Communications Director

Chemonics seeks a remote Communications Director to lead production of high-quality communications and oversee consistent messaging that contributes to the overall success of the ongoing USAID Democratic Governance East (DG East) Activity in Ukraine. DG East works to (1) develop greater acceptance of a shared civic culture based on common values and understandings, and to (2) increase participation to improve Ukraine’s governance and reform processes and help to resolve community problems. DG East activities are implemented across four regional portfolios and an office in Kyiv. This communications director role will be remote, with travel to Ukraine as needed. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Given DG East’s pivotal role in strengthening the connection and trust between citizens and their government in eastern and southern Ukraine, it is important to communicate and promote its overall purpose, objectives, status, accomplishments, and successes to both internal and external audiences. In line with the project’s Communications Strategy and Branding and Marketing Plan, the Communications Director will manage and serve as the key focal point for all of DG East’s strategic communications initiatives. 

The Communications Director will support DG East’s programmatic success by 1) managing the communications team in coordination with project leadership, 2) aligning communications around messages developed in consultation with stakeholders, that are in accordance with the overall messaging and communications strategy of the Activity, 3) drafting technical communications products to report back to USAID and to contribute to overall DG East communications channels; sourcing for and developing success stories on a regular basis; developing quarterly newsletters in Ukrainian and English that are coherent, easy-to-understand, fact-based, and people-focused, and 4) knowledge-sharing to advance best practices and lessons learned. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Serve as the key focal point for all DG East strategic communications activities, technical reporting, and social messaging to amplify the outreach and visibility of DG East’s activities and achievements, building ‘success story’ messages into everyday interactions, and measuring impacts of best practices alongside lessons learned 
• Provide ongoing strategic outreach and guidance to DG East related to its external positioning, stakeholder relations, event planning, buy-in development, and other strategic communications needs 
• Help build the communication capacity of project staff, including subcontractors, on good story generation (e.g. pictures, video, quotes) and other relevant communication topics, as needed. 
• In consultation with the DG East’s Deputy Chief of Party, respond to media inquiries and handle public relations issues 
• Create project materials and templates as needed (e.g., project fact sheets, PowerPoint presentations, brochures) to ensure all project materials adhere to USAID branding guidelines and DG East’s approved branding and marking plan 
• Define minimum standards for project materials – style and format (“branding”), peer review, and quality control 
• Lead DG East’s contractual and regular reports drafting processes (including quarterly reports, annual reports, weekly reports, and success stories) 
• In collaboration with project leadership, establish ground rules for: 
• Project reporting (e.g., deliverables, impact reporting, success stories) 
• Media outreach (e.g., rules of engagement, key messaging) 
• Obtaining USAID approval for products and messages 
• Oversee communications manager and report writer 

Qualifications:

• The Communications Director shall have the following minimum qualifications to be considered for this role: 
• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience in communications, public relations, knowledge management, international development, or other relevant field 
• 3+ years of experience in strategic communications, social media, or public relations. Experience leading or supporting communications efforts on USAID or donor-funded projects preferred. 
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, with demonstrated ability to prepare succinct and effective executive communications products and social media content 
• Experience developing and executing strategic communications plans within the international development arena 
• Demonstrated experience developing effective online content for a variety of social media platforms 
• Demonstrated experience crafting talking points, press releases, social media content, and other content for high-level public officials and/or private sector executives 
• Experience organizing and executing in-person and virtual events (e.g. webinars, forums, etc.) 
• Experience generating blogs, articles, and other knowledge dissemination products (i.e., podcasts, videos, nano learnings, etc.) 
• Ability to lead traditional and social media outreach activities to build a following and promote consumption of technical and communications products among internal and external audiences 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills 
• Experience designing graphically interesting and informative products 
• Fluency in written and spoken English required; additional language fluency strongly preferred 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Proven track record of success in a fast-paced environment 
• Ability to manage multiple projects and multiple deadlines simultaneously 
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) 
• Proficiency in social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) 
• Proficiency in Canva, Visme, Adobe, or other graphic design software preferred 

To Apply:

Interested candidates should apply by 11:59 PM EST March 22, 2024. Finalists will be contacted. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Chemonics is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Chemonics is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics. Military veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

Chemonics will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by Chemonics, or (c) consistent with Chemonics legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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