RTI International is one of the world’s leading research institutes, dedicated to improving the human condition by turning knowledge into practice. Our staff of more than 4000 provides research and technical services to governments and businesses in more than 75 countries in the areas of health and pharmaceuticals, education and training, surveys and statistics, advanced technology, international development, economic and social policy, energy and the environment, and laboratory testing and chemical analysis.
The position will be a part of the International Development Group’s (IDG’s) Global Health Division (GHD). GHD’s over 400 staff members work in over 25 countries. GHD implements broad-based programs in infectious diseases — specifically Neglected Tropical Diseases, HIV/AIDS, and Malaria; Integrated Family Health and Heath Systems Strengthening, including Health Governance, Health Finance, and Human Resources for Health, Capacity Building, Health Policy and Advocacy; and Public-Private Partnerships
Position description: RTI’s Global Health Division (GHD) is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist to lead communication efforts on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), including USAID’s flagship NTD project, ENVISION. The Senior Communications Specialist helps ensure the organization speaks with a consistent voice and that internal staff and external audiences understand the work and mission of RTI’s NTD project portfolio. (S) he plays a critical role managing staff, consultants and contractors to generate timely deliverables. (S) he also supports the management of internal communications, helping project staff understand and internalize the project’s values and goals. Candidates should have a passion for improving health amongst the world’s poorest populations.
This position is to be based in Washington, DC and reports to GHD’s Director of Knowledge Management.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Leads the development and execution of a strategic communications plans to proactively communicate the vision, goals and work of NTDs at RTI, including ENVISION
- Responsible for developing key messages, for external messaging, and for overall brand and reputation of NTD projects, including ENVISION
- Oversees or creates deliverables including newsletters, news stories from the field, briefs, blogs, and op-eds
- Leads website design efforts and oversees development of content on the project website
- Leads and manages high profile events, leading the planning and management
- Maximizes the development and use of online multi-media tools and materials to communicate RTI’s NTD expertise and impact of projects on NTDs
- Identifies proactive opportunities to share messages including op-eds and blogs and secures and supports high visibility speaking opportunities for senior staff
- Leads advocacy efforts, including accompanying journalists, congressional delegates, and other VIPs to the field.
- Designs and crafts pieces on NTD project contributions to RTI’s global corporate communications strategy, influencing social media, RTI’s corporate website, advocacy, publications and interactions with the media.
- Supports management of internal communications, keeping project staff educated about project mission and goals through all-staff communications including e-news updates and group presentations.
- Supports dissemination of technical products including academic journal articles, project data, tools, and trainings
- Works closely with ENVISION project director to support her communication needs
- Works closely with NTD project clients, primarily USAID
- Supervises staff as appropriate. Qualifications:
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in communications, marketing, or related field with 12 years of related experience or Master’s Degree and 9 years of experience. At least seven years’ experience in communications, with experience in international development communications preferred. Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with ability to create content and products for multiple audiences
- Experience leading and implementing strategic development of communications plans
- Experience with social media and developing web content
- Experience with leading high profile event planning, management, and execution
- Experience working with technical staff to develop content for presentations
- Excellent communications and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and establish strong working relationships with key colleagues within across a large, global project
- Works effectively and efficiently in fast paced, deadline driven environments both as team member and individually with minimal supervision
- Extensive project management experience, including supervising consultants and contractors
- Editing and proofreading skills
- Proven strong team working skills
- Experience in global health or international development highly desired; experience with USAID or donor funded programs preferred
- Fluency in English is required. Additional fluency in other languages spoken in ENVISION supported countries e.g. French, Portuguese, Bhasa, will be an asset
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 20% time
- Candidates must submit cover letter including salary requirements.
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