IDEA seeks communications officer

IDEA is seeking a Communications Officer to foster a smooth information flow between management/staff throughout our international network in order to produce communications for an external audience across a variety of platforms.  Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Officer helps to ensure the highest standards in the delivery of IDEA’s communications tools, by providing strong drafting and editing skills, strong analysis and effective communication skills.

Areas of responsibility: In consultation with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors of IDEA Central Foundation:

1. Content development: draft and/or edit press releases, talking points, fact sheets, policy position statements, the fortnightly IDEA email newsletter, bi-annual iDebate magazine, video messages, and other materials;
2. Website coordination: draft, edit and/or assist in the regular updating of the IDEA website content in coordination with the website manager;
3. Pro-actively provide strategic information to various external audiences about IDEA’s programs, projects,  achievements and initiatives to create awareness, increase impact and enhance support for our objectives;
4. Provide strategic direction recommendations to management to ensure consistent messaging in alignment with the organization’s vision and strategies;
5. Organize routine and ad hoc internal and external events and meetings in order to ensure consistent messaging in line with our communications strategy;
6. Continuously assess, recommend and implement innovative communication tools and methods to accomplish internal and external communication objectives and work with the social media and communications team to coordinate the implementation of our communications strategy;
7. Schedule management: maintain a schedule for the submission and launch of press releases, reports, and publications and coordinate with the rest of the organization to ensure timely development and continuous delivery;
8. Information management: Ensure dissemination and archiving of communications materials, maintain up-to-date contact lists, maintain and develop IDEA social media presence, respond to requests for information, etc.;
9. Needs assessment and outreach: monitor and provide accurate assessment of developments in the debate community and of advocacy opportunities, maintain strong relations with management/staff and external contacts (journalists, researchers and governmental and inter-governmental representatives, etc), and advise management/staff on communications actions;
10. Establish and monitor individual work plan, and undertake necessary administrative tasks for own work;
11. Ensure all materials intended for external audiences meet the IDEA style and branding guidelines; and
12. Other tasks as requested.

Required experience and skills:

• University degree in communications, public relations, or a related field;
• At least two years experience working in a communications environment;
• Strong native-level English language writing, editing and speaking skills required; other languages desirable, particularly Russian;
• Proven experience drafting and editing communications materials for a variety of audiences;
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant issues;
• Proven ability to cultivate contacts and develop networks;
• Social media and multi-media knowledge;
• Attentive to deadlines, flexible and able to deal with high workload;
• Strong team player; proven ability to work in a diverse team; able to work independently;
• Experience in debate as participant, coach or otherwise is a plus; and
• Willingness to travel for work, either alone or with colleagues.

Remuneration: Based in one of the IDEA offices in New York, London or Brussels, the remuneration level for this full time position shall be between $50,000 and $60,000 plus benefits, depending on the candidate's experience and the market selected.  The successful applicant will already have the right to work in one of the above offices.

Expected start date: The successful applicant is expected to start as soon as possible.

How to apply: Qualified candidates should send the following application materials; persons submitting incomplete application packages will not be considered for the position:

1. Maximum 500 word letter of interest
2. Detailed CV in English;
3. Contact details for two present or former employers (from immediate supervisor) and one other relevant referee; and
4. An unedited English-language writing sample by the applicant (preferably in a public policy or debate-related area).

Submit to:  Bradley Gallop - IDEA General Counsel

bgallop@idebate.be

Fax: +32 2 535 7275

Application deadline: 23:00 on 27 March 2012.  Applications received after this date will not be considered. Short-listed applicants will be notified within ten days of the deadline; applicants who are not shortlisted will not be contacted.

IDEA is an equal opportunity employer.