Position Description:
Salary Range: Grade 23
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Employment Type: Full Time
Department: International Programs
Description:
The Field Communications Officer (FCO) creates, leads and implements the communications strategy and production for his/her region, aimed primarily at producing communication pieces to inform and engage U.S. Lutherans and New Business Development audiences. The FCO functions are divided between (listed in priority order): 1) production of print, web content, video and photographs about LWR's work in the region for use with US Lutherans, NBD/IPD audiences and other stakeholders. Ideally, these communication products strategically engage and integrate LWR's overseas work with the interests and priorities of US Lutherans; 2) development of strategies and products to increase LWR's brand, visibility and profile within the Region in ways that support LWR's resource mobilization strategies, and; 3) training and support to LWR staff and partners regarding communications and media training and strategies.
Duties:
Lead design and implementation of communication and media plans for the assigned region. Travel throughout the assigned region to gather stories, photos, videos and data regarding LWR's work, partners and communities and produce a wide range of written and visual information regarding programs and issues affecting LWR and our partner communities.
Serve as lead developer and writer of region's content for LWR website, ensuring current and accurate program information and feature stories and accurate use of statistics. Contribute to LWR's social media presence by blogging and providing Facebook and Twitter updates from the region.
Work with regional staff and other stakeholders to sharpen and increase LWR's profile and position within the assigned region, producing material and products for use with related new business development and communications/media relations needs.
Incorporate emphasis on appropriate branding in regional trainings and meetings; ensure that LWR staff who are interviewed or photographed have access to appropriate LWR-branded wear, and, where feasible, that appropriate signage is visible on program vehicles, buildings, and items to be distributed.
Work with regional staff to organize the production and distribution of field visibility items and correct use of LWR and donor logos.
Provide support and training to field staff and partners to improve their communications work
Design and provide on-the-ground support for delegations of LWR Leadership Team and/or board members, key LWR donors, other U.S. Lutheran visitors or guests from U.S. Lutheran or secular media.
In conjunction with HQ communications staff, coordinate visits of videographers and/or photographers to the region as needed.
Explore and develop opportunities for U.S. constituents to contribute volunteer service to LWR projects in the region .Facilitate connections between LWR projects in the region and U.S. Lutheran congregations through project sponsorship opportunities.
Coordinate with IPD staff in developing policy analysis and/or position statements on key issues regarding LWR's work in the assigned region and on issues affecting communities with whom we work.
Serve as media spokesperson in assigned region, in close coordination with the Director of Creative Services and/or VP, External Relations. Seek out and develop relationships with U.S. journalists covering the region and with local media outlets.
If travel is required - Familiarity and compliance with LWR's safety and security procedures and protocols
For all IPD and ER staff members - Willingness and ability to contribute to LWR's New Business Development initiatives. Engagement in ongoing professional development
Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications:
Deep commitment to LWR's core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners. Bachelor's degree or higher in communications, journalism, marketing or related field
At least 5 years' experience in communications, media/public relations, journalism or related field
Excellent verbal, writing and editing skills; Experience with web-based communications and social media; Experience with photography and/or web-based video
Ability to research, analyze and interpret complex international relief and development issues and write clean, concise and compelling copy for a U.S. constituency. Strong copy-editing and proofreading skills and attention to detail.
Overseas field experience strongly preferred, especially in developing country settings. Understanding of relief and development issues essential.
Strong public speaking and representational skills.
Great interpersonal skills, ability to effectively and seamlessly represent LWR in a positive way and ability to be both a team leader and a team player and to work with people of varied backgrounds. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team. Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly in cross-cultural settings.
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously, take initiative, set and meet deadlines, and follow through on projects with minimal supervision.
Highly proficient in using Microsoft Office applications. Ability to travel extensively, both within the assigned (often under challenging environments) and occasionally back to the U.S.
Experience with faith-based organizations and/or US Lutheran structures highly desirable
Fluency in the English language required.
Application Instructions:
Online application, please go to
Website: Go to Website
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