Director, Global Communications

Job Description

Director of Global Communications

Job Description Summary

The Global Communications Department promotes and positions International Medical Corps as a preeminent first responder. The director of global communications leads the development of an annual, integrated communication strategy to increase visibility and raise awareness of the organization. The director is responsible for public awareness, media outreach, online and print communications, the corporate website and social media channels, internal and external publications, and outreach events and activities. The communications department also enhances, supports and coordinates with all other departments on messaging, program development and external outreach activities and events.

International Medical Corps is seeking a dynamic, seasoned communications professional to lead, direct and oversee these efforts. The scope of work includes the following:

Job Responsibilities

Provide leadership, direction and oversight to the global communications department;

In collaboration with the Vice President, Institutional Advancement, develop an overall integrated communications strategy that promotes and protects International Medical Corps’ brand, enhances its visibility and raises awareness of International Medical Corps’ work;

Develop and execute a “positioning strategy” with compelling and persuasive key messages about International Medical Corps’ position as the top global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs;

Develop, coordinate and implement communications and outreach plans with short-term, high-impact campaigns, as relevant and appropriate, that raise awareness of International Medical Corps’ mission and impact, and enhance its reputation;

Provide oversight on all global communications issues and coordinate with other departments as they position International Medical Corps globally;

Direct and lead media outreach and public relations, including management of information outflow; increase International Medical Corps’ visibility and support by networking with the local, national and international media to generate and manage coverage; oversee the writing, editing and dissemination of press releases, articles, blogs, videos, and other materials;

Identify and strengthen effective communication methods and vehicles to close gaps in messaging and broaden message delivery to new and existing constituents nationally and internationally;

Oversee the development, editorial direction, design and production of high-quality, effective print, electronic, web and digital communications that support the communications strategy;

Working in conjunction with the VP, Institutional Advancement, manage crisis communications and coordinate with Emergency Response Unit during emergencies; deploy to field on ERT missions, as needed;

Promote CEO and senior leadership to audiences of influence; secure speaking engagements; prepare or oversee the preparation of media interviews, speeches, talking points, articles, testimony and other communications pieces for CEO and senior leadership;

Oversee the preparation of action plans for each staff member and evaluate them regularly to make sure they are achieving their goals and the goals of the department. Manage Departmental budget;

Develop systems and methods for driving, tracking, measuring and fulfilling the strategic goals for accountability and progress;

Contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organization, notably through the application of the organizations Code of Conduct, ethics, values and stand-point with regard to internal and external actors;

Conduct work with the highest level of integrity;

Actively promote PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) standards within International Medical Corps and amongst beneficiaries served by International Medical Corps;

Other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all inclusive.

Supervisory Responsibility: Communications Department staff

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of communications experience; marketing and development background a plus; at least five years of management experience
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university; Master’s degree preferred;
• Media relations skills with reporters and established media contacts;
• Published stories in professional media outlets or blogs;
• Strong managerial skills and prior experience leading a dynamic team;
• Experience in managing people and budgets; especially those requiring definite specific deliverables;
• Cultural sensitivity for effective work in different international environments;
• International experience or prior work in a global organization.

Skills and Abilities

• Highly collaborative style; experience developing and implementing communications strategies;
• Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to think creatively and collaboratively about all elements of communications work;
• Visual skills, such as video editing, photography, graphic design, and Adobe Photoshop are desirable;
• A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently;
• Relationship builder with the flexibility and finesse to “manage by influence”;
• High energy, maturity, and leadership with the ability to serve as a unifying force and to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels;
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with analytic approach;
• Strong interpersonal, management and leadership skills with the ability to integrate and work well within multiethnic and multicultural teams.

About the Organization

International Medical Corps is working to relieve the suffering of those impacted by war, natural disaster and disease by delivering vital health care services that focus on training, helping devastated populations return to self-reliance.

We are a global, nonprofit, humanitarian aid organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering by providing emergency relief, health care training and development programs to those in great need. Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, we are a private, voluntary group with no political or religious affiliation. Our mission is to improve the quality of life through health interventions and related activities that strengthen underserved communities worldwide. With the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergencies no matter where in the world they occur, we offer training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest risk, always working to strengthen health care systems and promote self-reliance.