Department Summary
The Development, Marketing and Communications Department (DMC) represents a totally integrated approach to outreach, based on our values. Raising more awareness, trust and money, DMC works to mainstream peacebuilding and positions Search for Common Ground as the leader/leading partner in transforming violent conflict into peace and stability so more people can thrive. DMC also leads the brand development and brand management efforts of the entire organization.
Team Summary
The Communications Team raises unlimited earned awareness for the organization in all media consumed by our stakeholders and target supporters, deploying leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Responsibilities
- Works closely with DMC colleagues, the CEO, and partners across the organization to create, implement, and fully leverage awareness initiatives that contribute to Search’s thought-leadership—including campaigns, op-eds, earned media features, digital content, and podcasts.
- As part of Search’s creative team, develops and hones ideas and key messages to advance the awareness of peacebuilding and Search for Common Ground.
- Builds and manages media relationships to establish new channels for Search’s voice.
- Supports content creation for digital, print, and experiences.
- Edits and leads internal communications publications.
- Supervises the work of content creators based in country offices and DMC interns.
Contributions
- Researches, cultivates, and curates lists of press contacts.
- Pitches stories, interviews, and content to external news outlets.
- Drafts news releases and rapid response communications material, and distributes them to press contacts through email blast software.
- In partnership with the Director of Communications, drafts engaging content for op-eds, newsletters, blogs, stories, and digital media.
- Leverages news, culture, and internal events as strategic media opportunities.
- Occasionally provides feedback about content created by communications focal points around the world, communications interns, or external vendors.
- Infuses organizational values into all work.
- Other duties that are broadly in line with the above key contributions as assigned.
Competency Behavior Indicators (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
- Manages overall strategy and vision. Provides functional and program/project management. Anticipates and plans for needs and takes action accordingly. Provides guidance to direct reports or matrixed team members.
- Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with vendors, organizations, professional associations, partners, funders, and Search’s network of experts critical to the area of purview.
- Modifies a planned course of action in response to new information or new circumstances.
- Responds to changing circumstances and expectations readily.
- Articulates Search/function program/project goals and objectives within and external to Search. Develops program objectives that reflect broader Search strategies and approaches.
- Provides input for standards across functions globally within Shared Services teams and with a view from a multicultural perspective that reflects consideration of other cultures, other viewpoints, and other ways of doing things.
- Overcomes obstacles using ethical practices; formulates and evaluates morally and ethically justified solutions.
- Assesses risks and opportunities to lead decision makers to a favorable outcome.
- Checks the accuracy of one’s own and others’ work and sets up systematic checks and balances to support content and data integrity.
- Has knowledge of project management tools including technology as resources for efficiency and reduction of stress.
- Works with employees to set and communicate performance standards that are specific and measurable.
- Anticipates the consequences of situations and plans accordingly.
- Analyzes the costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success in making a decision.
- Provides coaching and mentoring to staff.
Type and Nature of Contacts
- Routinely coordinates with colleagues and consultants on-site and in the field and resolves problem situations with tact.
- Represents, as assigned, selected programs or projects and other organizations, including donors, vendors, and international and local partners.
- Interacts with country offices and regional staff
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, International Affairs, English, or the Arts, with minimum 9 years’ experience primarily in a writing/communications/marketing position. Experience working at a non-profit or cause-oriented organization a strong plus. Proficiency in multiple languages (especially French and Arabic) a strong plus.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
Usual office environment conditions; ability to travel internationally at least 10%.
Supervisory and Budget Responsibility
May supervise one or more staff members and interns.