The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) works closely with the UN Foundation by informing, inspiring and mobilizing Americans to support the principles and vital work of the United Nations. UNA-USA represents a grassroots membership that includes over 150 chapters and more than 20,000 members nationwide who engage in public education and advocacy, promoting strong U.S.-UN relations.
This position uniquely combines interests in international relations, public policy, grassroots movements, constituency building, and communications/public relations — all for the purpose of strengthening the U.S-UN relationship.
Working with members of the UNA-USA and Public Affairs teams, the Communications Officer, UNA-USA will develop and implement UNA-USA’s strategic communications plan to support the Association’s membership, chapter programs, and advocacy objectives, as well as coordinating the interface of communications functions with other divisions of the Foundation.
The Communications Officer, UNA-USA plays a critical role in meeting strategic business goals through brand development, media relations, member communications, marketing, events, and outreach, working closely with UNA-USA leadership, digital communications colleagues, and the broader Public Affairs team.
The Communications Officer, UNA-USA is a member of both the Public Affairs and UNA-USA teams. She/he will report to the Public Affairs team’s advocacy communications lead (Communications Director, Better World Campaign) and work closely with UNA-USA leadership and the Associate Producer of Digital Media, UNA-USA. The position will also collaborate regularly with UNA-USA chapters nationwide. As such, this position will require travel.
- In-depth knowledge and passion for international relations, public policy, and grassroots movements.
- Bachelor’s degree in international affairs, public policy, journalism, marketing or communications, plus 5+ years of experience in communications or public relations, at an association or relevant membership organization.
- Excellent writing, editing, interpersonal, and oral communications skills.
Experience working with grassroots organizations. - A keen sense of what makes and shapes the news, and the ability to make well-informed decisions in targeting appropriate media outlets and reporters.
- Knowledge of new media including blogs, social networking and online news outlets, and how to utilize them strategically.
- Attention to detail and adherence to deadlines.
- Strong skills working in teams and across many types of organizations – collaborator; problem solver; relationship-builder; and strong inter-personal skills.
- Sense of humor; highly organized; attention to detail.
- Multi-cultural experience and willingness to travel (up to 20%).
- Ability to multitask in a very fast-paced, often rapidly-changing environment.
- A demonstrated knowledge of global issues and the UN system, and an understanding of the UN Foundation mission, programs, strategy and goals.
- Ability to meet regular attendance/tardiness policy.
- Ability to work under pressure and handle stress.
- Develop and implement a strategic communications plan that supports UNA-USA’s growth objectives, advances UNA-USA’s advocacy and public policy objectives, increases the visibility of the brand, and aligns with the UN Foundation’s general brand principles.
- Act as lead copywriter of UNA-USA’s website re-design and updates, while collaborating with digital colleagues to leverage ongoing opportunities to promote USA-UNA content across platforms.
- Oversee the implementation of UNA-USA new brand identity (incl. new logo) into all forms of communications and products.
- Write and curate publications to keep UNA-USA members informed and engaged, including the monthly membership e-newsletter and bi-weekly chapter leadership e-newsletter.
- Collaborate with the membership team to develop, write, and copy edit chapter resources, including toolkits, handbooks and training webinars, as well as provide support for education programs.
- Develop and maintain UNA-USA internal and external communications products, including presentations on UNA and UN programs, fact sheets, brochures, videos and other materials, to support UNA-USA communications goals.
- Develop and implement media strategies around USA-UNA activities by maintaining relationships with local and national reporters, writing press releases, media advisories, and op-eds, and leveraging chapter activities.
- Provide communications support for high-profile events and programs (e.g. Members’ Day at the UN, Leadership Summit, UN Day, and monthly membership calls) to help with speaker outreach, agenda development, photographer/videographer coordination, and attendee materials.
- Work with UNA-USA’s Youth Engagement Manager to oversee communications activities for the U.S. Youth Observer to the UN program, including the interview and training process, as well as coordination of media interviews and speaking engagements
- Act as staff liaison to UNA’s Communications Committee.
- Leverage communications opportunities to engage USA-UNA members to build constituencies to affect policy; including by providing target audiences with communications tools such as toolkits, videos, op-eds, guides, and reusable content and stories.
- Review/edit all UNA-USA publications and communications to ensure brand standards, cohesiveness, and quality.
- Develop UNA-USA exhibits for internal and external events. Work with UNA team, in-house designer, and printer to develop promotional items and displays.
- Ensure UNA-USA initiatives and opportunities are communicated internally to the UN Foundation staff, including the President & CEO’s bi-weekly update.
- Perform and oversee digital communications duties as required during any absence of the usual staff.
- Support the UNA-USA’s mission, strategy, goals, current operating plan, and event calendar, as well as the UN Foundation’s objectives.
- Represent UNA-USA as an active member of the UN Foundation team.
- Perform other special projects or duties as required in service of the UN/UNF.
- In-depth knowledge and passion for international relations, public policy, and grassroots movements.
- 5+ years of experience in communications or public relations, at an association or relevant membership organization.
- Excellent writing, editing, interpersonal, and oral communications skills.
Experience working with grassroots organizations. - A keen sense of what makes and shapes the news, and the ability to make well-informed decisions in targeting appropriate media outlets and reporters.
- Knowledge of new media including blogs, social networking and online news outlets, and how to utilize them strategically.
- Attention to detail and adherence to deadlines.
- Strong skills working in teams and across many types of organizations – collaborator; problem solver; relationship-builder; and strong inter-personal skills.
- Sense of humor; highly organized; attention to detail.
- Multi-cultural experience and willingness to travel (up to 20%).
- Ability to multitask in a very fast-paced, often rapidly-changing environment.
- A demonstrated knowledge of global issues and the UN system, and an understanding of the UN Foundation mission, programs, strategy and goals.
- Ability to meet regular attendance/tardiness policy.
- Ability to work under pressure and handle stress.
For full-time employees we offer an excellent range of benefits, including a choice of two health plans through CareFirst (PPO or HDHP). Dental insurance, vision discount plan, Life Insurance, Supplemental Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Long-Term Care Insurance, Health Club Discounts, Commuter Benefits, and Employee Assistance Program.
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