Communications Advisor

Job Function: Washington DC

Department: Government Relations and Communications

Location: Washington, DC

Communications Advisor

The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) seeks a Communications Advisor to help the Director and the Executive Office increase support for international democracy assistance and the work of the organization. The advisor will create and develop messaging strategies, hone public communications tools, and maximize publications and digital content to both raise the profile of NDI and to highlight the importance of international democracy assistance in general. This position requires experienced leadership in external engagement to be able to effectively strengthen the voice of NDI's Executive Office and senior leadership. Working in a collaborative way with a team of committed communications experts, this person will develop strategies for press outreach, branding, content, communications, and messaging campaigns to reach external audiences. The advisor must be a creative and innovative thinker with a proven track record of success who can translate their vision into actionable steps. The position reports to the Director, Government Relations and Communications.

Responsibilities:

• Increase public support for international democracy assistance and the work of NDI

• Design, create and implement communications strategies and campaigns that demonstrate the importance and relevance of NDI programming and democracy assistance to meet current foreign policy challenges

• In coordination with the director, lead and oversee press, social media and external communications campaigns to raise the profile of NDI's senior leadership

• Develop communications strategies to highlight the programming and success stories of other departments

• Make timely recommendations to effectively solve problems, using independent judgment consistent with standards, practices, policies, procedures, regulations, and/or law

• Oversee the development of materials for external communications, including talking points, speeches, annual reports, brochures, op eds and other forms of communications in order to substantially increase NDI's public profile

• Oversee development of NDI's brand and the implementation of public messages to highlight the impact and effectiveness of NDI and its partners

• Create, build and maintain press relationships for the Executive Office and senior leadership of NDI in coordination with existing staff

• Design and develop ideas for storytelling that highlight NDI successes and our work with democracy partners around the world

• Promote democracy events on the Hill with Members of Congress and staff to demonstrate the importance of international democracy, credible and fair elections, and open and transparent governance

• Maintain a strong industry network within the democracy community, think tanks, academia and allied organizations to maximize NDI's public profile

• Organize thought leadership panels on key topics pertaining to democracy assistance

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to work collaboratively necessary

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, use independent judgment and follow-through with minimal supervision

• Ability to work under pressure and deadlines

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, digital media, graphic design, or related course of study. Additional years of relevant work experience may be substituted for educational requirement on a one-for-one basis

• Minimum of 14 years of relevant, professional experience in the field of communications

• Proven track record in communications, press outreach and campaigns to elevate the public profile of major organizations and senior leadership

• Experience in press outreach, building personal relationships with reporters, and strategic placement of stories and op eds

• Experience in expanding online outreach through social media, email marketing, online advertising and fundraising

• Excellent writing, proofreading and editing skills

• Creative talent, graphic design and professional publishing skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Skill and experience in executive level speechwriting

• Visual storytelling, photography and videography skills

• International relations and development experience is aplus

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to work collaboratively necessary

• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, use independent judgment and follow-through with minimal supervision is key

• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, FinalCut Pro, CiviCRM and Drupal

• Knowledge of web design, HTML and CSS

Comments:

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. NDI does not provide sponsorship.

NDI welcomes and supports a diverse, inclusive work environment. As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and NDI employees. NDI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at NDI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities and qualified individuals who have limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or medical related condition.

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