Communications & Media Manager

About CIVIC

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is an international nonprofit with offices around the world working to improve protection for civilians caught in conflict zones. CIVIC envisions a world in which no civilian is harmed in conflict. Our mission is to support communities affected by conflict in their quest for protection and strengthen the resolve and capacity of armed actors to prevent and respond to civilian harm. We are advocates who believe that no civilian caught in conflict should be ignored, and advisors who provide practical solutions to preventing and responding to civilian harm. Learn more at civiliansinconflict.org.

About the Position

As a key member of CIVIC’s Advocacy Team, the Communications and Media Manager will support and advise strategic communications and media engagement across the organization, and provide strategic input into our advocacy efforts. Under the guidance of the Director of Communications, s/he advises program teams on all public activities, including stories, explainers, media interviews, public events, and published articles. S/he will help expand CIVIC’s communications and media network and partners with the aim to position CIVIC as a global thought and practice leader on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

Key Functions

Increase CIVIC’s visibility and reach by ensuring accessible and innovative communications through all our communication channels including website, social media, media. Activities will include:

• Collaboratively develop and implement communication plans nuanced and targeted to different audiences in line with CIVIC’s global communications and advocacy strategy
• Write engaging and relevant material for a variety of purposes including the website, newsletters, top-tier op-eds, creative digital content, and audience-driven social media output
• Gather and produce creative content using digital cameras and audio gathering tools and editing suites
• Ensure donor requirements for projects are aligned with and promote the media and communication plans
• Draft reactive and proactive press releases and statements to be distributed to specialized and international media lists
• Work with colleagues and the country team to identify and manage risk, develop reactive lines, update key messages, and advise on how to use media strategically in a sensitive environment
• Work with and provide strategic advice to the country and regional team and SMT to identify key moments for communication and media opportunities
• Develop strategic relationships with key journalists by keeping them updated of CIVIC’s work and positions, arranging interviews, and pitching stories
• Prepare spokespersons by developing media talking points and ensure they received media training
• Develop templates and guides to support CIVIC’s staff in implementing different elements of the global communications strategy
• Identify and collaborate with external service providers to produce digital content and communications materials when necessary
• Produce quarterly reports on media coverage and content results using industry standard metrics and benchmarking
• Support the launch and promotion of CIVIC’s publications and reports
• Co-lead efforts for the redesign of the website as a key member of the website task force
• Any other task as may be assigned by the line manager

Requirements/Qualifications

• Track record in developing and implementing communications strategies, tools, and tactics
• Ability to understand and synthesize complex issues and information from different sources and present it clearly and simply to a variety of audiences
• Experience in producing and editing content under tight deadlines
• A strong understanding of the different tones and writing styles required for different audiences
• Experience in media relations, writing media releases and pitching stories
• Experience using website content management systems, such as Word Press
• An ability to demonstrate a flexible approach and ability to navigate uncertainty, and prioritize a range of competing demands and work to deadlines
• Have a strong knowledge and experience working with top-tier media in the US, UK, Europe, Africa, and MENA
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Desirable: Fluency in French and/or Arabic

Additional Details

• Work experience: 3 to 5 years of professional experience in communications and media, preferably with a focus on international affairs or issues that cross with the sectors of peace and security, and humanitarian affairs.
• Standard office work environment with occasional travels to visit CIVIC programs.
• Position reports to: Director of Communications
• Position requires to have contacts with multiple interlocutors.
  • Internal: Director of Communications, communication colleagues, program and advocacy teams, fundraising and development team
  • External: Journalists, producers, freelancers/consultants, content creators, peer organizations, influencers.
• Pay range: USD 70,000 – 80,000/ year

Applications should include a CV/resume, cover letter, and 2 recently published writing samples. Applications and supporting documents should be submitted in English.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to perform a written exercise.

Deadline: May 6, 2022.

Currently, CIVICs Washington, DC office is partially opened under strict adherence to all applicable COVID-19 regulations. This means that in-person presence in our Washington, D.C. office is voluntary.

CIVIC offers a competitive compensation and benefits package to include excellent health benefits (medical, vision, and dental), life insurance, a 403b retirement savings plan with employer-matched contributions (up to 5% of salary) and paid leave plus paid holidays (including the day after Thanksgiving and the days between Christmas and New Year’s Day). Resumes are reviewed on a rolling basis so please apply early. CIVIC reserves the right to close the position opening before this deadline if the perfect candidate is found sooner.

Currently, all job interviews are being held virtually.

CIVIC seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool in the belief that employees from diverse backgrounds are critical to achieving our goals. We strongly encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

CIVIC is not able to sponsor employees at this point, therefore, please ensure that you can legally work in this location when applying.

Note to Recruiters and Placement Agencies: CIVIC does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. CIVIC does not pay placement fees for candidates submitted by any agency other than its approved partners.