Overview

The Work

The Strategic Communications Advisor plays a pivotal role in leading and executing strategic communications efforts to ensure impactful engagement with key stakeholders and audiences globally. This position focuses on coordinating messaging, promoting organizational objectives, and providing expert guidance on policy implications. The advisor oversees special projects, supports high-level briefings, and applies advanced analytical and communication skills to enhance stakeholder relationships successfully.

 

MUST HAVE AN ACTIVE TOP SECRET CLEARANCE. 

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute communications strategies, ensuring effective engagement with media, civil society organizations, international entities, academic institutions, and other stakeholders. Develop outreach campaigns and strategic messaging that emphasize clarity, impact, and persuasiveness for diverse audiences internationally and domestically.
• Collaborate with interagency counterparts, organizational stakeholders, and team members to align messaging with priority objectives. Ensure communications reflect accessibility, relevancy, and persuasiveness tailored to target audiences.
• Ensure leadership receives concise, accurate, and timely briefings on pertinent issues. Manage workflow, oversee assignments, and coordinate special projects, ensuring seamless execution of initiatives aligned with organizational goals.
• Apply mastery of international relations, public diplomacy, and foreign policy to analyze emerging social, political, economic, geographic, and cultural developments. Provide detailed assessments and expert advice on the implications of such developments for strategic communications strategy.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research using advanced social science techniques to produce actionable insights and assessments. Implement robust methodologies for analyzing information from diverse sources to inform communications planning and strategic decision-making.
• Develop and manage complex communications-related projects, ensuring their timely delivery and alignment with organizational priorities. Apply insight and expertise to design informed materials and initiatives that enhance stakeholder understanding and engagement.
• Prepare remarks, briefing materials, position papers, and content for public delivery through mastery of persuasive writing and rhetorical styles. Maintain an in-depth understanding of regional cultures and customs to foster connectivity with diaspora, academia, NGOs, and other international organizations.
• Forge and maintain strong partnerships with leaders, colleagues, stakeholders, and external organizations. Facilitate effective collaboration across teams and contribute to the achievement of organizational objectives.

• Other duties as assigned.

 

 

 

Qualifications

Qualifications – Here’s What You Need

• A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in international relations, foreign policy, public diplomacy, conflict prevention, political risk assessment, governance, human rights, or related fields.
• Proven ability to advise leadership on assessing global social, political, and economic developments and their implications for strategy and communications.
• Demonstrated expertise in project development and management, stakeholder engagement strategies, and producing tailored materials aligned with complex policy objectives.
• Master's Degree in international relations, political science, social science, public diplomacy, or a related field, OR 15+ years of equivalent professional experience.
• Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Ability to analyze global developments and apply findings to strategic planning and communications decisions.
• Top Secret Security Clearance.
• Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.

Minimum Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate in a clear, professional, and articulate manner.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with high-level attention to detail.
• Proven ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast past environment with changing priorities; adaptable to change and a quick learner.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work well independently as well as on a multi-functional team.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately
• Proficient in MS Office, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Exceptional English-language communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to deliver under tight and short deadlines while managing multiple tasks in diverse work environments.
• Proficiency in using technology and tools related to communications strategy implementation.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Fluency in one or more regional languages highly desirable.
• Well-established networks within diaspora communities, academia, and international NGO sectors.
• Experience mentoring and coaching professionals on relevant topics within the field of communications and policy strategy.

 

Our Commitment to you / overview of benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance; Wellness Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided)
• Voluntary Life and AD&D options
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with matching after one year
• Paid Time Off

 

Reports to: Program Manager

 

Working Conditions

• Professional office environment, with the ability to work onsite in the main office.
• Must be physically and mentally able to perform duties extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed to meet the demands of this position.
• Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time looking at computer screen.

• May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays.
• May be asked to travel for business or professional development purposes.
• May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours.

 

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.