Associate Director, Executive and Network Support. New York. Posting Date: 03/21/2025. Deadline: 03/30/2025
Role Title
Associate Director, Executive and Network Support
Grade Level
E11
Contract Type
Permanent
Reporting To
Director, Geographic Communications
Program/Tool/ Department/Unit Name
Communications
Preferred location(s)
New York, Washington DC, Mexico City, Bogota, Rio de Janeiro
Team Name
Geographic Communications
Role Purpose
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. The department focuses on campaigning, media outreach, content development and messaging, creative and digital strategy, and internal communications to support the Open Society network worldwide.
The Associate Director 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. This role will be assigned a portfolio involving executive and network support functions.
Key Responsibilities
As an Associate Director for Geographic Communications at Open Society, you will:
As assigned, manage a small team to develop and implement communications strategies, key messages, and tactics for advancing our work
Draft speeches, talking points, op-eds, press releases, social content, and other communications materials
Design communications strategies and workplans to elevate Open Societyโs work across geographies, supporting leadership on communications and media opportunities or challenges.
Manage media relationships and partnerships with top-tier media in select geographies, securing high profile media opportunities for Open Society leadership and spokespeople.
Design and leads 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.
Pitch, staff, and support leadership in its media and public engagements.
People Responsibilities (Total Team/DRs)
Yes (1 communication Officer)
Key internal relationships
Communications; Executive Offices; Network Grants; Ideas and Fellowships Collaborative; Justice Initiative; SEDF; Opportunity and Geographic teams; and Grantees
Key external relationships
Media Partners and Trainers; Journalists and Editors; and Public Relations firms
QualificationsEssential:
Educated to a degree-level (or equivalent)
Experience
Essential:
Prior career progression managing external communications in the international not-for-profit, public, or private sectors, or as a journalist
Track record of external communications across multiple geographies
People management experience preferably with cross-border and cross-regional teams (both projects and direct teams)
Experience in an advisory role to senior management, including president/CEO level
Experience working on issues within our priority areas of human rights, democratic practice, equity and justice
Competencies
Functional Competencies:
Comprehensive, specialized knowledge of communications tactics and media relations in key media markets in multiple geographies
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 speaker
People leadership; able to attract, develop and engage talent within direct team.
Strategic leadership capability and discipline; able to manage division effectively, deliver on organisational purpose
Excellent project management skills
Personal Competencies:
Proven success at managing effective communications in high stakes and/or crisis situations
Strong understanding of cultural differences and the proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds within a complex organization
High level of self-motivation, initiative, and creativity
Willingness to travel extensively for work
Ability to work with minimal supervision, and solve problems independently
Diplomatic manner and ability to adapt to a range of cultures and experiences in interacting with colleagues at all levels
Experience in dealing with sensitive matters and ability to maintain confidentiality
A commitment to team working and a willingness to contribute to cross-departmental initiatives; to OSFโs core values of humility, commitment, collaboration, respect, inclusivity and integrity; and to continuous learning and growth in the areas of diversity, inclusion, antiracism and social justice
Languages:
Excellent English-language writing and editing ability, as well as verbal skills. Working knowledge of Spanish and/or other languages used in the OSF network will be an asset.
The salary range for this role if hired with a U.S. location 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.
Priority review will be given to those employees who may be impacted at this time.