The Communications Director is responsible for the strategic communication of our organizational priorities to relevant stakeholders in a manner that advances ICAR’s objectives. They will manage a communications associate and communications consultants (where applicable), and working in partnership with the Legal and Policy Director and Executive Director, the Communications Director will support the design and implementation of advocacy strategy around priority initiatives. Key responsibilities include: creating a communications strategy that supports strategic objectives; overseeing the production and dissemination of public facing documents; building and maintaining communications networks among press, stakeholders, and other experts; pitching ICAR priorities (and personnel) to relevant outlets; overseeing project budgets; and publicly representing ICAR in relevant settings. The Communications Director reports to and collaborates with the Executive Director.
The Communications Director is an exempt position. Exempt employees are expected to work the appropriate and necessary time in order to complete key assignments and related tasks on schedule.
- Strategic Vision and Leadership
- Analyze various legal and policy priorities to determine best communications strategy to maximize opportunity for uptake;
- Develop work plans and build systems to ensure the effective communication of ICAR projects and strategic priorities;
- Ensure cohesion, coordination, and high-level performance across the Communications Team and with the Legal and Policy Team:
- Working with the Legal and Policy Director and Executive Director, develop and execute an advocacy strategy to promote the Roundtable’s objectives;
- Provide strategic advice to the Executive Director on key communications issues and the strategic vision of the organization.
- Project Management and Oversight
- Provide advice and support to Communications Associate and other team members on project management and implementation of individual work plans;
- Synthesize legal and policy analysis into talking points, one pagers, press releases, tweets and other collateral material in a manner that honors the substance but is easily understood and amplified;
- Provide communication support for other departments, as needed;
- Manage and oversee relationships with external experts, partners, and consultants;
- Develop and oversee project budgets.
- Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement
- Conduct high-level advocacy and engage with contacts within government bodies, civil society organizations, national human rights institutions, businesses, investor groups, and institutions at the national, regional, and international levels;
- Develop and publicly present position statements and advocacy strategies to support ICAR initiatives;
- Develop and maintain relationships with partner organizations, ICAR members, and key stakeholders.
- Organizational Planning, Staffing, and Fundraising
- Work closely with the Executive Director to raise funds to support ICAR’s programs and operations, including drafting grants proposals and reports;
- Assist in organizational strategic, operational, and financial planning;
- Recruit, oversee the professional development of, and supervise ICAR communications staff including Associates, Fellows, and Interns.
- Extensive contacts with relevant reporters/outlets/hill staffers;
- Proven record of successfully pitching individuals and written products;
- Must be legally able to work in the United States;
- At least 5+ years of communications experience required;
- Campaign experience strongly preferred;
- Demonstrated commitment to human rights and social justice;
- Supervision/managerial experience required;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
- Ability to juggle multiple tasks and consistently meet deadlines;
- Motivated with the confidence and the ability to act proactively, think quickly, and work independently;
- Ability to develop project work plans and manage budgets;
- Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills;
- Exceptional written, public speaking, and presentation skills;
- Strong facility with social media;
- Proficiency in a second language desired.
Commensurate with experience
To Apply: Please submit electronically, in English, in a single PDF document via email to [email protected] with:
- Cover letter
- Resume
ICAR a project of Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, and bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, veteran status, or medical condition including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related conditions. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.