External Affairs & Communications Manager

Job Details
Description

Join Our Team as the External Affairs & Communications Manager at the International Republican Institute (IRI)!

About IRI

The International Republican Institute (IRI) advances democracy and freedom. We link people with their governments, support politicians to be responsive to citizens, and motivate citizens to engage in the political process.

At IRI, every employee plays a crucial role in advancing our mission across the globe. We’re looking for passionate individuals who embody our Core Values and are eager to contribute to our dynamic team.

Our Core Values:

Excellence: We deliver quality results by investing in our people.

Freedom: We embrace exploration and experimentation to stay agile and responsive.

Respect: We trust, empathize, and empower each other.

Teamwork: We leverage the power of global collaboration.

Transparency: We believe in open communication and clear decision-making.

Accountability: Personal responsibility is the foundation of our success.

About the Team: External Affairs

The External Affairs (EA) team is responsible for promoting IRI’s work and programmatic success stories through a variety of platforms, including:

Traditional and social media

IRI website

Newsletters, reports, and press releases

Podcast episodes, op-eds, analytical publications, and events

EA’s primary goal is to communicate the value of IRI’s work to key audiences, including Capitol Hill, the executive branch, members of the media, international partners, and fellow nonprofit organizations. The communication strategies developed by External Affairs are essential to advancing democracy worldwide.

About the Role: External Affairs & Communications Manager

The External Affairs & Communications Manager is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of the Institute’s communications strategies and external strategic engagement. Key responsibilities include:

Managing and implementing traditional and social media strategies

Engaging with media platforms and contacts

Developing content and products for external audiences

Overseeing IRI’s contact management system and lists

Coordinating events

Location: Hybrid, Washington, DC

Key Responsibilities

Contribute to and support the development and implementation of the organization’s external engagement strategies, including managing and cultivating the IRI brand with a broad range of external stakeholders

Establish and maintain strategic relationships with members of the media and other influencers

Monitor, analyze, and report on news and developments impacting IRI, democracy assistance, and foreign policy

Strategically pitch and place IRI experts with high-impact media outlets and craft timely responses to media inquiries

Staff IRI personnel for media appearances, negotiating ground rules in advance as appropriate

Research, write, edit, and proofread materials for external audiences such as blogs, op-eds, press releases, media pitches, publications, and one-pagers

Manage and develop content for the organization’s social media accounts

Draft and maintain content for the IRI website

Oversee media monitoring and analytics

Build and maintain IRI’s contact distribution lists

Facilitate contractual arrangements per organizational procedures

Provide general support for IRI’s government and external relations efforts

Perform other related responsibilities as assigned

Note: This list is not exhaustive. Further details will be shared during the recruitment process.

What We’re Looking For

We seek a passionate and experienced individual with:

Undergraduate degree in communications, political/social science, international relations, or related field

5–7 years of relevant professional experience

Experience managing press relationships and speaking to the media

Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English

Strong writing and proofreading skills for communications and PR tools

Ability to initiate, foster, and maintain relationships with contacts and stakeholders

Excellent organizational and decision-making skills, with ability to set priorities independently

Meticulous attention to detail and ability to multitask

Demonstrated interest in foreign affairs, national security, development issues, and politics

High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Ability to exercise judgment on the quality and messaging of external content

IRI Total Compensation

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $70,532 to $105,799 USD.

Salary is based on factors including professional experience, qualifications, education, business needs, and internal equity. Employees are typically not hired at the top of the range.

What We Offer

An empathetic and dedicated work environment with generous benefits:

Health and Wellness Support

Coverage of health, dental, and vision insurance costs

Assistance programs through Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

Access to Headspace and Rula for mental health support

Long-term Financial Health

Retirement plan with employer contribution (vested after 12 months)

Hybrid and Flexible Work

Hybrid and telework options, Flex Fridays observed

Time Off

Company-paid holidays, parental leave, vacation, sick, and personal leave

Family Support

Back-up dependent care through Care.com

Dependent Care FSA

Learning and Development

Annual allowance for professional development courses and seminars

Access to E-Learning via eCornell

Compensation Equity

Regular review of internal and external pay equity

Benefits may vary based on employment classification and location.

Application Instructions – Resume, Cover Letter, References

Include in your application:

Most up-to-date resume

Cover letter outlining your background and interest in this opportunity

Contact details for at least 2–3 professional references

If selected for an interview, references may be contacted before the final interview.

Learn more here