Chief Communications Officer

What You'll Do

As Central Synagogue thrives as one of the largest Reform congregations in the world, it is committed to welcoming a wide range of perspectives and ideas. The role of thoughtful, cohesive, and inspiring communication is more important than ever. We seek a strategic, collaborative, and highly experienced Chief Communications Officer (CCO) to steward and elevate Central's voice—one that can engage complexity with care while also amplifying the warmth, joy, and vibrancy of our community, strengthening our brand, and connecting people to the spiritual life we share.

The CCO will shape and lead a forward-thinking communications and brand strategy that elevates Central Synagogue's voice and strengthens its public presence. The CCO will oversee all facets of communications including brand, storytelling, content creation, and digital platforms to ensure a cohesive and authentic narrative aligned with Central's values as an open and welcoming congregation. As a senior leader, the CCO will build, manage, and develop a high-performing communications team, will identify and engage external experts including lay leaders, and serve as a trusted internal expert and resource for clergy and staff across the organization. Partnering closely with senior leadership and colleagues throughout the synagogue, the CCO will help translate complex topics with care and clarity and ensure that every communication coming from Central is representative of its values and standards for excellence.

This is an ideal opportunity for a creative, courageous storyteller with a track record of building strategic communications functions in dynamic and complex environments.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Communications and Brand Strategy

• Shape a comprehensive, multi-channel communications strategy that supports Central's work, considers the many constituents Central touches, and reflects Central Synagogue's brand and values.
• Establish yourself as an internal expert gaining buy-in on the strategy internally and with lay leaders as appropriate.
• Lead the evolution of Central's digital presence—including website, email, social media, livestreaming, and emerging platforms—to expand reach, foster connection, and support participation in communal and spiritual life.
• Continue to build on Central's established brand, and play a lead role in a rebranding effort as part of Central's strategic plan.

Creative Storytelling

• Lead Central's storytelling efforts to communicate a cohesive story that reflects Central's mission and values, balancing the needs of individual departmental goals.
• Develop clear, compelling narrative arcs around complex and sensitive topics, including Israel and global Jewish life, that honor nuance, invite learning, and support thoughtful engagement across a diverse congregation.
• Serve as a trusted thought partner to senior leadership, helping translate ideas, values, and moments into language that resonates across internal and external audiences.

Team and Organizational Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and support a skilled communications team across brand, digital, content, and media functions, fostering professional growth and excellence while honoring collaboration and care.
• Establish clear priorities, workflows, and expectations, ensuring the team is positioned to deliver both strategic initiatives and day-to-day communications with consistency and quality.
• Identify needs and ensure we have the right resources to build a best in class Marketing and Communications team.

Who You'll Work With

• You will report to the Executive Director of Central Synagogue.
• You will supervise the Assistant Director of Communications and a total team of 4 direct reports.
• You will collaborate frequently with the senior leaders, clergy, and lay leaders, including members of the Board of Trustees.

• 15+ years of senior-level communications leadership in a complex organization: cultural institution, nonprofit, or for profit
• Proven success leading strategic communications, media relations, and marketing efforts that elevate an organization's brand and mission and expand its reach across diverse stakeholders and audiences
• Experience with and passion for creative storytelling; ability to convey complex messages with care and nuance
• Demonstrated political savvy—both in external relations (e.g., media, nonprofit leaders, elected officials) and internal dynamics (e.g., managing up, across departments)
• Strong track record of managing and growing teams; ability to motivate and inspire team members while holding them accountable for clear, ambitious goals
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to work well with others and influence cross-functional teams, leadership, and partners
• Excellent strategic thinking skills with a proven track record of translating strategy into concrete plans and driving high quality execution
• Exceptional written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex or sensitive topics into compelling, accessible messages
• A calm, flexible, and decisive leader who is comfortable making fast, sound decisions in high-pressure or crisis situations while maintaining a steady focus on long-term strategy
• Deep knowledge of the Jewish faith

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is $225-$275K. Central Synagogue offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community. The salary is commensurate with experience based on several factors, including but not limited to skills, knowledge, training, education, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience. The above salary range represents the Synagogue's good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation range at the time of posting.

Additional Details

Central Synagogue is located in Midtown Manhattan; as such, the CCO must be based in New York City or within easily commutable distance. The CCO will adhere to a hybrid schedule with four days in the office and one day remote. In partnership with their team, the CCO may be expected to support and participate in events, which may include weekends and evenings. Working on the High Holy Days, specifically Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, is required.

Central Synagogue is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment laws. To that end, we are dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin (including ancestry), religion, gender or sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), alienage or citizenship status (unless required by law), disability, reproductive health decision making (including, but not limited to, the decision to use or access a particular drug, device, or medical service), marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, military status, unemployment status, genetic information (including genetic characteristics), or any other protected status under federal, state, or local laws. We are dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy with respect to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.