The Office of Communications plays a central role in the work of the Foundations by coordinating and strengthening the public presence of the global network and by helping to advance relevant issues. Communications works to raise the Foundations’ public profile by promoting the network’s many noteworthy achievements. The department employs media outreach, publications, and the web to assist dozens of Open Society foundations and programs in their communications efforts.
Open Society Foundations
The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to criticism, whose laws and policies are open to debate and correction, and whose political institutions are open to the participation of all people. We seek to strengthen justice and the rule of law; broaden respect for human rights, including the rights of minorities; encourage pluralism and a robust diversity of opinion; deepen democratic practice and participation; expand economic equity; support effective governance; and invest in individuals, public and private organizations, and social movements that advance these goals.
We are a global network of foundations committed to local knowledge and national expertise. Our network includes national foundations, regional foundations, and other geographic programs operating in more than one hundred countries. At the same time, many programs with global reach operate from our four headquarters in Europe and the United States, including programs on digital information, documentary photography, drug policy, early childhood, education, fellowships, fiscal governance, higher education, human rights, international migration, justice, public health, scholarships, think tanks, and women’s rights. In addition to making grants to organizations and individuals, the Open Society Foundations engage in policy advocacy, legal advocacy and litigation, program-related investing, and public communications, as well as providing direct assistance to governments. Most programs and foundations in the network are governed or advised by their own boards.
The Open Society Foundations are the global philanthropies of George Soros, who, as chairman, plays an active role in the work of the foundations.
Job Profile
The communications coordinator reports to the associate director of communications and is part of a tightly-knit, collaborative, and fast-paced team. The communications coordinator is responsible for identifying stories, drafting and editing all forms of content from blogs to op-eds, and quickly turning around media inquiries. Candidate should have expertise on our issues and solid judgment on how to highlight them through different mediums.
The Communications Office of the Open Society Foundations is looking for a communications coordinator with excellent writing skills, ability to turn around content under tight deadlines, and confident interpersonal skills with media and other stakeholders. As a member of the Office of Communications, the communications coordinator will report directly to the director of public affairs (or her designee). The position is based in New York.
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Open Society may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.
- Assist with the coordination and implementation of communications strategies for the Open Society Foundations and advancement of its goals through media, publications, and the Internet;
- Build lists and relationships with journalists, identify and pitch promising stories, and respond to press inquiries;
- Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, op-eds, blogs, newsletters, briefing papers, brochures, speeches, website entries, and reports;
- Manage website content: solicit content, upload and review materials, ensuring the website’s effectiveness as a resource and advocacy tool;
- Monitor, evaluate, and improve media outreach efforts;
- Perform other ad hoc tasks for/of/related to the Office of Communications;
- Travel will be required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and three to four years of relevant experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
- Demonstrated concern for social justice issues;
- Experience in a communications role working in a medium to large-sized organization (public, private, or third sector) in a multi-issue, fast paced environment;
- Outstanding English-language writing, verbal, and editing abilities, as well as excellent research skills; additional languages a plus;
- Demonstrated practical experience in website programming and maintenance;
- Effective management of multiple projects in a fast-paced environment;
- Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with program management, colleagues at all levels, contacts, and the general public;
- Ability to work both independently and with others;
- Integrity, professional discretion, and ability to handle confidential matters.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Compensation
Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.
Application Instructions
Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements to:humanresources@opensocietyfoundations.org. Include job code in subject line: CO-Comms.
