Description
Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability. About Heifer International In 1944, Heifer Internationalโs founder, Dan West, began outlining a simple but groundbreaking plan to tackle hunger around the world. West, a farmer from the Midwest and Church of the Brethren member, had recently returned from feeding weary refugees during volunteer service in the Spanish Civil War. He had seen firsthand that giving people food was a short-term solution, whereas providing them with animals offered a steady supply of nutritious food for an entire family. His philosophy still inspires Heiferโs work today. Partnering with farmers across a range of different livestock and crops, we create unique solutions to local challenges. Today, Heifer International has operations in 19 countries around the world, working alongside local farmers, business owners and their communities, as they mobilize and envision their futures. Together, we build inclusive, resilient economies, so communities can develop effective ways to end global hunger and poverty in a sustainable way. To date, we have supported more than 42 million farming families across Africa, Asia and the Americas and in the past five years alone. We have worked alongside 2.7 million families to close the living income gap or set them on a path to doing so. Between now and 2030, we will support an additional 10 million people to reach a living income by scaling up our signature programs. To achieve this, Heifer International relies on its passionate, committed, and highly skilled staff. Our Values At Heifer, our work and culture are grounded in our Cornerstones and Cultural Guiding Principles, which reflect our deep commitment to dignity, fairness, and impact. These values shape how we lead, collaborate, and grow as an organization. We believe in Passing on the Gift, accountability, caring for one another, sustainability, gender and social inclusion, and environmental stewardship. We prioritize full participation, open communication, and continuous learning rooted in self-awareness and human-centered leadership. Together, we foster a culture of belonging and shared purpose that drives meaningful, lasting change in the communities we serve. The Regional Communications Director: Strategy Lead is a regionally based position at Heifer International. We are accepting applications from the follow countries: United States, Haiti, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Ecuador. ROLE FUNCTION The Regional Communications Strategy Lead reports into the Americas SVP and is part of the regional team and serves as a connector, facilitator and steward of communications across the region. Recognizing communications as a driver of organizational transformation and a shared network function, this role provides strategic leadership for the Americas regional communications strategy in alignment with Heiferโs global framework, ensuring that regional priorities are visible within a shared global vision. The position helps to position, communicate, and amplify the impact of the Americas region while promoting collaboration and co-creation with country teams to foster a dynamic and participatory communications ecosystem. This position acts as the primary media contact and spokesperson for the Americas region. Acting as liaison between the Americas region and other regional and global communications teams, the role ensures coherence and collective ownership, consistency in messaging, strengthening Heiferโs institutional identity. With the ability to understand and adapt to country contexts, the Regional Communications Strategy Lead coordinates communications across the region and within the broader organization, elevating local voices and integrating regional and country-level narratives into Heiferโs global storytelling and beyond. This role also cultivates strategic relationships with media, stakeholders, and external partners to enhance visibility, drive advocacy, and support resource mobilization. Finally, the position supports regional and country teams through coaching, mentoring, networking, and shared learning; provides communications expertise to functions such as resource mobilization, programs, people, and operations; and ensures that Heiferโs global vision remains connected to local narratives and vice-versa. THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Strategic thinker with vision Collaborative and culturally fluent Adaptive and solutions-oriented Strong relationship builder, communicator, and negotiator Deep commitment to equity and fostering belonging Ability to influence without authority Facilitative and human-centered leadership Learning-oriented and reflective Trust builder RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES Strategic Communications Leadership, Facilitation, and Narrative Stewardship (30%)
Lead the Americas regional communications strategy in alignment with Heifer Internationalโs global program strategy, identity, and positioning. Contribute to regional and global governance processes through strategic communications. Co-develop and implement annual communications plans with country teams. Elevate and integrate country-led stories into regional and global platforms, making farmer identity central to all storytelling. Facilitate decision-making and real-time adaptation of communications strategies through influence and collaboration, integrating feedback and responding to shifting contexts. Position Heifer Americas as a regional leader in locally led development; farmers lead food systems, regenerative agriculture and on-the-ground solutions to rural poverty. Manage and position Heiferโs brand consistently across the Americas. Coordinate representation of the region across global platforms and initiatives to strengthen visibility and influence. Set regional communications agendas and articulate strategic narratives at regional and global levels. Identify, assess, and mitigate reputational risks across the region by monitoring external communications, public sentiment, media coverage, and stakeholder feedback. Lead crisis communications planning and response, coordinating with global communications, program, and leadership teams to deliver timely, transparent, and accurate messaging. Lead Collaborative Communications for Shared Impact (30%)
Serve as a communications resource for regional and country teams, providing expertise, guidance, and support. Enhance communications capabilities, technical expertise, leadership skills, and ability to deliver high-impact initiatives across teams through coaching, mentoring, facilitation, cross learning and knowledge sharing. Identify, connect, and leverage communications capacities within country teams to strengthen collective effectiveness. Collaborate with regional functionsโincluding resource mobilization and partnerships, programs, people, and operationsโto provide communications expertise aligned with regional strategies and emerging needs. Co-create and develop communications materials, including annual impact reports, systematizations, fact sheets, capacity statements, storytelling materials, and visibility tools. Facilitate Knowledge Flow within Regional Communications fostering spaces and processes that capture, systematize, and share lessons learned across teams and networks. Co-create Strategic Communication Products and Learning Systems embedding a culture of continuous learning by facilitating monitoring, evaluation, and reflective practices that enhance communication planning and delivery. Partnership Cultivation and Relationship Stewardship (25%)
