The Director of Communications (Director) reports to the President and is responsible for designing and implementing RI’s strategic communications plan. This is a unique opportunity to work with a talented and passionate team on an issue of international and historical significance. The Director will work across the organization to further RI’s advocacy and fundraising goals, increase RI’s visibility, amplify RI’s impact, and promote RI’s brand.
This position is based in Washington, DC and will lead a two-person communications team.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Communications Strategy
Design and implement a strategic communications plan for RI that enhances RI’s visibility, protects and promotes RI’s brand, and increases financial support for its work
Identify priorities and develop strategies and messages for RI field mission findings that reach target media, policy audiences, and donors
Ensure all RI materials (including, but not limited to field reports, videos, online newsletters, fundraising appeals, invitations, etc.) accurately reflect the organization’s messaging and brand
Manage the strategic direction and content of RI’s website
Enhance the organization’s profile in mainstream and online media, increasing RI’s online audience and strengthening its online fundraising program
Team Management and Leadership
Manage a talented and passionate communications team
Develop and manage the communications team budget
Provide support and training activities to staff on media relations, messaging and communications best practices; prep staff for media interviews, and help draft and prep staff presentations to donors
Oversee the work of external communications vendors, including web designers, videographers, photographers, PR firms, graphic designers, printers, and others
Manage crisis communications
Develop communications evaluation plans and consistently measure and strengthen results
Assist with fundraising proposals related to communications activities and provide donors with information on communications activities
Media Relations
Develop and maintain relationships with journalists at top-tier media outlets and occasionally serve as spokesperson for the organization to the media
Draft op-eds, quotes, speeches, talking points, and calls to action for RI’s president, board members, and other high-profile speakers for media, public education fora, and fundraising events
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, political science or international relations, or related field. Master’s degree preferred
Twelve years or more experience in communications at a non-profit organization, and/or as a former journalist (ideally with management experience)
Preexisting relationships with editors, producers, and foreign correspondents strongly desired
Foreign language skills a plus. Experience with U.S. government or UN an asset
Outstanding writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills
Understanding of the interactions between mainstream media and strong knowledge of best practices in online outreach and engagement
Highly developed organizational skills, time management, attention to detail, initiative, and self-motivation
Experience in managing a team and working collaboratively with colleagues
Ability to adapt quickly to changes in a fast-paced work environment
Flexibility, innovative thinking, and a sense of humor
How to Apply
Refugees International has retained the executive search firm LeaderFit to lead this search. Please direct inquiries to Annie Linehan Czerwinski at aczerwinski@leaderfit.org. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume here.
