Communications Manager

Position description

For more than 50 years, IREX has delivered results in complex environments. We solve problems through partnership, bridge divides where interests conflict, and develop leaders committed to impact. The youth we empower build stronger economies. The educators we support improve learning for countless students. The critical thinking skills we advance help people make informed decisions about their futures. We approach our work through three horizon goals: leaders bridge divides; learners succeed in the world of work; and people thrive in a technology, AI, and data-driven world.  

IREX office in Ukraine seeks a qualified professional to fill the position of Communication Manager to lead communication strategy implementation for a portfolio of programs focusing on supporting key populations, such as veterans, internally displaced people, youth, and promoting transformations that support Ukraine’s resilience and recovery, including rapid response mechanisms, education reform, workforce and tech solutions for development. The position oversees communication efforts across all IREX Ukraine programs. 

Communication Manager will work under the supervision of Country Director, with direct inputs from Program Managers and in close collaboration with all program team members and will support the implementation of program activities and carry out a variety of communication and organization tasks. Tasks will involve developing and implementing strategic communication initiatives that effectively convey the programs’ mission, services, and impact to various stakeholders, including veterans, veteran family members, program partners, and the general public.  S/he will be providing day-to-day support to staff assigned with communication tasks and ensure quality of communication products, messaging, and relations with the media. 

Performs additional duties and tasks to meet the needs of the organization, team, or as assigned by the manager.  

Are you the next member of our team? 

Your Background & Skills: 

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• 7+ years of proven relevant experience in communications, public relations, or marketing roles, particularly in the non-profit sector.
• Excellent command of the English language and Ukrainian is required.
• Experience with overseeing communication sub-contractors and ensuring quality of delivery.
• Experience with developing and implementing communication strategies.
• Team management experience.
• Proficiency with media relations practices and techniques.
• Experience with oversight of content creation and management for digital platforms, including social media, websites, and email campaigns. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.
• Analytical acumen to optimize strategies and content using social media insights. 
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. 
• Proactiveness. 
• Good storytelling skills.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Must be skilled at handling multiple tasks and able to adhere to tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with political, economic, and social issues in Ukraine.
• Ability to work independently to achieve tasks, as well as collaboratively within a team.  
• Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is an advantage. 
• Must demonstrate valid proof of unrestricted work authorization in Ukraine.

Your Daily Tasks:  

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies that align with the IREX goals and objectives, focusing on education, workforce, veteran reintegration and rehabilitation through crafting tailored messages for different target audiences.  
• Ensure communication oversight and the successful implementation of the communication strategy for conferences organized by the programs.   
• Work closely with program teams to gather information, success stories, and data that can be leveraged for communication efforts. 
• Create engaging and informative content, including articles, success stories, press releases, social media posts, newsletters, and multimedia materials (videos, graphics, etc.) to highlight program results, programmatic updates, and relevant resources.
• Cultivate relationships with leading media outlets and journalists to facilitate increased outreach and coverage of the content developed. 
• Prepare media kits, and other materials to effectively communicate key milestones and events, as needed.
• Oversee the development of social media strategy, aligning it with the overall communication goals and program objectives.
• Oversee the in-house and outsourced creation of visually appealing content including images, text, and short videos in accordance with the programs’ content plans. 
• Ensure regular updates and administration of the programs’ social media channels to foster engagement, share programmatic updates, and amplify results. 
• Review documents and materials intended for use within and outside the organization to ensure consistency and validity of messages communicated across the programs.
• Provide communication support in the organization, including planning and participation in program events, workshops, and outreach activities, as well as engage with programs target audiences directly.
• As needed, support or develop technical specifications for external contractors, such as graphic designers, printing companies, videographers, and web developers, for the creation of high-quality communication materials. Provide clear guidance and feedback to ensure the alignment of their work with the IREX messaging and branding. 
• Supports the organization of press conferences to highlight the results or activities of the programs, as needed.  
• Contribute to the preparation of program reports for internal use and outside audiences, including donors and government partners.
• Identify opportunities and initiate communication activities to support programs.
• Serve as a Communications Focal Point for subgrantees to ensure their adherence to IREX’s and programs’ messaging, as well as develop branding and marking plans.
• Provide training for program implementing partners and/or subgrantees on IREX’s communication requirements, as needed.  
• Other duties as assigned. 

Application instructions

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