Associate Director, Americas. Washington, D.C.. Posting Date: 03/10/2025. Deadline: 03/21/2025
Role Title: Associate Director, Americas
Contract Type: Permanent
Reporting To: Director, Geographic Communications
Department: Communications
Location: Washington D.C.
Team description
Communications plays a central role in the work of the Foundations by coordinating and strengthening the public presence of the global network and by helping to advance relevant issues. Communications works to raise the Foundationsโ public profile by promoting the networkโs many noteworthy achievements as well as responding to attacks from opponents of open society around the world.
Role Purpose
The Associate Director, Americas will be responsible for the development and implementation of communications and media strategies that position key Open Society Foundationsโ messages, people, and grantees on our communications channels covering the Americas. This role will also lead on communications related to congressional reviews and DC-based foreign policy initiatives, and manage communications work related to opportunities allocated by the Managing Directorโs office.
Key Responsibilities
Lead a small team of Communications Officers to develop and manage the implementation of communications strategies, key messages, and tactics for advancing our priorities in the Americas
Draft speeches, talking points, op-eds, press releases, social content, and other communications materials
Design communications strategies and workplans to proactively elevate Open Societyโs work across in the Americas, advising leadership on communications and media opportunities or challenges.
Lead on or support crisis communications in the U.S.
Manage media relationships and partnerships with top-tier media in the Americas, securing high profile media opportunities for Open Society leadership and spokespeople.
Design and lead communications and media trainings for Open Society leadership, staff, and grantees.
Identify possible communications challenges or risks and develops comprehensive strategies to mitigate them.
Coach teams to innovate and strengthen communications skills.
Manage projects, external consultants, and relevant budgets.
Develop strong, effective relationships with other teams and departments across the organization, particularly Geographic Policy Groups and Programs.
People Responsibilities (Total Team/DRs)
Yes (1 Communication Officer)
Key internal relationships
Managing Directorsโ offices; Communications and Advocacy teams; Geographic Leads and Policy Groups; Opportunity teams; and Grantees; Executive Offices; Office of the General Counsel
Key external relationships
Media Partners and Trainers; Journalists and Editors; and Public Relations firms
The ideal candidate
Educated to a degree-level (or equivalent)
Prior career progression managing external communications in the international not-for-profit, public, or private sectors, or as a journalist
People management experience preferably with cross-border and cross-regional teams (both projects and direct teams)
Deep political understanding of the U.S. political system and extensive experience working with Congress and other branches of the U.S. government
Proven track record of effective reputation management
Experience working on issues within our priority areas of human rights, democratic practice, equity and justice in the U.S. and Latin America
Comprehensive, specialized knowledge of communications tactics and media relations in Washington DC
Experience developing and managing communications strategies and campaigns in support of advocacy objectives
Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, interests, complex political and cultural factors, and management of long- and short-term goals
Experience acting as spokesperson for government official or other high-profile public representation capacity
Strategic leadership capability and discipline; able to manage division effectively, deliver on organisational purpose
Excellent project management skills
What we offer
Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:
Generous time off, as well as our standard Open Society close at year-end (where vacation days are not required) and flexible work arrangements.
Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.
The salary range for this role in the US is $130,000 - $189,000 (USD). The final offer is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set and level of experience.
Who we are
Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.
Guided by our founderโs values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.
Additional information
Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.