Communications Officer, Europe

The Communications team plays a central role in the work of the Open Society Foundations by coordinating and strengthening the public presence of the global network and by helping to advance relevant issues.

Role Purpose: The department employs media outreach, digital, social media, publications, and internal communications to assist dozens of Open Society foundations and programs in their communications efforts.

Key responsibilities:

• Develops and disseminates an overall communications strategy for Open Society as well as contributes to program/unit strategies and key messages for advancing our work in priority areas.
• Identifies possible communications and media risks and develops strategies to mitigate them; handles communications crises.
• Identifies public communications opportunities for Open Society, both short-term with reactions to the news cycle and long-term around key advocacy moments.
• Identifies and positions key Open Society Foundations messages, people, and grantees in print, online, broadcast, radio and other media.
• Drafts and edits Op-Eds, letters-to-the-editor, and press releases.
• Organizes media events and background discussions with domestic and international journalists.
• Manages the production and deployment of digital (including social media) and print content, including coordination with external creative and PR partners.
• Co-develops and conducts Communications trainings for program staff, leadership, and grantees.
• Contributes support as needed to portfolios handled by other colleagues from the global Communications team.

The ideal candidate:

Essential criteria:

• Substantial relevant communications experience including, but not limited to, journalism OR experience as a communications professional in the not-for-profit or private sector.
• Strong network of media contacts.
• Expertise and experience working on human rights and international justice issues.

Functional Competencies:

• In-depth media knowledge of open society issues.
• Established relationships with journalists, editors, producers and creative partners.
• Proven skills in the development of communications strategies in regional and/or international contexts.
• Excellent skills in writing for and pitching to media.
• Demonstrable social media and digital campaign and management expertise.
• Ability to provide strategic guidance around communications opportunities (media interviews, public events, campaigns) for senior officials and others.

Languages: An excellent knowledge of English. Knowledge of French or Spanish desirable.

What we offer:

• Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
• Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including generous time off and flexible work arrangements.
• Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
• Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
• Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.

A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.

Description of the organization: Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grant-making around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems. Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.

Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. Competitive rates of pay apply. Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.