Description :

The Director of Communications is a member of IRI’s senior management team and works closely with the VP External Affairs and Global Engagement to :

• Establish and execute the organization’s Communications strategy ;
• Provide daily management of the Communications team ;
• Build and nurture a strong, proactive Communications team ;
• Update and upgrade communications tools and products to meet industry standards ;
• Integrate analytics and other tools to craft a robust Communications strategy ;
• Work with the program teams to develop promotional and messaging activities.

The Director will oversee his/her team daily in order to bring IRI’s Communications and outreach tools up to industry standards. Priorities include oversight of foundation building projects such as website redesign, a creative strategy that integrates video, podcast, and infographics, and the introduction of a CRM and other email marketing tools necessary to executing a sophisticated NGO outreach strategy in today’s dynamic communications environment. Working closely with the VP External Affairs, the Director will use data and analytics to ensure strategic growth of IRI’s audiences, and will incorporate cost efficient, effective methods to build and maintain a timely, compelling suite of communications products.

The Director of Communications will have proven experience as a manager and leader of communications teams, preferably in the foreign policy arena. He/she will be a strong writer with a proven track record of crafting op-eds, blogs, talking points and speeches, and will work closely with the editorial team to tell IRI’s story in a compelling way. S/he will work collaboratively with all staff to ensure branding and management of IRI’s public image and to ensure that Communications advance the organization’s mission and strategic priorities. S/he must be a flexible leader who drives outreach projects forward in a collaborative, supportive and effective manner. The position requires the ability to balance numerous responsibilities and priorities. Some international travel required.

Position Requirements :

• Undergraduate degree required ;
• Proven interest in democracy, human rights, national security, and governance preferred ;
• Graduate degree in public relations/communications, English, marketing or related field preferred, but not necessary ;
• Minimum ten years professional experience in communications in the political, government or international development fields ;
• Strong manager with experience managing communications or related teams ;
• Proven experience writing and crafting speeches, talking points and op-eds ;
• Good planner with strong project management skills; highly organized and detail-oriented ;
• Ability to work without close oversight, as a strong team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside of IRI ;
• Proven success developing partnerships with media outlets, publications and foreign affairs organizations and think tanks ;
• Exhibit integrity, judgment and discretion along with a professional demeanor and interpersonal style that elicits trust from colleagues, funders, elected and appointed government officials, as well as local partners ;
• The ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at the same time, managing a heavy workload ;
• Experience living and working overseas preferred.

Responsibilities :

• Manages the daily operations of the Hub staff ;
• Develops communications strategies and activities that best promote IRI’s work ;
• Using industry standard analytics, develops and executes ambitious strategies to increase IRI’s audience reach ;
• Working with the senior write/editor, crafts and edits high level thought leadership and marketing materials including talking points for senior management in preparation for outreach activities ;
• Acts as steward of the organization’s branding suite and outreach materials ;
• Oversees development and updating of attractive, well-crafted communications written products and fact sheets ;
• Collaborates with IRI staff to develop integrated, proactive annual external relations strategic plans and strategies ;
• Leads, hires, on-boards, manages, and develops a high-performing team ;
• Monitors industry communications and political developments to integrate emerging trends into external relations strategic plans ;
• Works in tandem with the Congressional and Government Relations team to leverage IRI outreach campaigns ;
• Oversees traditional media and social media outreach and engagement ;
• Develops, trains and supports IRI staff to serve as spokespersons for the Institute ;
• Identifies and seeks opportunities for IRI staff to participate in external relations engagements and initiatives, including, interviews with media, public speaking events and congressional briefings ;
• Oversees the development of a state of the art contact database ;
• Oversees redesign and audience growth of IRI’s website ;
• Oversees all IRI events ;
• Develops and manages the communications budget to meet five year and annual external relations strategic plans ;
• Travels internationally when appropriate ;
• Performs other responsibilities, as assigned.

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