’ mission and believe a better world is possible.
As an integral member of Mercy Corps’ Global Communications team (within the Marketing and Communications department) and deputy to the Senior Director of Communications, the Director of Communications will support team management and development/execution of a cross-team, global communications strategy focused primarily on top tier earned media. They will build and maintain key media relationships, manage team members across time zones, develop strategic communication strategies, reach out to the press around newsworthy Mercy Corps initiatives and content, serve as an on-the-record spokesperson, and manage inbound media inquiries. As needed, They will travel to countries with Mercy Corps presence to assist in the management of media opportunities, particularly during emergency moments. They may be tasked with sensitive reputational or risk-related media issues. In addition, they will work closely with program and advocacy staff, executives and fundraisers to develop strategies and plans for telling Mercy Corps’ most compelling stories to external audiences.
STRATEGY & VISION
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
TEAM MANAGEMENT
INFLUENCE & REPRESENTATION
ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING
ACCOUNTABILITY TO PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
Communications Managers, Officers
Reports Directly To: Senior Director of Communications
Works Directly With: Multiple fundraising teams, Policy and Research, Marketing and Communications teams, program and country teams, CEO, Chief of Staff, Executive team.
The successful Communications Director will be a proactive PR professional with an active network of established media contacts. They will be an excellent storyteller and writer with a nose for news. They will be a self-starter who can work independently or in a team setting, can take on a leadership and mentoring role for staff, and is able to forge productive relationships with colleagues throughout the agency. They must have a deep interest in Mercy Corps’ programs and a commitment to the goals of the organization. They need to be able to prioritize, multi-task and organize many urgent tasks. This person will demonstrate creativity and flexibility, as well as a proven ability to learn quickly and be accountable for results. Even temperament and a good sense of humor appreciated.
The position will be based on the US east coast, either in Washington, DC or US East Coast remote. Travel is estimated at 10% of the time, including to Mercy Corps program locations, which may be in remote and insecure locations. Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in an international posting or on a visit/TDY to an international posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.
We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.
Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times.
As a safeguarding measure, Mercy Corps screens all potential US-Based employees. Any offers of employment or continued employment are dependent on the successful completion of the screens which include, but are not limited to our Background Check and Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme processes,
Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.
In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development
Mercy Corps has determined that, in an effort to protect the health, safety, and well-being of all Mercy Corps employees working in the United States, all U.S.-based employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, regardless of prior COVID-19 infection status.
This policy will be revised as needed to comply with federal, state, and local requirements, and to respond to changing guidance from public health authorities.
For new employees this requirement goes into effect within 10 business days of employment. Team members that travel are expected to comply with host-country requirements, including vaccinations. Failure to comply may impact your employment. Proof of vaccination or exemption must be provided.
This vacancy is archived.