Communications Officer - Public Health

Job Description

The Office of Communications plays a central role in the work of the Foundations by coordinating and strengthening the public presence of the global network and by helping to advance relevant issues. Communications works to raise the Foundations’ public profile by promoting the network’s many noteworthy achievements. The department employs media outreach, publications, and the web to assist dozens of Open Society foundations and programs in their communications efforts.

We’re seeking a Communications Officer to develop and disseminate an overall communications strategy for the Public Health Program (PHP). PHP advances a human rights approach to health, with an emphasis on social inclusion and reclaiming the public good in health.

While the focus is on communications for PHP, this role may occasionally be assigned work on other issues. This position reports to the Senior Editorial Advisor in the Office of Communications and is based in New York. The Communications Officer is part of a two-person team, and we place a premium on working collaboratively.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:

Strategy:

• Develop and disseminate an overall communications strategy for the Public Health Program as well as individual issue strategies and key messages for advancing our work in prioritized areas. This plan should outline goals, campaigns and projects plus include defined audiences and success criteria, outreach plan, an editorial calendar for blogs/reports/multimedia pieces, story ideas/pitches both for print and social media

Press/Media:

• successfully pitch stories in high profile media and promote content in social media
• identify and create media opportunities to promote Open Society, its work, priorities and grantees
• draft press releases, media advisories, Op-Eds, digital posts and other content as assigned
• organize press conferences and other press events
• run organizational Twitter account or Facebook page around an issue area. Also produce and curate effective content around this issue and its grantees via our website

Publications:

• manage the production and deployment of reports (digital and print) for an Open Society issue and see it through from beginning to end – taking responsibility for media promotion

Trainings:

• co-develop and conduct Communications trainings for program staff and grantees
• may provide coaching to senior leaders on media engagement

Candidate Profile:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study or equivalent experience/education; graduate degree preferred
• 8 -10 years of progressively responsible experience in a communications role, preferably related to global public health and human rights

• comprehensive, specialized knowledge in communications and media including knowledge of ongoing current controversies/issues and leading figures/thinking
• strong writing and editing skills in English
• second language preferred, relevant to PHP grantees
• demonstrated practical experience in press outreach and digital communications; strong understanding of social media
• Experience successfully pitching stories in high profile media
• substantial knowledge of organizational and project management
• ability to build and maintain strong, trusting internal relationships within team and across programs, departmental units, and levels
• ability to manage competing interests, complex political and cultural factors, and tensions between long- and short-term goals

To apply, please submit a cover letter, CV and a recent published article. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

We are strengthened by the diversity of our colleagues across the Open Society Foundations, and we welcome and actively seek applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

About the Organization

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people.

We seek to strengthen the rule of law; respect for human rights, minorities, and a diversity of opinions; democratically elected governments; and a civil society that helps keep government power in check.

We help to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights.

We implement initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media.

We build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information.

Working in every part of the world, the Open Society Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.