Posted on December 18, 2012

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Director of Communications

Established in 1915 with Helen Keller as a founding trustee, Helen Keller International (HKI)’s mission is to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Headquartered in New York City, HKI offers programs in 21 countries in Africa and Asia as well as in the United States. The organization combats the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing programs based on evidence and research. HKI works with local partners to put systems in place to maintain services for people living in some of the poorest areas of the world. Each year, these programs directly benefit millions of people, and children are a primary concern. Our programs address malnutrition, cataract, trachoma, onchocerciasis, refractive error and diabetic retinopathy. HKI has over 700 staff and a worldwide annual budget of over $57 million.

Scope of Position

Under the general direction of the President, the Director of Communications plans and implements communication strategies and activities designed to inform both US and international audiences of HKI, its mission, strategy, values, and unique approach to field activities, via both social and traditional media, print and digital publications. S/he directs staff and vendors engaged in developing messages and materials and chairs an Editorial Review Team to guide the communications and branding efforts of HKI and develop a coherent voice to deliver clear public messages.

As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), the Communications Director brings important issues for discussion and participates in developing collective decisions for HKI. Through the SMT, plus routine interactions with international and domestic colleagues, the Director integrates the activities of the Communications Department with the rest of the agency.

Primary Responsibilities

Develops and implements efforts to increase visibility and awareness of HKI’s activities, accomplishments, and concerns, expertise and values through the media, speaking events, internal print and digital publications, via the following areas of activity:

Publications/Content/Web Management

• Directs staff and consultants and participates directly in selecting and preparing material for print and electronic publication in HKI annual report, newsletters, blogs, podcasts, tweets, our website and related publications.
• Directs and oversees content, architecture, implementation, visual design and functionality of the HKI website.

Branding

• Articulates HKI branding in close consultation with Editorial Review Team.
• Works with consultants and staff to develops tools and trainings to ensure consistent branding across the agency.

Communications Support to Field Offices

• Collaborates closely with Regional Offices to design and carry out communications strategies and activities aimed at garnering US public understanding of HKI’s field activities, operational concerns, and advocacy messages.

Media

• Plans and implements media activities that target US audiences, US-based media with an international focus, and worldwide media.
• Develops and maintains strong contacts and relationships with domestic and international media representatives, and strategic partners to create opportunities for keeping HKI in front of the public.
• Develops ideas and opportunities for pitching stories, articles, interviews, letters to the editor, presentations, and other public relations activities that increase visibility and promote awareness of HKI.
• Assists and coaches HKI staff and BOT members with preparation for media interviews, public speaking engagements, presentations, and preparation of articles and/or Op Ed’s for publication.

Interdepartmental Coordination

• Works closely with Development personnel to coordinate communications and outreach activities that support all fundraising and awareness activities.
• Explores opportunities and advises on communications needs of other departments and organization-wide activities.
• Supports efforts at effective internal communications and knowledge management.

Departmental Management

• Proposes HKI’s annual communications plan and budget, and oversees implementation of the plan and expenditures.
• Manages Communications Coordinator and all departmental vendors.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years progressive experience in public affairs, public relations, communications, public policy or related field, ideally including experience in an international organization, plus an advanced degree in a field related to the work of HKI or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication and management skills.
• Genuine interest in and commitment to the humanitarian principles of HKI.
• Experience designing, managing and implementing a comprehensive public relations strategy that includes a braod range of initiative, ideally relating to global health and/or humanitarian and development issues.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, establish and maintain effective working relationships with high level media contacts and experience as a spokesperson in roles requiring knowledge of a broad range of complex and technical issues.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, in positions requiring diplomacy in communicating with a broad and diverse audience including a proven ability to:
• A strategic thinker who has demonstrated success in roles requiring analytic, systematic thinking while managing multiple priorities.
• Collaborative team player who excels in a highly dynamic environment and has the ability to work cross functionally.
• Ability to travel (approx. 10-15%) occasionally within the US and to developing countries where HKI has regional offices and runs field programs.
• Residence in or relocation to the New York City area.

Preferred

• Fluent French a strong plus.
• Experience in the fields of global health and humanitarian aid/development, within a government, UN, or non-profit organization.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to hkihr@hki.org noting the position title in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.