Associate Director, Executive and Network Support – Rio de Janeiro

Role Title

Associate Director, Executive and Network Support

Grade Level

E11

Contract Type

Permanent

Reporting To

Director, Geographic Communications

Program/Tool/ Department/Unit Name

Communications

Preferred location(s)

New York, Washington DC, Mexico City, Bogota, Rio de Janeiro

Team Name

Geographic Communications

Role Purpose

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 focuses on campaigning, media outreach, content development and messaging, creative and digital strategy, and internal communications to support the Open Society network worldwide.

The Associate Director will be responsible for the development and implementation of communications and media strategies that position key Open Society Foundations’ messages, people, and grantees on our communications channels. This role will be assigned a portfolio involving executive and network support functions.

Key Responsibilities

As an Associate Director for Geographic Communications at Open Society, you will:

• As assigned, manage a small team to develop and implement communications strategies, key messages, and tactics for advancing our work
• Draft speeches, talking points, op-eds, press releases, social content, and other communications materials
• Design communications strategies and workplans to elevate Open Society’s work across geographies, supporting leadership on communications and media opportunities or challenges.
• Manage media relationships and partnerships with top-tier media in select geographies, securing high profile media opportunities for Open Society leadership and spokespeople.
• Design and leads communications and media trainings for Open Society leadership, staff, and grantees.
• Identify possible communications challenges or risks and develops comprehensive strategies to mitigate them.
• Coach teams to innovate and strengthen communications skills.
• Manage projects, external consultants, and relevant budgets.
• Pitch, staff, and support leadership in its media and public engagements.

People Responsibilities (Total Team/DRs)

Yes (1 communication Officer)

Key internal relationships

Communications; Executive Offices; Network Grants; Ideas and Fellowships Collaborative; Justice Initiative; SEDF; Opportunity and Geographic teams; and Grantees

Key external relationships

Media Partners and Trainers; Journalists and Editors; and Public Relations firms

Qualifications

Essential:

• Educated to a degree-level (or equivalent)

Essential

Experience

• Prior career progression managing external communications in the international not-for-profit, public, or private sectors, or as a journalist
• Track record of external communications across multiple geographies
• People management experience preferably with cross-border and cross-regional teams (both projects and direct teams)
• Experience in an advisory role to senior management, including president/CEO level
• Experience working on issues within our priority areas of human rights, democratic practice, equity and justice

Competencies

Functional Competencies

• Comprehensive, specialized knowledge of communications tactics and media relations in key media markets in multiple geographies
• Experience developing and managing communications strategies and campaigns in support of advocacy objectives
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, interests, complex political and cultural factors, and management of long- and short-term goals
• Experience acting as spokesperson for government official or other high-profile speaker
• People leadership; able to attract, develop and engage talent within direct team.
• Strategic leadership capability and discipline; able to manage division effectively, deliver on organisational purpose
• Excellent project management skills

Personal Competencies

• Proven success at managing effective communications in high stakes and/or crisis situations
• Strong understanding of cultural differences and the proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds within a complex organization
• High level of self-motivation, initiative, and creativity
• Willingness to travel extensively for work
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, and solve problems independently
• Diplomatic manner and ability to adapt to a range of cultures and experiences in interacting with colleagues at all levels
• Experience in dealing with sensitive matters and ability to maintain confidentiality
• A commitment to team working and a willingness to contribute to cross-departmental initiatives; to OSF’s core values of humility, commitment, collaboration, respect, inclusivity and integrity; and to continuous learning and growth in the areas of diversity, inclusion, antiracism and social justice

Languages

Excellent English-language writing and editing ability, as well as verbal skills. Working knowledge of Spanish and/or other languages used in the OSF network will be an asset.

The salary range for this role if hired with a U.S. location is $130,000 – $189,000 (USD). The final offer is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set and level of experience.

Priority review will be given to those employees who may be impacted at this time.