Web Producer Open Society Institute–New York

Communications
Open Society Institute–New York

Application Deadline: February 29, 2012

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, the Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, we build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. Our activities have grown to encompass the United States and more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Each foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.

The Office of Communications plays a central role in the work of the Foundations by coordinating and strengthening the public presence of the global network and by helping to advance relevant issues. Communications works to raise the Foundations’ public profile by promoting the network’s many noteworthy achievements as well as responding to attacks from opponents of open society around the world. The department employs media outreach, publications, and the web to assist dozens of Open Society foundations and programs in their communications efforts.

The Web Producer is responsible for planning and maintaining all elements of Open Society Foundations online work, including www.soros.org, related websites and email, and social media platforms. We are seeking somebody with an exceptional attention to detail and an ability to multitask and make tough decisions when necessary. Primary responsibilities include managing websites and related projects; building interactives; reviewing user needs and requests; and training a distributed team of web contributors to develop content that is up to date and relevant. The position reports to the Director of New Media.

Purpose of Position

Act as the primary point of contact for Open Society Foundations online projects, managing web products and supporting web staff. Work is carried out independently/under general supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Contribute to all phases of the web lifecycle, including planning, requirement-gathering, documentation, development, testing, and roll-out;
• Conduct daily maintenance of websites, including updating existing content, creating new content, and culling older content as necessary;
• Monitor web request tracking system to route and respond to requests in a timely manner;
• Lead regular in-person and remote web training and support sessions for staff, both one-on-one and in group settings;
• Manage email list database, segmentations, and distribution schedule;
• Manage production of media products, including podcasts, slideshows, interactives, and audio/video segments;
• Analyze and report on website statistics and other key performance indicators;
• Monitor and maintain Open Society Foundations online communities and social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube);
• Help plan and implement long-term web strategies; advise on new web features and functions;
• Travel may be required;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The Open Society Foundations may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from a four year college or university and five to eight years relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A commitment to advocacy work for civil society, and, in particular, for the work supported by Open Society Foundations;
• Passion for communications with a focus on new media, advocacy and analytics.
• Appreciation for open source technologies and experience with Drupal or other similar CMS.

Skills Required

• Effectively manage to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, troubleshoot and follow projects through to completion, with strict deadlines and without loss of attention to detail, budget and reporting;
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with Internet research and database management;
• Exercise good listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Effectively work as a team member and independently, with a high-level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals;
• Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• Knowledge of key organizations and networks active in the field;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues and the general public.

Program Specific Requirements

• Strong experience with the tools and protocols used for electronic publishing and web development, including HMTL, XML, CSS, and Adobe Creative Suite;
• Experience with Javascript and PHP/MYSQL programming;
• Broad experience with contact and content management, particularly using Drupal, WordPress, and SalesForce.
• Knowledge of web analytics and search engine optimization;
• Proofreading and editing experience is a plus.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Start Date

As soon as possible

Compensation

Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

To Apply

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements before February 29, 2012, to: humanresources@sorosny.org Include job code in subject line: COMMS-WP

OR

Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – Code COMMS-WP
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019

FAX: 646.557.2672

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations are an Equal Opportunity Employer