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Job Description

About the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES): IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for everyone. As the global leader in the promotion and protection of democracy, our technical assistance and applied research develops trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies.

The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork and Collaboration.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

The Media and Communications Specialist is part of a dynamic global team driving a strategic communications and advocacy strategy in support of the IFES mission and Strategic Plan. The individual in this position will be a talented communications professional who will contribute to a wide range of activities collaborating with colleagues across IFES to produce strategic and compelling content for sharing across communication channels with key stakeholders. This individual will be a valued member of the growing Strategic Communications and Advocacy Team, reporting to the Director of Communications and Advocacy.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct media relations, including personalized outreach, press releases, earned media pieces, and lists. Cultivate and nurture relationships with journalists and media outlets to ensure broad coverage of IFES initiatives, events, and advocacy campaigns. Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, leveraging the incumbent's network to secure high-profile placements and opportunities for visibility.
• Craft compelling stories that illuminate the human experiences behind democracy-building efforts and position IFES to contribute to larger narratives of how democracy delivers. Engage individuals, community leaders, and partners to fully understand their stories and show the actions they take to build local democracy through their engagement with IFES. Serve as advisor to Programs teams to create memorable content, particularly strong success stories.
• Contribute excellent professional writing and editing for various types of publications, human interest and success stories, website and e-newsletter content, interviews, video scripts, social media, marketing materials and other communications products.
• Track and organize IFES editorial output. Work with the Center for Applied Research and Learning, programs, and communications team to maintain and socialize editorial calendar.
• Track IFES media presence and lead content development of internal communications products on media landscape.
• Serve as staff writer and editor for IFES global external, executive, and internal communications.
• Support strategy development and execution for external newsletters and email-delivered editorial products.
• Collaborate with colleagues in drafting, editing, and posting to IFES.org and IFES' social media channels as appropriate.
• Assist with planning and production for in-person and virtual events.
• Engage with consultants and vendors on procurement, deliverables, and deadlines as assigned.
• Ensure adherence to editorial standards and communications processes, including by collaborating with colleagues across IFES.
• Contribute to digital content creation, including producing video or infographics.
• Provide communications advice and training to colleagues as appropriate.

POSITION SCOPE:

Communicate and collaborate effectively across IFES teams to deliver results. Set and adhere to deadlines and quick turnaround times for rapid response, as needed, while prioritizing and working on multiple projects simultaneously.

Ensure products adhere to IFES style and branding guidelines and meet quality standards.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Strong, native-level English. Knowledge of other languages a plus.

• A minimum of 7-10 years' experience in journalism and/or non-profit communications.
• Skilled and versatile writer, with examples of succinct, clear, and compelling prose.
• Experience adhering to editorial style guides and editing others' work.
• Exceptionally strong MS Office and tools skills, including Excel, Power Point and Teams.
• Adept at working with various databases and applications.
• Strong organizational/project and event management skills with an ability to work on multiple issues and concurrent projects efficiently in a highly matrixed and deadline-driven environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail, thoroughness, and accuracy.
• Strong collaboration and team participant skills and productively engages with others at varying levels of seniority internally and externally.
• Ability to work independently and reliably on deadlines without close oversight.
• Flexibility reflective of work in a global organization-including some evenings and weekends.

RELATED SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE: Experience producing video, virtual events, and other multi-media, a plus. Experience working with a global organization, particularly an International Non-Government Organization (INGO) and directly in the Democracy, Human Rights and Governance sphere is a plus.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: English required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: Standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

IFES is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

IFES takes affirmative action with respect to the employment and promotion of women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans.