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Vacancy: Communications Officer

The Center for Economic and Social Rights (CESR) is an international non-governmental organization which works to promote human rights in social, economic and development policy. It carries out research and advocacy on trends affecting economic and social deprivation and inequality across the globe, and supports efforts of activists and communities to claim and defend economic and social rights.

CESR is recruiting a Communications Officer whose overall role is to promote awareness of CESR’s work and impact, to increase the visibility of its profile and brand, and to help craft and convey its advocacy messages in compelling ways to key audiences, making strategic use of a range of communications media.


Job Description

Under the supervision of CESR's Executive Director (ED) and Deputy Executive Director (DED), the primary responsibilities of the Communications Officer include: 

  • Developing, implementing and reviewing integrated communications plans for CESR in line with the organization’s mission, objectives and program strategies;
  • Writing and producing a wide range of communications materials and other advocacy outputs, including news blasts, periodic bulletins, press releases, factsheets, OpEds, video and other audiovisual materials;
  • Maintaining content on CESR’s website, including writing, editing and content management;
  • Generating social media content and growing CESR’s audience through platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as through relevant list-serves;
  • Editing and coordinating the production of CESR’s publications and other outputs, ensuring adherence to house style and quality standards;
  • Coordinating the dissemination of CESR publications and promoting their advocacy messages to key target audiences through relevant channels and networks;
  • Coordinating the translation of selected CESR materials and webpages into Spanish and other relevant languages;
  • Maintaining and developing contacts with relevant media, exploring opportunities to place CESR’s messages and to profile CESR’s ED, DED or other spokespersons;
  • Ensuring that CESR’s communications and outputs promote a visible and distinctive brand identity, as well as a coherent house style across the organization;
  • Systematically tracking the impact and coverage of CESR’s communications, gathering and analyzing data for use in periodic evaluation and planning processes;
  • Ensuring CESR’s communications strategy contributes to its development efforts, helping to draft fundraising materials and promoting online donation;
  • Keeping abreast of developments in the field of non-profit communications, so as to enhance the effectiveness of CESR’s communications approaches.


The ideal candidate will have:

  • At least five years of experience working in strategic communications for an advocacy organization, preferably in the field of human rights;
  • Knowledge of trends in strategic communications at the US and international level;
  • Exceptional writing skills in English, with proven creativity in formulating advocacy messages, the ability to convey complex issues in concise and compelling ways; and experience in drafting in a variety of styles for different audiences;
  • Experience of managing websites and web-based communications, including editing, updating and maintaining website content (experience with Drupal preferred);
  • Proven track record of effective use of social media and other information and communications technologies;
  • Extensive experience of working with the news media and cultivating media relations;
  • Meticulous attention to detail, a keen editorial eye and sound proof-reading skills;
  • Ability to work effectively in a small, multicultural and diverse team;
  • An advanced degree either in journalism and communications or in a field related to CESR’s work, such as human rights, development, law or social/political sciences;
  • Proficiency in Spanish or French, both written and spoken;  
  • Proficiency with web publishing tools, video & audiovisual production and post-production, and graphic design programs.

 

Location

The position is based in CESR’s offices in New York.

How to apply

To apply, please send a cover letter, a CV, two unedited writing samples and the names and contact information of two referees to: jobs@cesr.org, indicating in the subject line of your message and cover letter the position you are applying for. Applications should be received no later than noon EDT on 15 May 2017.

CESR is an equal opportunity employer committed to equality and non-discrimination in the workplace and in its hiring practices. It actively seeks to strengthen the diversity of backgrounds and approaches in its staff team. Candidates from under-represented groups are particularly encouraged to apply. CESR offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience, and reflecting best practices in the sector.

In view of the volume of applications anticipated, we regret that we are unable to answer individual queries in relation to posts or on the progress of individual applications. Shortlisted candidates will be notified within 20 days of the deadline for applications.

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