Communications Manager

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Country Background

CRS Philippines was established in 1945 and is the longest-running CRS country program in the world. Currently, CRS Philippines focuses its work on peacebuilding, emergency response, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and microfinance. The Philippines country program has more than 100 staff with a main office in Manila and sub-offices in Davao and Cotabato. CRS programs are implemented through a national network of partners, in close coordination with local, municipal and national government agencies. The Country Program also provides support to CRS’ work in Indonesia, Timor Leste, and the Federated States of Micronesia, and has drawn international recognition for the impact, timeliness, and innovation of its programs and approaches.

Job Summary

The Communications Manager for CRS Philippines is responsible for developing and executing an effective and comprehensive communications strategy to raise the country program’s profile with target audiences, including donors, partners, local media, national and local government, the Catholic Church and others. S(he) will work closely with Senior Management team and Regional and HQ Communications staff and to ensure strategic alignment of communications, consistent messaging and a strong brand identity. The Communications Manager creates content and uses effective communications channels to help position CRS Philippines for funding and influence.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• In coordination with the Regional Communications staff, create and implement a robust communications strategy that supports country program business goals and aligns with regional and agency strategy.
• Work with senior leadership in the CP in support of representation for CRS in the Philippines.
• Write, design and manage the production of creative and compelling communication and marketing material –stories, photos, video, fact sheets, brochures, etc. – for various audiences, including public and private donors, local and national governments, local Church, partners, media and others as needed.
• Manage and work with local creatives in the production of above marketing materials with final approval/review from HQ teams.
• Identify and serve as the main contact for local media and help identify relevant spokespeople.
• Under the supervision of the Regional Communications staff help develop specific messages tailored for each audience and identify and utilize effective distribution channels to disseminate communications materials to key audiences.
• As appropriate, manage social media channels and create content platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
• Provide marketing and communications support for events, including signage, handouts, talking points, photos, liaising with media, etc.
• Train and coach relevant country program staff and partners on best practices in communications.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, or related studies; Master’s Degree a plus.
• Minimum 3 years progressive marketing and communication experience, ideally for an NGO or another organization in development and relief programming.
• Experience in INGOs or the UN preferred.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully disseminating information to a variety of target audiences.
• Individual must possess the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Excellent English language oral and written communication skills.
• Ability and desire to work well with diverse employees and customers in a cooperative and friendly manner.
• Must possess ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be willing and able to travel up to 40%.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and desktop publishing skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, is strongly desired.

Required/Desired Foreign Language

Fluent in written and spoken Filipino and English

Travel Required

• 40% field travel

Key Working relationships

Supervisory : Junior and project-based communications staff.

Internal : Regional Communications and Marketing Manager for Asia region, Head of Programs, Program Managers, Program and MEAL Staff,

External : NASSA/Caritas Philippines, INGO partners, government partners, communication consultants

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity
• Builds Relationships
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation
• Accountability and Stewardship
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset