European Communications Coordinator – Open Society Foundations

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.

Role Profile

The Communications Coordinator is part of a tightly-knit, collaborative and fast-paced team. The Communications Coordinator is responsible for identifying stories, drafting and editing all forms of content from blogs to op-eds, and quickly turning around media inquiries. Candidate should have expertise on our issues and solid judgment on how to highlight them through different mediums.

The Communications Office of the Open Society Foundations is looking for a Communications Coordinator with excellent writing skills, ability to turn around content under tight deadlines, and confident interpersonal skills with media and other stakeholders.

As a member of the Office of Communications, the Communications Coordinator will report directly to the Senior International Communications Officer. The position is based in London and travel will be required.

• assist with the coordination and implementation of communications strategies for the Open Society Foundations and advancement of its goals through media, publications, and the internet

• candidate must have excellent writing skills, ability to turn around content under tight deadlines and confident interpersonal skills with media and other stakeholders

• build lists and relationships with journalists: identify and pitch stories, respond to press inquiries;

• monitor, evaluate, and improve media outreach efforts

• draft, edit, and distribute press releases, op-eds, blogs, newsletters, briefing papers, brochures, speeches, website entries, and reports

• manage website content: solicit content, upload and review materials, ensuring the website’s effectiveness as a resource and advocacy tool; Supporting Open Society campaigns

• supports Open Society public campaigns

• assists with grantee communications and trainings alongside team members

• perform other ad hoc tasks for/of/related to the Office of Communications

Candidate Profile

• Bachelors Degree in a relevant field of study or equivalent experience/education

• 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in a situation relevant to the duties of this role is typically required to develop the skills required for this role

• Experience in a communications role working in a medium to large sized organization (public, private or third sector) in a multi-issue, fast paced environment

• Proven experience in writing, proofreading, editing and interacting with media

• Outstanding English-language writing, verbal, and editing abilities, as well as excellent research skills

• additional languages a plus

• Demonstrated practical experience in website programming and maintenance

• Effective management of multiple projects in a fast-paced environment

• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with program management, colleagues at all levels, contacts, and the general public

• Ability to work both independently and with others

• Integrity, professional discretion and ability to handle confidential matters

• Experience with software tools, e.g., Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Ability to use social media and navigate internets/web

• Strong understanding of cultural differences and the proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds within a complex organization

• Experience making administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive and confidential issues

Competencies

• Working Well with OSF Colleagues- builds collaborative relationships inside OSF through the understanding and development of other’s and own ideas.  Uses appropriate means and tone of communication to convey messages, seeks input from others and ensures understanding.

• Working Well with Others- seeks to clarify, understand and exceed expectations of others to make a positive impact.

• Getting the Right Things Done- establishes goals, plans for contingencies, readjusts where appropriate, and takes responsibility for delivering outcomes that have a positive impact.  Balances risk/reward, and intellectual curiosity with pragmatism to get things done.

• Advancing Diversity- encourages diversity of viewpoints and discussions, and building workgroups that are broadly inclusive.

• Expertise-looks outside OSF to stay relevant and adapts to changes in field(s) of expertise. Uses external networks to achieve positive outcomes for OSF.

Location: London, UK

Application Deadline: 11 October 2015

Read more and apply here.