The Executive Director will be responsible for creating a public narrative that supports the organization's advocacy objectives, including the timely payment of U.S. dues to the UN and the appropriation of voluntary contributions to key UN programs.
Working with members of the Better World Campaign and the UN Foundation's Public Affairs Team, the Executive Director will lead and help execute BWC and UNA’s strategy to support U.S.-UN advocacy communications. S(he) will provide thought leadership and strategic advice to the advocacy teams and lead the implementation of U.S. advocacy communications strategies.
- Develop a budgeted communications plan that supports the objectives of the Better World Campaign and ensure it is consistent with other UN Foundation branding and messaging strategies, and that increases the visibility of the Team's issues, the Team's senior members, the United Nations Foundation, and its Executive Officers, and Board members;
- Direct communications planning and strategic implementation of Better World Campaign and UNA-USA’s advocacy efforts;
- Oversee communications, around advocacy, from other campaigns - namely Shot@Life, Nothing But Nets, Girl Up, Universal Access Project, and UN Foundation communications colleagues;
- Develop messaging to advance the narrative of U.S. support for the UN, payment of dues, UN's goals for sustainable development, including outreach to media, NGOs and other third party voices;
- Lead traditional press outreach and media pitching;
- Support with event planning and execution;
- Craft op-eds for the President of the Better World Campaign and for existing validators;
- Craft policy speeches and presentations for the President of the Better World Campaign;
- Manage a team of communications professionals;
- Minimum 15 years related experience in policy communications;
- An experienced, action-oriented communicator working in advocacy settings, such as Congress, the Administration, or K Street. Experience with foreign policy issues is a must, with a preference for an individual who has dealt with and demonstrates passion for UN-related matters;
- Key success factors for this role include a strong sense of team and collaborative focus;
- The preferred candidate will be an organized, detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent writing skills and the ability to convey content in an audience-appropriate and compelling manner;
- Proven ability to develop, pitch, and place stories with media outlets.
- Proven ability to build strategic relationships and partnerships with and across diverse actors, including international actors, civil society, and business;
- Superb communication skills, including excellent writing, editing, and presentation abilities;
- Ability to manage a team;
- Sense of humor a must;
- Ability to meet regular attendance/tardiness policy.
- Ability to work under pressure and handle stress.
The United Nations Foundation offers an excellent range of benefits for full-time employees including: a choice of two health plans through CareFirst (PPO or HDHP). dental insurance, vision discounts, life insurance, supplemental life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, long-term care insurance, health club discounts, commuter benefits, employee assistance program and Warby Parker discounts.
12 Paid holidays, 4 weeks of vacation, 10 sick days, 3 personal days and 8 weeks of parental leave (mother or father). Access to the UNFCU Credit Union, 150% match on our 403b retirement plan, Flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts and discounted Zipcar membership.