Associate Director, Global Communications in London

Location: London

Role Purpose

Communications play a central role in the work of the Foundations by coordinating and strengthening the public presence of the global network and by helping to advance relevant issues. Communications works to raise the Foundations’ public profile by promoting the network’s many noteworthy achievements as well as responding to attacks from opponents of open society around the world. The department focuses on campaigning, media outreach, content development and messaging, creative and digital strategy, and internal communications to support the Open Society network worldwide.

The Associate Director will be responsible for the development and implementation of communications and media strategies that position key Open Society Foundations’ messages, people, and grantees on our communications channels covering Global thematic, advocacy and European and MENA priorities. As needed, this role will also support our national foundations in Europe and leadership visits there, as well as thematic opportunities allocated by the Managing Director’s office.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a small team of Communications Officers to develop and manage the implementation of communications strategies, key messages, and tactics for advancing our priorities in the geographies assigned to you and globally.
• Draft speeches, talking points, op-eds, press releases, social content, and other communications materials.
• Design communications strategies and workplans to elevate Open Society’s work with the international media, advising leadership, programs, advancing advocacy goals, and national foundations on communications and media opportunities or challenges.
• Manage media relationships and partnerships with top-tier global, European, and MENA media, securing high profile media opportunities for Open Society leadership and spokespeople.
• Coordinate and support Open Society’s communications outreach at international events and summits, including UNGA, COP, IMF/WB Spring Meetings, and G20.
• Design and lead communications and media trainings for Open Society leadership, staff, and grantees.
• Identify possible communications challenges or risks and develops comprehensive strategies to mitigate them.
• Coach teams to innovate and strengthen communications skills.
• Manage projects, external consultants, and relevant budgets.

Key internal relationships

• Managing Directors’ offices; Communications and Advocacy teams; Geographic Leads and Policy Groups; Opportunity teams; and Grantees; Executive Offices; National Foundations; Global Advocates.

Key external relationships

• Media Partners and Trainers; Journalists and Editors; and Public Relations firms.

The ideal candidate

• Educated to a degree-level (or equivalent).
• Prior career progression managing external communications in the international not-for-profit, public, or private sectors, or as a journalist.
• People management experience preferably with cross-border and cross-regional teams (both projects and direct teams).
• Experience working with multilateral processes and bodies.
• Proven track record of effective reputation management.
• Expertise within our priority areas of human rights, democratic practice, equity and justice.
• Experience shaping narratives across traditional and digital media ecosystems.
• Deep knowledge of either Europe or MENA geographies.
• Comprehensive, specialized knowledge of communications tactics and media relations.
• Experience developing and managing global and geographic communications strategies and campaigns in support of advocacy objectives.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, interests, complex political and cultural factors, and management of long- and short-term goals.
• Experience acting as spokesperson for government official or another high-profile speaker.
• People leadership; able to attract, develop and engage talent within direct team.
• Strategic leadership capability and discipline; able to manage a small team effectively, deliver on organisational purpose.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Strategic thinker and team player.
• Proven success at managing effective communications in high stakes and/or crisis situations.
• Strong understanding of cultural differences and the proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds within a complex organization.
• High level of self-motivation, initiative, and creativity.
• Willingness to travel extensively for work.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, and solve problems independently.
• Diplomatic manner and ability to adapt to a range of cultures and experiences in interacting with colleagues at all levels.
• Experience in dealing with sensitive matters and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• A commitment to team working and a willingness to contribute to cross-departmental initiatives; to OSF’s core values of humility, commitment, collaboration, respect, inclusivity and integrity; and to continuous learning and growth in the areas of diversity, inclusion, antiracism and social justice.

Travel is required. Travel frequency depends on the role requirements.

Excellent English-language writing and editing ability, as well as verbal skills. Working knowledge of written and spoken French or Arabic preferred.

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.

Who we are

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.

Additional information

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.