COMMUNICATIONS & OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE

Russell Berrie Foundation; Teaneck Township (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement contribution with generous matching

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Russell Berrie Foundation seeks a Communications & Operations Associate, providing comprehensive support to the CEO while managing key communications and operations. This hybrid role is ideal for early-career professionals eager to develop a diverse skill set within the nonprofit sector.

Responsibilities include drafting communications, conducting research, and managing projects. Candidates should possess strong writing skills, organizational abilities, and experience with AI tools. Salary range is $65,000 – $75,000, with benefits including health insurance and retirement contributions.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of professional experience in an administrative, communications, or project support role.
• Experience in managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the CEO, including meeting materials preparation.
• Manage social media accounts and foundation communications.
• Conduct research and create concise briefs for the CEO.

Skills

Organizational skills

Excellent writing and editing

Experience with AI tools

Research skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Position Type: Full‑Time

Location: Hybrid (In office in Teaneck, NJ three days per week. The Foundation offices are easily accessible via public transportation from NYC.)

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Start Date: March/April 2026

Are you the kind of person who sees a half‑formed idea and immediately starts thinking about how to bring it to life? Do you get energized by the challenge of juggling diverse tasks with speed and accuracy? Can you draft compelling content in the morning, coordinate a meeting at lunch, and research a new topic in the afternoon—all while maintaining a sense of curiosity and purpose? If so, this role might be your perfect next step.

About the Russell Berrie Foundation

The Russell Berrie Foundation was created in 1985 to express the values and passions of Russell Berrie, one of the most innovative philanthropists of his generation. He approached philanthropy as a social investment, seeking out energetic leaders with a sense of urgency around their missions and infusing the Foundation with an entrepreneurial spirit that continues to inspire our work. The Russell Berrie Foundation makes strategic social investments in innovative ideas and is active in multiple mission areas spanning diabetes and community health, a thriving local Jewish community, interfaith and community bridge building, and an inclusive and resilient Israel. Our geographic areas of focus are primarily Northern New Jersey and Israel.

About the Role

The Communications & Operations Associate is a unique hybrid position that provides comprehensive support to the CEO while managing key foundation communications and operations. This is an ideal opportunity for an early‑career professional to gain exceptional exposure to foundation management, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector while developing a diverse skill set.

Ideal Candidate

• Takes ownership: Runs projects from research to delivery without step‑by‑step guidance
• Is exceptionally organized: Manages multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail
• Writes exceptionally well: Produces clear, compelling, and adaptable content for emails, research summaries, and public‑facing communications
• Embraces AI as a force multiplier: Actively uses AI tools to work smarter, faster, and create better outcomes
• Brings intellectual curiosity: Genuinely enjoys learning about Jewish communal life, Israel, philanthropy, and social impact

Key Responsibilities

Executive Support & Coordination

• Provide administrative and operational support to the CEO
• Prepare meeting materials, agendas, talking points, and briefing documents
• Take detailed notes during meetings and synthesize action items
• Track project timelines, deliverables, and follow‑up items
• Handle scheduling and logistics for meetings, calls, and events

Communications & Digital Presence

• Draft, edit, and proofread foundation communications including announcements, memos, and reports
• Manage social media accounts and website updates
• Create PowerPoints and presentation materials for internal and external meetings
• Support the development of foundation newsletters and impact communications
• Ensure consistent organizational voice and messaging across all platforms

Research & Writing Support

• Conduct research on organizations, issues, and trends in our focus areas
• Create concise research briefs and backgrounders for the CEO
• Support the preparation of board materials and reports
• Synthesize information from multiple sources into clear, actionable summaries

Consultant Coordination

• Serve as point of contact for consultants
• Track consultant deliverables and project timelines
• Maintain organized records of consultant work and outcomes

AI‑Forward Workflow Innovation

• Use AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, etc.) to enhance research, writing, and productivity
• Experiment with new tools to streamline internal operations and documentation
• Create templates and process documentation for recurring activities
• Help build knowledge management systems for the foundation
• Identify opportunities to bring tech‑enabled efficiency into daily work

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• 1‑3 years of professional experience, ideally in an administrative, communications, or project support role
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience using AI tools to enhance productivity
• Ability to work independently and take initiative

Strongly Preferred

• Hebrew language skills (reading comprehension especially valuable)
• Knowledge of or interest in the Jewish community, Israel, and philanthropy
• Experience with social media management and basic web editing

Personal Attributes

• Resourceful and proactive: Anticipates needs and finds solutions independently
• Intellectually curious: Enjoys learning and can quickly grasp new concepts
• Warm and professional: Builds positive relationships with colleagues and external partners
• Detail‑oriented: Catches errors others might miss and takes pride in producing polished work
• Flexible and adaptable: Thrives in a dynamic environment with changing priorities

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $65,000 – $75,000, commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement contribution with generous matching
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to work with a warm, dedicated team of professionals

Professional Growth Opportunities

• Direct mentorship from an experienced CEO
• Exposure to foundation operations and philanthropic strategy
• Opportunity to build a diverse skill set across communications, operations, and program
• Connections across the Jewish communal and nonprofit ecosystem
• Chance to contribute to meaningful legacy work during the foundation's final years

The Russell Berrie Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences who are excited to contribute to our mission.