Job Description
Position Overview
The Communications Manager, Media and Content will be an integral member of the UN Foundation’s Global Communications and Engagement team, who is creative, has editorial savvy, and enjoys working collaboratively. The successful candidate will have a nuanced understanding of UN and UN Foundation issues and priorities, elevating them with the media and diverse audiences concerned about global affairs and cooperation. This includes distilling technical, complex information, engaging with subject matter experts, and crafting compelling narratives to tell the story of both the UN and UN Foundation’s impact across a variety of formats — from blog posts to press and marketing materials, to social media and website content. This role will also help develop and execute communications plans to advance organizational priorities, help shape editorial and media strategies, and produce and pitch content for the UN Foundation. The position will support the communications needs of the Foundation’s leadership team and serve as a reliable point of contact for media.
The Communications Manager, Media and Content will work closely with the Communications Officer, Media and Content to manage the media and editorial pipelines for the Global Communications and Engagement team, under the leadership of the Director, Media and Content.
This position is based in Washington, DC (hybrid schedule).
Essential Functions
Partner with the Director, Media and Content in maintaining a robust editorial calendar, shaping media strategies and communications plans, and developing content ideas.
Write and edit for a wide range of content formats – including blog posts, emails, newsletters, social media, websites, press materials, messaging plans and guides, and marketing collateral.
Build and maintain relationships with subject matter experts — within and beyond the Foundation — to shape and create content on a wide range of global issues, including climate change, global health, gender equality, multilateralism, and the Sustainable Development Goals for multiple audiences.
Proofread and thoughtfully copyedit content on any of the above thematic areas, while collaborating with internal stakeholders to apply data insights, distill technical aspects, and communications best practices to ensure content is tailored for diverse platforms and audiences.
Conduct thorough research, in-depth interviews, and due diligence to deliver strong editorial content that is factually accurate.
In close coordination with creative colleagues, proactively pitch ideas for engaging, thumb-stopping content across UN Foundation platforms.
Working closely with the Director of Media and Content, shape media engagement strategies and proactively pitch media and op-eds to elevate the UN Foundation brand and issue experts globally.
Handle incoming media inquiries, make recommendations on response, and support media monitoring.
Support UN Foundation leadership with media interviews, including developing talking points, messaging guides, and briefing packets.
Work with content and creative team to develop and execute strategic communications plans to advance UN and UN Foundation priorities.
Become deeply familiar with, and maintain UN Foundation’s editorial and storytelling guides.
Regularly review and stay up to date on the latest trends on media and storytelling, capturing and sharing learning.
Other duties as assigned.
Selection Criteria
Five to eight years of communications experience, with increasing seniority and experience with media relations and a wide-ranging editorial portfolio – in a global affairs, political, or NGO setting.
Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Political Science, Communications, International Affairs, or a related field.
Familiarity with the United Nations and experience communicating policies related to multilateralism, climate change, global health, gender and human rights issues strongly preferred.
Communications skills fluency at both strategic and tactical levels.
Strong news judgment and understanding of the media landscape.
Outstanding writing skills – showcasing accuracy, creativity, and speed across formats, from web to email to social media, op-eds, and longform features.
Mastery of AP style. Familiarity with Cision, Meltwater, and TV Eyes or similar tools.
Able to work cross-functionally with issue experts, creators, designers, producers, etc.
Ability to relate to, and inspire confidence in, people at all levels, including senior UN Foundation and UN officials as needed.
Ability to adapt editorial voice as needed for various formats, while following consistent brand and style guides.
Comfort with complex projects, fast-paced timelines, and working with multiple collaborators and stakeholders.
Excellent time and project management skills.
Ability to meet regular attendance/tardiness policy.
Up to 10% domestic/international travel may be required.
Must be able to provide verifiable / bylined writing samples.
A writing test is part of the recruitment process for this role.
Benefits & Compensation
For full-time, benefit eligible employees, UNF offers an excellent range of benefits, including:
a choice between two health plans through UnitedHealthcare (PPO or HDHP with HSA)
dental insurance
vision insurance
flexible spending accounts
403b retirement savings plan with a generous matching contribution
group term and supplemental life insurance
short-term disability
long-term disability
commuter subsidy
back-up care
employee assistance program
Additionally, all benefit eligible employees have 12 paid holidays, 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 3 personal days, and 8 weeks of family leave care.
LI-#Hybrid United Nations Foundation
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Flexible hours, 3 days per week,