communities.
Strategic Planning
-
Develop and maintain PR strategies that align with long-term goals and short-term campaigns, ensuring they are inclusive and resonate with a wide audience, particularly underrepresented groups (Jews of Color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups).
-
In collaboration with Director of Strategic Communications, provide public relations strategy and support across URJ Flagship Programs, events, initiatives and other priorities
Communication Collaboration
-
Assist URJ staff and leadership in drafting op-eds, speeches, statements, talking points, and other cross-functional messaging materials.
Who You Are & Keys to Success (the must-haves):
To be successful in this job, you excel in the following areas:
Communication & Media Relations. Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills for crafting press releases, speeches, and internal messaging. Ability to communicate complex topics succinctly and engagingly. Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with media representatives and stakeholders. Experience in media outreach, including pitching stories and managing press inquiries. Capacity to cultivate and maintain a diverse network of media contacts. Familiarity with digital PR tools and analytics, including experience with platforms for media monitoring, relationship management, and campaign performance measurement.
Strategic Thinking. Proficient in developing and implementing effective PR strategies, messaging and storylines aligned with organizational goals. Ability to analyze media trends and audience insights to inform communication efforts. Skilled in assessing the effectiveness of PR campaigns and making data-driven adjustments.
Crises Management. Experience in developing and executing crisis communication plans. Ability to remain calm and strategic under pressure, adapting to a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.
Mission Support. Familiarity with mission-based, nonprofit, or faith-based communications preferred especially in advocacy or social justice contexts. Understanding of how to effectively promote the mission and work of nonprofit organizations. Awareness and sensitivity to diverse communities and perspectives, focusing on reaching new audiences and representing URJ’s inclusive values.
Collaborate & Connect. Thrives in creating and sustaining a climate of inclusion, trust, and productivity. Ability to work effectively across departments and with diverse teams. Holds oneself and others accountable for delivering on commitments on time and within budget. Initiates respectful, open dialogue to resolve issues and aligns efforts with URJ's broader goals.
Project & Self-Management. Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and campaigns simultaneously. Willingness to adjust strategies and tactics in response to changing circumstances or emerging issues. Able to scope projects effectively, identifying purpose, outcomes, roles, and processes in support of shared outcomes. Follows through with tasks on agreed timelines and proactively communicates potential delays. Utilizes effective time management tools to set and meet deadlines, while seeking support when needed. Maintains regular, open, and respectful communication.
REDI Experience (Racial Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion). Demonstrated experience prioritizing and executing Racial Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion initiatives (e.g., ableism, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, antiracism). Strong understanding of DEI principles, with a commitment to representing diverse voices in communications. Ability to engage with a wide range of audiences, prioritizing outreach to multi-racial and marginalized communities. Plans and budgets through a REDI lens using URJ resources to ensure inclusive practices.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
About Us
??Every team member at the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) plays an essential role in our mission to create a whole, just, and compassionate world. Our team is creative, thoughtful, and innovative. Each member of the team is empowered to make meaningful contributions to achieving our shared goals. Our diverse team is made up of individuals with different skills and backgrounds and every team member is willing to take risks as well as take action to develop and create big ideas for the future of the Reform Movement. While this position focuses on a particular area of work, every team member is a vital part of our overall success.
?The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) provides vision and voice to build strong communities that, together, transform the way people connect to Judaism and change the world. We acknowledge that due to racism, ableism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression, that our communities are not whole until everyone experiences a sense of belonging within the Jewish community. As the largest Jewish movement in North America, we stand for a Judaism that is inclusive and reflective of a wide range of identities and accept the responsibility of dismantling oppression both inside and outside of our communities. Through camping, youth experiences, programs, information sharing, and networking opportunities, our over 850 congregations and 15 residential camps create opportunities for our communities to enhance their capacity to build and expand community, engage in meaningful and authentic Jewish life, deepen Jewish learning, energize worship, pursue social justice and develop inspired leadership. Together, our employees and stakeholders, are creating Reform Judaism of today.?
Application Process
Apply online and include a one-page cover letter along with your resume, outlining your skills and experience and how you meet the essential functions and qualifications of the position. We look forward to hearing from you!
The URJ strives to be a welcoming and inclusive environment that acknowledges diversity as a critical strength. We promote strenuous policies and practices of equal opportunity and diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is our objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals including those of any race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Our equal employment philosophy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, job benefits, and terminations. The URJ encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, and other often underrepresented groups.