At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications and brand management for an international non-profit.
- Company: Join the Digital Technology Institute for Development, a leader in sustainable tech solutions.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, build networks, and contribute to impactful projects in a remote setting.
- Other info: This is an unpaid volunteer role with significant professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference by shaping how we communicate about technology and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Strong writing skills and a passion for strategic communications are essential.
Role Type: Unpaid Volunteer
Number of Positions: 1
Location: Home-based / Remote
About DTID
The Digital Technology Institute for Development (DTID) is an international non-profit institute advancing the responsible use of artificial intelligence, blockchain and emerging digital technologies to support sustainable development and policy implementation. DTID brings together professionals, researchers, technology specialists and other stakeholders to generate research, develop practical solutions, strengthen partnerships and support informed decision-making at the intersection of technology, climate change and sustainable development.
The Role
DTID is seeking an experienced Director of Strategic Communications and Brand to provide senior in-house leadership for the organisation's institutional communications and brand management. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that DTID presents itself clearly, consistently and professionally across its website, digital platforms, presentations, publications, internal communications and external materials. The role requires strong editorial judgement and a deep understanding of institutional communications. The postholder will need to understand DTID's work sufficiently to determine what should be communicated, how information should be structured and how individual projects, research and activities connect to the organisation's wider identity.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the principal guardian of DTID's brand and institutional identity.
- Maintain oversight of DTID's website, including structure, content priorities, accuracy and updates.
- Identify communications opportunities arising from DTID projects, research, events, partnerships and organisational activities.
- Develop and maintain DTID's communications calendar.
- Draft, edit and review institutional materials, including presentations, reports, announcements, executive communications and external correspondence.
- Ensure consistent application of DTID's visual identity, editorial standards and communications guidelines.
- Translate complex technical or specialist work into clear public-facing language without changing its substance.
- Coordinate communications requirements across DTID Divisions, teams and projects.
- Work closely with the Director of Media Relations to identify stories suitable for external media and provide accurate supporting material.
- Manage junior communications support, relevant contractors and communications technology where required.
- Maintain an organised archive of approved communications materials, templates and brand assets.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of DTID's institutional communications and brand-management practices.
Requirements
Skills and Abilities
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills.
- Strong editorial judgement.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to understand complex subject matter and communicate it clearly to different audiences.
- Strong strategic thinking and communications-planning capability.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet agreed deadlines.
- Strong professional communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- Ability to work effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Ability to maintain consistent institutional messaging across multiple channels.
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgement.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a remote and internationally distributed organisation.
- A proactive, reliable and solutions-focused approach to work.
General and Specialist Knowledge
- Strategic communications.
- Institutional and corporate communications.
- Brand management and visual identity.
- Editorial planning and content governance.
- Website and digital content management.
- Executive communications.
- Publications and presentation development.
- Internal and external communications.
- Communications planning and scheduling.
- Digital communications tools and content-management systems.
- Knowledge or interest in climate change, sustainability, international development, artificial intelligence, blockchain and emerging digital technologies would be advantageous.
Education and Training
- A Bachelor's or Master's degree, or equivalent qualification, in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Media Studies, English, International Relations or another relevant discipline.
- Relevant professional qualifications or specialist training in strategic communications, corporate communications, brand management, journalism or digital communications would be advantageous.
- Equivalent professional experience and demonstrated capability may also be considered where appropriate.
- Professional proficiency in English.
- Knowledge of an additional international language would be advantageous.
Experience
- Significant professional experience in strategic communications, institutional communications, corporate communications or a related field.
- Strong demonstrated writing and editing experience.
- Experience managing organisational websites and digital content.
- Experience maintaining brand consistency across multiple communications channels.
- Experience translating technical or specialist subject matter for different audiences.
- Experience supporting or advising senior leadership.
- Experience coordinating communications across teams, departments or organisations.
- Experience managing communications projects, staff or external support where appropriate.
- Experience within an international organisation, think tank, nonprofit organisation, research institution, technology organisation, climate or sustainability-focused organisation would be advantageous.
Benefits
What Difference Will You Make?
Strong institutional communications are essential to ensuring that DTID's work is understood, trusted and presented consistently to internal and external audiences. As Director of Strategic Communications and Brand, you will help ensure that DTID communicates its research, projects, partnerships and institutional priorities clearly and professionally. Your contribution will strengthen DTID's institutional identity, brand consistency, digital presence, communications quality and external credibility.
What Will You Gain from Volunteering with DTID?
Although this position is unpaid, volunteering with DTID provides opportunities to:
- Lead institutional communications within an international organisation.
- Apply and strengthen strategic communications and brand-management expertise.
- Work closely with senior leadership and multidisciplinary teams.
- Shape the institutional identity and external presentation of DTID.
- Gain exposure to climate, sustainability, international development and emerging technologies.
- Develop international professional networks and relationships.
- Contribute to research, publications, events and institutional initiatives.
- Work within a fully remote and globally distributed organisation.
- Contribute directly to DTID's mission and institutional development.
Selection Process
DTID is committed to identifying talented individuals with both demonstrated expertise and strong potential. Applications may be considered on the basis of demonstrated capability, relevant experience, transferable skills and potential. The selection process will normally include:
- Application screening
- Written or technical assessment
- Interview and/or technical discussion for shortlisted candidates
- Final selection and onboarding
Candidates who successfully complete the written or technical assessment will be invited to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.
Important Notice
This is an unpaid volunteer position.
UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Director of Strategic Communications and Brand employer: Digital Technology Institute For Development (Dtid)
The Blockchain & Climate Institute (BCI) is an exceptional volunteer-led think tank based in London, dedicated to leveraging blockchain technology in the fight against climate change. As a volunteer, you will engage in meaningful research, collaborate with passionate professionals, and contribute to impactful projects that shape sustainable finance policy on a global scale. BCI fosters a supportive work culture that values innovation and personal growth, providing volunteers with unique opportunities to build professional networks and gain invaluable experience in a rapidly evolving field.
Contact Details:
Digital Technology Institute For Development (Dtid) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Director of Strategic Communications and Brand
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Director of Strategic Communications and Brand
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Digital Technology Institute For Development (Dtid), don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Digital Technology Institute For Development (Dtid).
How to prepare for a job interview at Digital Technology Institute For Development (Dtid)
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Digital Technology Institute For Development (Dtid) and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
