Founded in 1985, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and alleviating hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds.
MAZON, which means “food” or “sustenance” in Hebrew, was the first national organization to rally the American Jewish community around the issue of hunger, and remains the only national Jewish organization dedicated exclusively to that same cause. MAZON recognizes the importance of both responding to hungry peoples’ immediate need for nutrition and sustenance and working to develop and advance long-term solutions. We practice and promote a holistic approach to ending hunger, as demonstrated through our three interrelated strategies: advocacy & education, partnership grants and strategic initiatives. This approach symbolizes our desire to embody twin Jewish ideals: tzedakah and tikkun olam.
Since our inception, MAZON has awarded grants totaling more than $58 million to carefully-screened organizations representing the entire spectrum of the nation’s anti-hunger network: from food banks, food pantries, home-delivered meal programs and kosher meal programs to advocacy groups working at the local, state and national level to expand participation in federal food assistance programs and champion responsible government policies that can prevent widespread hunger in the future.
Click here to download our 2011 Annual Report
Click here to download our Spring 2012 Newsletter
Our Mission
- To provide for people who are hungry while at the same time advocating for other ways to end hunger and its causes;
- To educate and raise the consciousness of the Jewish community regarding its obligation to alleviate hunger and its causes; and
- To make donating a portion of the cost of life cycle events (historically at least 3%) to MAZON a permanent tradition in Jewish life.
Support from the Jewish Community & Partner Synagogues
With the support of 1,000+ synagogue and community partners across America, MAZON builds a bridge between the abundance with which many American Jews are blessed and the deprivation suffered by millions of others, both Jews and non-Jews. Read more about synagogue and community partners »
What We Fund
MAZON brings 27 years of effective, strategic grantmaking to the fight to prevent and alleviate hunger in the US and abroad. We award grants between $3 and $4 million to approximately 300 organizations each year. Grants are awarded principally in the United States, though we also support vital hunger-relief efforts in Israel and selected developing nations. Read more about how we distribute our funding ».
View MAZON’s Humanitarian Hunger Relief Project History »
Funding Information for Grantees »
Who We Are
Board of Directors »
Staff »
Financial Information
As a fiscally responsible, fully transparent, IRS-approved not-for-profit agency, MAZON takes great pride in its financial stewardship. Tax ID #22-2624532.
2011 Program and Support Expenses
Our History
Founded on the heels of the Ethiopian famine of 1985, MAZON was conceived as a bridge between the abundance in the Jewish community and the desperate need felt by millions of hungry people around the world. MAZON Founder Leonard Fein recognized the injustice of this disparity – the Jewish community’s annual expenditures on catered celebrations on the one hand, and the devastating Ethiopian famine on the other – and formed MAZON as a response.
Historically, rabbis did not allow celebrations to begin until the community’s poor and hungry people were seated and fed. MAZON offers Jews a symbolic way to observe this tradition by donating a portion of the cost of life-cycle celebrations, such as bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, anniversaries and other joyous occasions, to help feed those who are less fortunate.
Career Opportunities
Title: Communications Manager
Reports to: Director of Outreach & Communications
Summary: The Communications Manager works closely with the Director of Outreach & Communications to develop and implement strategies and tactics across all media and platforms, with the goal of building awareness of and regard for the organization and its work. S/he will contribute to the development and consistent delivery of MAZON’s branding, messaging and other marketing and communications strategies. The Communications Manager will serve as an ambassador for MAZON and also help to identify, establish and maintain collaborative and productive partnerships with appropriate individuals, organizations and businesses.
Key Responsibilities/Essential Functions
- Develop, write, design and execute newsletters, annual report and other printed materials (brochures, programs, promotional items) to support MAZON’s development, education and advocacy efforts.
- Oversee all web communications (MAZON website, social media, e-newsletter, e-cards, etc.); track & analyze relevant metrics.
- Collaborate with other departments to identify stories of grantee partners, donors, Board members, and anti-hunger professionals to be utilized for various communication tools.
- Prepare additional research, written and verbal materials as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required; masters degree a plus.
- Familiarity with Jewish tradition is required.
- 3-5 years post-collegiate experience in marketing and communications. Nonprofit experience desirable.
- Proven track record in concepting, writing, designing and executing newsletters, annual reports and other marketing collateral.
- Digital marketing experience (website content management, social media strategy & implementation); Experience with Convio, WordPress, Salesforce.com, and/or Google Analytics a plus.
Required Skills
- Exceptional writing and editing skills. Keen attention to detail for proofreading, copyediting and fact-checking.
- Strong design sensibility.
- Ability to work independently and cooperatively at all levels in the organization.
- Self-starter capable of setting and managing deadlines and juggling multiple tasks.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite highly preferred.
- Interest in, and strong commitment to, the organization’s mission.
How to Apply
Qualified applicants should submit cover letter, resume and 3-5 writing samples to hr@mazon.org. No phone calls please.
