Description
The Save Darfur Coalition/Genocide Intervention Network, www.SaveDarfur.org/ www.genocideintervention.net, a recently merged anti-genocide organization committed to preventing and stopping large-scale deliberate atrocities against civilians, is seeking a Senior Director of Communications.
Both originally created in response to atrocities in the Darfur region of Sudan, the Save Darfur Coalition and Genocide Intervention Network merged November 1st to create a more powerful voice dedicated to preventing and stopping mass atrocities. The merger yielded the largest anti-genocide organization in the world, with a membership base of over 800,000 committed activists globally, an unparalleled nationwide student movement, and a network of institutional investors with over $700 billion in assets under management. The new organization will continue significant focus on ending conflict and building peace in Sudan, while monitoring and spotlighting other conflict areas and supporting broader genocide prevention efforts.
Position Summary
The Senior Director of Communications will have the unique opportunity to advance the movement by helping the GI Net/SDC and the constituency of conscience it serves to expand its influence and recognition among the media and public. The Senior Director of Communications will have primary responsibility for the GI Net/SDC's media outreach and other communications activities and will work closely with the President and other senior staff to develop the organization's message. The Senior Director of Communications also will serve as a member of the senior management team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
* Work within the framework of the organization's integrated work plan and in close collaboration with other staff to: plan, coordinate, implement and evaluate media relations, organizational branding and communication strategies to meet advocacy, campaign and organizational objectives;
* Serve as the primary media contact;
* Author all press releases and media advisories;
* Oversee and coordinate the placement of op-eds;
* Promote members of the staff to the press for interviews and commentary;
* Develop and maintain working relationships with members of the press at national and regional media outlets, freelance journalists, bloggers, and other traditional and non-traditional media outlets;
* Serve as one of the organization spokespeople;
* Promote the brand and raise the profile of the organization through all media channels;
* Recruit, manage, mentor, supervise and evaluate communications staff and interns;
* Collaboratively work with senior management team on all messaging and materials;
* Direct all communication agency work and relationships;
* Monitor online and offline news media for coverage of organization and maintain repository of speeches, articles and essays authored by organization staff and members;
* Project, develop and manage department budget;
* As part of the organization's senior management team, help formulate the overall strategy of the organization and contribute to a positive and effective organizational culture; and
* Additional duties as assigned.
Requirements
* Four-year college degree, with a Master's degree preferred;
* At least 7-10 years of communications experience at a senior level;
* Strong background in traditional media relations, branding and advocacy communications for issues, people/candidates or causes;
* Exceptional communication skills, especially strong writing, editing, and public speaking skills;
* Appreciation and understanding of the functioning of national and local media outlets;
* Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects;
* Self-motivated and able to work independently;
* Prior supervisory experience, preferably in a non-profit and/or campaign setting;
* Proven ability to develop and implement multi-faceted communications strategies;
* Understanding of and experience in influencing the U.S. Congress, U.S. government, and political system;
* Knowledge of global media and international human rights stakeholder groups and campaigns;
* Knowledge of web 2.0 technology and utilizing new media strategies;
* Demonstrated success working in an advocacy campaign environment and ability to work with flexibility and collegiality; and
* Commitment to the mission of the coalition; knowledge of the ongoing crisis in Darfur, Sudan and/or current trends in the international human rights arena.
Please email a resume and cover letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position to settleson@verizon.net with the subject line "Senior Director of Communications." Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The Save Darfur Coalition/Genocide Intervention Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.