Communications Director

The Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE). Washington, DC, USA.

Position Summary:

The Communications Director plays a major role at the Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE), developing and implementing strategic communications plans for the organization and securing high visibility of CHANGE among key audiences including the media, opinion leaders, policy makers, colleague organizations, and foundations. The Communications Director will work with relevant staff on the production of high quality publications and other materials that position CHANGE as a key source of analysis on sexual and reproductive health and rights and U.S. foreign policy and assistance.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize and implement strategic communications campaigns that increase the visibility of the organization's research and thought leadership among key external audiences.
• Create opportunities to highlight the organization¡¦s research and thought leadership in print, broadcast and electronic media. Build and maintain relationships with key reporters covering relevant issues and secure high-level media coverage.
• Demonstrate leadership in key Washington, DC-based global health and development communications and public affairs coalitions and partnerships; represent the organization at key events.
• Create and execute a strategy for using events and professional conferences to advance the organization¡¦s thought leadership among target audiences; organize and oversee the success of speaking opportunities, conference communications, events, and exhibits.
• Ensure timely preparation of high quality communications materials including but not limited to press releases, op-eds, fact sheets, website content, blog posts, white papers, speeches, and talking points. Perform research and analysis using a variety of resources to develop appropriate messages and products.
• Track impact of press outreach; maintain institutional records for media outreach, media appearances (print, radio, and web); maintain files for external correspondence and organizational feedback.
• Develop content for social networking sites; collaborate with policy and advocacy staff to ensure coordinated strategy and protocols for content placement.
• Propose and manage communications budget to ensure effective use of organizational resources.
• Monitor and provide accurate assessments of external developments and proactively provide strategic information to internal stakeholders about implications of or opportunities for organization communications.
• Develop and implement crisis communications plans, as needed.
• Establish and maintain CHANGE's website and internet presence as an invaluable source of information on issues related to SRHR and U.S. foreign policy and assistance for the generalpublic, media, academics, activists and other organizations that support CHANGE's mission.
• Provide a consistent, high-quality public image of the organization, including by acting as point of contact for media inquiries, and ensuring organization-wide adherence to CHANGE messages and style for all communications and program materials for external distribution.
• Ghostwrite blogs and op/eds with short notice and on tight deadlines
• Manage development of multimedia institutional collateral, including research papers and promotional materials.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, plus at least five years substantive communications experience, including developing and implementing strategic communications plans and writing and editing a range of materials.
• Experience with the management of strategic and/or corporate communications, public relations, and media relations programs or projects.
• Substantial experience communicating with journalists.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and present in clear and concise, readable manner for a variety of audiences.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects at once.
• Ability to function in fast paced, demanding environment.
• Broad working knowledge of sexual and reproductive health and rights issues, including HIV and AIDS and human rights issues.
• A demonstrated commitment to women's rights and public health and a strong commitment to the organization's mission and to high-level performance are essential.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent work experience). Background in sexual and reproductive health and rights issues, human rights and/or public health a plus.
• Prior experience in a position with relevant duties and responsibilities.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter including a summary of relevant past experience and qualifications for and interest in this position, current resume, one analytical writing sample and one press release, and three references. No phone calls please!

Send application materials to careers@genderhealth.org (Please put "Communications Director" in subject line), or mail to:

Human Resources
Center for Health and Gender Equity
1317 F Street, NW, Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20004

The Center for Health and Gender Equity is an equal opportunity employer.

Website: http://www.genderhealth.org/about_us/jobs