Senior Communications Officer

Description

About International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES):
IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for all. Our technical assistance and applied research develop trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies.

In accordance with IFES’ approach: A society is able to reach its full potential in a world in which people of all genders are fully engaged as equal partners in their families, workplaces, and communities. Based on international human rights standards and best practices, IFES promotes political participation, justice, and equal rights around the world. IFES reflects these values in its programming and workplace culture.

The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High-Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork, and Collaboration.

Primary Function/Purpose:

Senior Communications Officer

The Senior Communications Officer is part of a dynamic global team driving a strategic communications and advocacy strategy in support of the IFES mission and Strategic Plan. The individual in this position will be a talented communications professional who will contribute to a wide range of activities collaborating with colleagues across IFES to produce strategic and compelling content for sharing across communication channels with key stakeholders. This individual will be a valued member of the growing Strategic Communications and Advocacy Team, reporting to the Director until the Deputy Director position is filled.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct media relations, including personalized outreach, press releases, earned media pieces, and lists.
• Cultivate and nurture relationships with journalists and media outlets to ensure broad coverage of our initiatives, events, and advocacy campaigns.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, leveraging your network to secure high-profile placements and opportunities for visibility.
• Craft compelling stories that illuminate the human experiences behind democracy-building efforts and position IFES to contribute to larger narratives of how democracy delivers. Dive deep into the stories of individuals, communities, and partners showing the actions they take to build local democracy through their engagement with IFES.
• Contribute excellent professional writing and editing for various types of publications, human interest and success stories, website and e-newsletter content, interviews, video scripts, social media, marketing materials, and other communications products.
• Track IFES media presence and Take lead in developing content of weekly news roundup sent by Communications Director to all IFES staff.
• Serve as a strong staff writer and editor for IFES global external, executive and internal communications.
• Post and collaborate with other colleagues in drafting, editing, and posting to IFES.org and IFES’ social media and newsletter channels as appropriate.
• Assist with planning and production for in-person and virtual events.
• Engage with consultants and vendors on procurement, deliverables, and deadlines as assigned.
• Work with colleagues across IFES to ensure adherence to editorial standards and communications processes.
• Contribute to digital content creation, including producing video or infographics.
• Contribute communications guidance and training to colleagues as appropriate.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively across IFES teams to deliver results.
• Set and adhere to deadlines and quick turnaround times for rapid response, as needed, while prioritizing and working on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ensure products adhere to IFES style and branding guidelines and meet quality standards.

Position Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• Language Skills: Strong, native-level English. Knowledge of other languages a plus.
• Experience: A minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in journalism and/or non-profit communications.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

• Interest in working for a mission-driven, global development organization and in democracy, human rights, and governance issues.
• Skilled and versatile writer with examples of succinct, clear, and compelling prose.
• A mastery of English grammar and experience adhering to editorial style guides and editing others’ work.
• Exceptionally strong MS Office and tools skills, including Excel, Power Point, and Teams.
• Adept at working with various databases and applications.
• Strong organizational/project and event management skills with an ability to work on multiple issues and concurrent projects efficiently in a highly matrixed and deadline-driven environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail, thoroughness, and accuracy.
• Open-mindedness, curiosity, and intellectual integrity; ability to approach subjects fairly and follow the facts where they lead.
• Growth and mission-driven, striving for peak performance and welcoming of feedback.
• Strong collaboration and team participant skills and productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority internally and externally.
• Ability to work reliably on deadline without close oversight.
• Flexibility to work some odd hours—including some evenings and weekends.
• A sense of humor required, as well as empathy, kindness, honesty, good judgment, and a no-job-too-small attitude.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience producing video, virtual events, and other multimedia, a plus.
• Experience working with a global organization, particularly an International Non-Government Organization (INGO), and directly in the Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance sphere is a plus.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:

Standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

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