JOBS: Senior Communications Officer

The Revenue Watch Institute is looking for a Senior Communications Officer to be based in New York to develop and implement a communications strategy that includes communications and media outreach, publications work, and web efforts.  The Senior Communications Officer reports directly to the Deputy Director of the Revenue Watch Institute and will work in close collaboration with the Internet Director and Web Editor.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate and implement a communications strategy for Revenue Watch, determining priorities across a range of issues and implementing strategy through media, publications and the Internet.
• Edit and direct the production of publications and special reports; including calculating production specifications and schedules; developing ideas for publications; monitoring printing of publications to assure schedules and specifications are met.
• Provide input into the communications strategies for projects and advocacy goals across RWI, interacting with staff throughout the organization.
• Write and edit press releases, event announcements, op-eds and other material regarding Revenue Watch Institute issues and activities.
• Identify opportunities for media-based advocacy, including developing story ideas, pitching stories and placing op-eds.
• Maintain and expand an extensive list of media contacts (international and domestic) and develop and maintain relations with key journalists.
• Work closely with the Internet Director to develop Revenue Watch's website, helping to ensure the website's effectiveness as a communications tool.
• Oversee production of Revenue Watch's annual report.

Additional Responsibilities

• Track communications related budgets; forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies.
• Review written work products of Revenue Watch Institute staff and consultants to identify cross-cutting themes of interest for dissemination to others. 
• Supervise translation of articles for the website and/or publications.
• Create and maintain an RWI style sheet.
• Identify staff training needs and opportunities related to communication and make recommendations for staff development.
• International travel as required.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned by the management team.

Requirements

• Minimum of five to seven years media experience as a journalist or communications professional.
• Living or working abroad, experience with addressing international audience.
• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, political or social sciences or a related field required; master's degree preferred, but relevant experience can substitute.
• Experience in natural resource revenue issues, international affairs, and human rights is an asset.
• Excellent English-language writing and editing ability, as well as verbal skills; additional.
• Additional languages a plus. 

Additional Qualifications

• Proven ability and skills in the development, implementation and evaluation of communications and advocacy strategies. 
• Experience in PR and media outreach work in the NGO and development fields a plus.
• Ability to manage effectively multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and consistently meet deadlines.  
• Extraordinary initiative and creativity.
• Sense of humor, pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with 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.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience and excellent benefits package.

Start Date:  Immediately

To Apply:
Please email a resume, cover letter, short unedited writing sample and salary requirements before February 19, 2010, to: humanresources@sorosny.org.  Include job code in subject line: COMMS/RWI
(*make sure the job code is just COMMS/RWI in the subject line*)

OR

Open Society Institute
Human Resources – Code COMMS/RWI
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019
FAX: 212.548.4675

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Institute and Revenue Watch Institute are Equal Opportunity Employers.