Senior Communications Coordinator Open Society Institute–New York

Communications Department and Documentary Photography Project
Open Society Institute–New York

Application Deadline: February 17, 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 Communications Department 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. Photography is an important element in the department’s communications and advocacy work.

The Documentary Photography Project supports photography that records human rights abuses, personalizes the effects of conflict, documents the struggles and defiance of marginalized people, and reframes public discourse. Though grants and exhibitions, it supports efforts that go beyond documentation and use photography as a mechanism to foster civic engagement, organizing, advocacy, outreach, public awareness education, and media attention. Its primary activities include the Moving Walls exhibition, the Audience Engagement Grant, and the Central Asia/South Caucasus Grant Program.

The position reports to the director of the Communications Office and the director of the Documentary Photography Project.

Purpose of Position

Work with both the Communications Department as the foundations primary photo editor and the Documentary Photography Project. Provide a strong connection between the two to advance their similar objectives in support of photography. Work is carried out independently/under general supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Communications Department (Photo Editor)

• Research, commission, and oversee photography-based projects with individual photographers and photo agencies for print or online publications;
• Collaborate with Communications colleagues on photography for publications, including oversee proper usage and quality press work by designers and printers;
• Work closely with multimedia producer to commission or license appropriate still photography for videos and slide shows;
• Work with legal department to develop license agreements and contracts for photographers and photography-based projects;
• Keep up to date on the work of documentary photographers and photojournalists and review portfolios on a regular basis;
• Attend festivals and conferences to identify new work and projects;

Documentary Photography Project (DPP)

• Oversee production and editing of DPP online and printed publications working closely with photographers, Communications Department and designer;
• Oversee production and editing of Moving Walls (MW) exhibition text, text panels, IPad presentations, and website working closely with photographers, Communications and designer;
• Work with Communications multimedia producer on videos/multimedia profiling DPP grantees and MW photographers;
• Develop blog strategy and write for blog in consultation with Communications;
• Maintain and post to DPP Facebook page and Twitter feed;
• Identify festivals for exhibition of current and past work;
• Curate and produce exhibits/projections of DPP grantees and MW photographers for festivals;
• Meet with photographers to discuss new projects;
• Review submissions for Moving Walls and grant competitions;
• Work as part of a team on program strategy and new program development.

Other

• 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 four to six years relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience as a photo editor working with photojournalists and/or documentary photographers;
• Experience working with photographers and video producers;
• Experience in photography, communications and journalism required;
• Demonstrated concern for social justice issues.

Skills Required

• Proven ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment; to troubleshoot and follow projects through to completion, consistently on schedule, without loss of attention to detail and budget;
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with internet research;
• Excellent listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• High level of self-motivation and at ease working independently when necessary;
• Poised, works well under pressure and attentive to detail;
• Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects and ability to prioritize tasks;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers and the general public.

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.

Program Specific Requirements

• Superior research and editing skills in visual and print media;
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite.

Start Date

Immediately

Compensation

Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

To Apply

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements before February 17, 2012, to: humanresources@sorosny.org. Include job code in subject line: SCC-CD/DPP

OR

Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – Code SCC-CD/DPP
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.