Open Society Foundations Senior Communications Officer , New York

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people.

We seek to strengthen the rule of law; respect for human rights, minorities, and a diversity of opinions; democratically elected governments; and a civil society that helps keep government power in check.

We help to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights.

We implement initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media.

We build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information.

Working in every part of the world, the Open Society Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

The Open Society Foundations’ Public Health Program (PHP) aims to promote health policies based on scientific evidence, social inclusion, human rights, and justice.  Broadly, the program works with civil society organizations within two fields:  promoting the participation of socially marginalized groups in public health policy and fostering greater government accountability and transparency through civil society monitoring efforts.  Program areas focus on addressing the human rights and health needs of marginalized groups, facilitating citizen access to health information, and advocating for a strong civil society role in public health policy and practice.

Purpose of Position

The Senior Communications Officer will develop communications strategy for overall Public Health Program or individual initiatives including advising on media, publications and internal and external communications tactics. The Senior Communications Officer will work with the Communications team to promote Open Society Foundations health-related work.  Work is carried out independently.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. OSF may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

• Advise senior Public Health team on media, communications and publications strategy and tactics;
• Determine priorities for communication of programmatic goals and implement strategy;
• Plan and manage budget;
• Assess the desirability and practicality of proposed publications and multimedia projects and work with program staff to conceptualize appropriate communications tools to serve programmatic objectives; Communications officer should conceive publications as well
• Coordinate activities with Communications, OSF programs and foundations, outside agencies and organizations;
• Edit or supervise the edits of communications materials and publications created with communications team;
• Hire and supervise vendors to produce communications tools, including graphic designers, photographers, and printers as necessary;
• Identify opportunities for media-based advocacy on issues of concern and assist with developing story ideas, pitching stories and placing op-eds;
• Oversee all health-related content on the OSF website as well as separate websites owned and maintained by the Public Health Program, such as www.stoptortureinhealthcare.org;
• Manage and advance Public Health Program’s presence and reputation in social media, including Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter;
• Supervise the Communications Officer for the International Harm Reduction Development Program, including assigning tasks and contributing to the performance reviews;
• Oversee work of Program consultants engaged in communications work;
• Act as first point of contact to respond to media inquiries;
• Provide direct support to key grantees to develop effective communications materials and campaigns;
• Conduct trainings as needed to improve communication skills of program staff;
• Travel is required;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education / Experience

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university and seven to ten years of relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Graduate degree preferred;
• Media experience as a journalist or communications professional required; work in not-for-profit or foundation preferred;
• Advanced studies in public health, public policy or communications would be an asset.

Skills Required

• Demonstrated management skills in not-for-profit organizations, foundations and/or government agencies, particularly in complex organizations;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office;
• Leadership expertise in identifying best practices and improvement of internal systems;
• Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of tasks and projects;
• Experience in managing multiple priorities under pressure and accomplish short- and long- term deadlines with a heavy workload;
• Demonstrated experience in budget, technical and financial management functions;
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills;
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide array of people with diverse backgrounds throughout a complex organization;
• Proven leadership qualities with delivering superior results;
• Professionally competent to make administrative, procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive and confidential issues;
• Effectively interact with staff on all levels;
• Identify and resolve sensitive matters and situations;
• Professional, diplomatic demeanor with the ability to represent a global organization and interact with colleagues from diverse backgrounds;
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated expertise in handling all personnel related issues and information in a confidential manner.

Program Specific Requirements

• Degree in public health/public policy/communications/journalism preferred;
• Extensive contacts in international mainstream media and key domestic media, particularly on health and social issues preferred;
• Knowledge and a passion for health issues such as HIV/AIDS, access to medicines, and harm reduction, and for covering these issues from a human rights perspective;
• Demonstrated ability and passion to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, about sensitive and controversial issues related to the health and human rights of marginalized groups;
• Additional language a plus.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compensation

Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

Application Instructions

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements. Include job code in subject line: SCO-PHP.

Application Deadline:

November 19, 2012

Email:

humanresources@opensocietyfoundations.org

Include job code in subject line: SCO-PHP

Mail:

Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – CodeSCO-PHP
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019

Fax:

1.646.557.2672