Cultivate and manage relationships with media, allies, donors, and partners to enhance visibility, advocacy, and resource mobilization. Cultivate strategic media partnerships that elevate farmer and womenโs voices, ensuring coverage highlights local leadership, lived experiences, and community-driven solutions. Build and coordinate networks of spokespersons, allied media, thematic campaigns, and high-impact communications products to position country and regional program work. Identify opportunities and develop tailored messages and approaches to engage donors, partners, and other key stakeholders. Coordinate events and external engagements that position Heifer for strategic partnerships and funding opportunities. Coordinate representation, or represent Heifer, in regional forums to share learnings, amplify visibility, and model collaborative leadership in communications ecosystems. Define and track deliverables and success metrics, including media visibility, engagement, storytelling initiatives, and support to country offices. Design and implement outcome-based communication metrics that measure the visibility and impact of farmers and women in regional programming, ensuring their voices and stories are at the forefront of external engagement. Communications Network & Systems (15%)
Promote collaboration and coherence across all communications areas to ensure consistent messaging. Actively contribute to Heiferโs global communications network through coordination, knowledge exchange, and peer-to-peer learning. Promote mutual accountability by co-developing learning products that strengthen both regional outcomes and global insights. Provide and seek technical input across regions and functions to support innovation and experimentation in communications. Collaborate across departments and teams to align support needs and identify convergence points with regional and country strategies. Establish and maintain evidence-based regional communications systems that are measurable, collaborative, transparent, adaptable, and aligned with institutional standards. Strengthen internal systems to transform data and learnings into compelling stories. Other duties and tasks as assigned Minimum Requirements
Bachelorโs degree in communications, journalism, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and professional experience). At least 12 years of relevant professional experience, including 6 years in a senior leadership role in international development focused on strategic communications. Minimum 6 years of experience supervising and leading teams. Strategic thinking, interpersonal agility, and ability to influence without direct authority. Demonstrated ability to facilitate strategy, coach, and co-create initiatives with diverse teams and stakeholders in international or multi-country contexts. Strong cross-cultural communication and intercultural intelligence. Fluency in English with strong writing and oral presentation skills Expertise in story-driven communication and impact storytelling. Experience managing communications campaigns, producing content across multiple platforms, and using digital tools (e.g., social media, analytics, CRM, content platforms) for monitoring and engagement. Experience in crisis communications and reputational risk management. Preferred Requirements
Masterโs degree in communications, journalism, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and professional experience). Proven track record of thought leadership in communications, with the ability to anticipate external trends, shape narratives, and position the organization globally. At least 10 years of experience leading teams with expertise in writing, editing, content design, and producing materials for strategic communications or media relations. Experience working in donor-funded environments. Professional experience across multiple countries in the Americas region. Working experience in crisis communications and reputational risk management. Knowledge of the non-profit sector and the context to which non-profit organizations operate. Skill to communicate in French writing, reading and speaking. Most Critical Proficiencies
Knowledge of journalism and communication strategies. Strategic communication for the development of new partnerships and positioning for funding opportunities with key donors. Alternative storytelling forms including video and infographics. Proficiency in writing, editing, print/video production, and public relations skills. Experience in the use of social media to promote Heiferโs work and achievements. Ability to foster and maintain a spirit of unity, teamwork, and cooperation among all personnel. Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs Manage staff to drive communications programs, events, and electronic and in-person communications venues, supervising PR, implementing and disseminating communications. Ability to work with executive and senior management; excellent negotiation, influencing and presentation skills. Strong project management skills, including the ability to work independently, and to manage a team and multiple ongoing projects. Design and develop standards for communications success. Develop and monitor metrics to measure the reach and impact of communications and to identify areas of success and opportunity. Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands
Ability to balance multiple priorities in a dynamic and changing environment. High cultural sensitivity and strong interpersonal skills to work across diverse teams and partners. Willingness to travel regionally and internationally (up to 30%). Ability to work remotely and collaboratively with distributed teams. Proofread correspondence for correct punctuation and grammar and produce documents in a well-designed, attractive format. May require constant sitting and moving; working at a computer for extended periods. Commitment to safeguarding and ethical practices. Salary Information:
We are accepting applications from the follow countries: United States, Haiti, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Ecuador. The expected base salary range for this position is $130,000 โ $152,000 annually for candidates based in the United States. The expected range for candidates outside of the U.S. will align to Heiferโs pay scales for the individual country the candidate is based in. Placement within the range will be based on the experience and competency level of the candidate. Please submit a cover letter with your application to be considered for this role. What We Offer:
Heifer International offers a variety of benefits for U.S. based employees working 30 or more hours per week. Health and wellness benefits including Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Saving Account Employee assistance program 403(b) retirement plan (match 1% employee to 2% employer up to a maximum of 4% match +3% employer discretionary contribution regardless of employee contribution) 22 vacation days in addition to 12 statutory and discretionary holidays, and 10 sick days per year Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) Professional development and annual merit increase opportunities Optional critical illness insurance, legal assistance plan and pet protection And more! Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with some form of disability.
