Communications Officer, MVA Forward

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Communications Officer, MVA Forward will be responsible for all communications products and promotion activities related to the Media Viability Accelerator (MVA). The Communications Officer, MVA will develop and implement a communications strategy to drive adoption and use of the MVA, share learning, and engage partners. The Communications Officer will lead media outreach, donor communications, promotional and learning events, and web and social media communications, all with the overall aim of conveying accurate and timely information about the MVA to various audiences including donors, partners, beneficiaries, and the public.

The Communications Officer will assist with monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) responsibilities by overseeing reporting, design, and editing of research reports, and helping to facilitate learning events and activities. This position reports to the Partnerships Manager of the MVA.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Internews is implementing for a 3-year program from USAID which will be known as MVA Forward. It will be a highly visible initiative (announced at the 2021 and 2023 Summits for Democracy) and could have substantial impact on the media sector worldwide. Through the MVA Forward project, Internews will establish the Media Viability Accelerator (MVA), a new web-based platform that will help media outlets compete for audiences and revenues by accessing and tracking business, market, and audience data in their own markets, as well as by providing opportunities to learn from their peers – both locally and globally. The platform will also support media outlets to find help by creating an online “marketplace” to engage with media experts, data integration experts, and/or media sector stakeholders. Additionally, MVA Forward will provide opportunities to incorporate new strategies into independent media operations by providing flexible funding and technical support.

LOGISTICS

Internews has offices in Washington, DC and London, UK which support a hybrid workforce with staff working remotely, fully in-office, or partially remote. This is a remote-based role, and candidates based anywhere in the United States or United Kingdom will be considered.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply soon.

This is a limited-duration position with an expected end date of September 24, 2026.

OUR COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING A CULTURE OF BELONGING

We are an organization of dynamic, mission-driven individuals who are passionate about our core values and about supporting positive change in the world. We pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation and flexibility. We believe that diverse teams are strong teams and work to support an ethic of belonging, dignity, and justice for all people. Our current team includes a mix of genders, parents and non-parents, and people of multiple races, nationalities, ages, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are an EEO employer and encourage candidates of all races, genders, ages, orientations, ethnicities, and national origins to apply, and welcome those with alternative backgrounds and experiences.

DAY-TO-DAY TASKS will include:

• Prepare and execute a communications plan, branding strategy, and social media engagement plan for the MVA; adapt plans and strategy as needed to respond to opportunities and program developments.
• Manage the MVA’s online presence, including web and social media platforms.
• Prepare talking points, press releases, one-pagers, fact sheets, social media content, and other communications materials for public dissemination.
• Manage and promote high-profile learning, coordination and promotional events.
• Coordinate closely with project partners and grantees to ensure quality communication and event management for the project in accordance with branding and visibility guidelines.
• Provide input on and help edit a variety of documents; examples may include, but are not limited to, project reports, workplans, and technical studies.
• Ensure compliance with the project’s branding requirements, including compliance with the donor’s branding and marking guidelines and approved messages as well as Internews’ communications policies.
• Collaborate with the Internews Public Affairs team and other Internews departments to increase internal understanding of and capacity for communication about the MVA.
• Develop templates and guidance for use by the project team, partners, and beneficiaries to ensure communications comply with branding and messaging guidelines.
• As requested, participate in site visits and/or key informant interviews to collect and develop success stories and testimonials.
• As needed, submit requests for approval to donors for media, speeches, and events in accordance with their outreach and communications procedures.
• Cultivate a media network and mailing list to ensure high-level visibility and outreach for the project’s activities.
• A small percentage of this position’s time will go towards providing branding and marking training and oversight to partners.
• In all duties, uphold Internews’ Core Values and demonstrate commitment to fostering a culture of Belonging, Dignity, and Justice.

QUALIFICATIONS WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

Required

• University degree or commensurate experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or related field.
• Minimum five years of experience in professional communications; relevant experience in communications for nonprofits, media, civil society, or international development highly valued.
• Professional proficiency in English, including excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• Proven track record in managing an organization or project’s website and social media presence.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task.
• Strong interpersonal skills: previous experience working with a remote, multicultural team strongly preferred.
• Keen eye for visuals, branding, and graphic design. Ability to collaborate with designers and communicate goals effectively.
• Significant event management experience.

Preferred:

Note: Candidates who do not have these preferred qualifications, but who are interested and willing to learn, are encouraged to apply.

• Experience managing the communications portfolio of similar project; understanding of software development a plus.
• Understanding of the nonprofit media support sector.
• Language and translation skills in additional languages such as French, Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian and Arabic.